New Year, new stable for Oldham welterwight Watson

CRAIG Watson: hoping to keep busy with four or five fights.

Boxing:

OLDHAM’S Craig Watson has left Hatton Promotions after two years and is set to sign with Coldwell Boxing.

The welterweight’s contract ran out and he opted to move on in a bid to land more fights.

Dave Coldwell, who runs the Rotherham-based stable for which Watson is headed, has already arranged a bout for the 29 year old at Bowlers on March 8, and intends to set up a show in Oldham by the summer.

Southpaw Watson said: “It is a shame I had to leave Hatton because Ricky Hatton isn’t just a promoter but a friend.

“But I have to look after myself; it became frustrating waiting for a fight. I turn 30 in a few weeks so I haven’t too many years left in the sport.”

Though Craig hasn’t yet signed a contract, he expects to finalise one soon — followed by four to five fights a year.

“Coldwell Boxing are ambitious and it just feels right. I have already spoken to Dave about my ambition of getting another show on in Oldham. He’s very keen on the idea.”

Watson bounced back from successive stoppages at the hands of Lee Purdy to earn a points victory over Tomasz Mazurkiewicz at the Manchester Velodrome last July, but has not fought since then.