Ricky champions Oldham cause

RICKY Hatton is set to bring professional boxing shows back to Oldham.

The Hitman wants Craig Watson’s first British welterweight defence to take place in the town where the 28-year-old was born.

Hatton Promotions are in advanced talks with Oldham Sports Centre about hosting what would be the first event of its kind in the area for almost four years.

Watson would top the bill on his homecoming and defend the belt he won last weekend, courtesy of a memorable points victory over John O’Donnell at Wembley Arena.

Former world welterweight and light-welterweight champion Hatton told the Oldham Evening Chronicle: “I am very proud of Craig for his tremendous victory.

“Now he has to defend his British title for the first time, and our number one choice of venue is Oldham, without a doubt.

“We are beating the drum to bring professional boxing back to a town with such a rich history in the sport.

“It has produced marvellous fighters, more recently the likes of Gary Hibbert and Craig.

“From Craig’s point of view, he is desperate to fight in his home town. It would be a crying shame not to.

“He has a good following of fans, but your support always starts at home, and builds from there. I would like to think a lot of people in Oldham would go and watch him in action.

“There is a bit of red tape to get through but very soon, I hope to announce Craig’s first defence will be at Oldham Sports Centre.

“People will see an exciting fighter. After a stop-start career he is now on track — the way he went into the lion’s den and beat John O’Donnell in London was fantastic.”

Hatton himself has fond memories of boxing in Oldham, not least the Central Area title triumph over Tommy Peacock in February, 1999.

“That win changed everything, because people started talking about me as a star of the future. Peacock had not lost a fight until then,” said Hatton.

Tragedy struck outside Oldham Sports Centre following the bout, when boxing fan Dean Fisher died after trouble broke out among rival supporters near the venue.

It led to the site’s boxing licence being revoked until the completion of the resulting criminal trial, which saw three men receive jail sentences more than two years later.

“It was an absolute tragedy, we were all extremely upset by it,” added Hatton. “Needless to say, it just wasn’t possible to have boxing shows in Oldham for a while.”

Hatton and Watson will be at Boundary Park on Saturday for Athletic’s game against Peterborough, and will be welcomed into the centre circle at half-time.

Watson, part of Hatton’s successful stable of Hyde-based boxers, said: “It would be an unbelievable experience to top the bill in Oldham, a dream come true.”