It’s a knockout venue: Hatton
Reporter: CHRIS LYNHAM
Date published: 05 April 2011
Hitman wants boxing back in Oldham
professional boxing’s return to Oldham has moved a step closer.
Hatton Promotions, headed by former world champion Ricky Hatton, have made no secret of their desire to host a show at Oldham Sports Centre.
The first event of its kind in the borough for almost four years looks likely to happen later this year after Sky Sports officials inspected the venue and deemed it suitable for their filming needs.
Hatton’s agent, Paul Speak, said: “Sky came down to the centre and gave it the green light, so things are moving forward now. We are hopeful of bringing professional boxing back to Oldham later in the year. It should be a fantastic occasion.”
Tragedy struck outside the centre in 1999 when boxing fan Dean Fisher died after trouble broke out among rival supporters near the venue. It led to its boxing licence being revoked until the completion of the resulting criminal trial, which saw three men receive jail sentences more than two years later. Oldham boxer Craig Watson (28), who joined The Hitman’s successful stable in Hyde last year, has been earmarked to top the bill in his home town. First though, he must successfully defend his British welterweight title against Lee Purdy on Saturday, April 16, at the Manchester Arena, on the undercard of Amir Khan versus Paul McCloskey. Mr Speak added: “It is down to Craig now and what he does in the ring.
“If he beats Purdy, we can start looking at dates for a show in Oldham where he can defend the title in front of his own fans.
“Once the April 16 bout has happened, we will have a much better idea of when the show at Oldham Sports Centre can take place.”
Ian Kendall, chief executive of Oldham Community Leisure, has given the idea his full backing.
He said: “We are waiting for Ricky Hatton to come back to us but I see it as a fantastic opportunity to show Oldham in a positive light.”
The sport centre’s Oldham Council licence does cover boxing, however local police would have the final say on whether bouts can go ahead.
Sgt Cherie Dunn said: “We would work with the organisers if a date was chosen but there would have to be a full risk assessment and health and safety checks.”
