Watson set for title showdown

YOU’RE THE MAN . . . Ricky Hatton (right) with Craig Watson, who defends his British welterweight title on Saturday.

Boxing:

CRAIG Watson has vowed to nullify the threat posed by Lee Purdy when they meet at the Manchester Arena on Saturday.

Oldham boxer Watson (28) defends his British welterweight title for the first time in the eagerly-anticipated bout, which is on the undercard of the Amir Khan versus Paul McCloskey WBA light-welterweight showdown.

And while the Northside star, who joined Ricky Hatton’s stable in Hyde last year, admits Purdy (23) is a tough nut to crack, he plans to go on the offensive from the first bell.

“I am itching to get in that ring,” said Watson.

“Purdy is a very durable, ‘come-forward’ kind of fighter, who likes to put you under pressure and work on the inside.

“But my tactics are to out-box him, keep him on the back foot and beat him up.

“I feel ready. Preparations could not have gone better but these last few days are all about relaxing and keeping down the weight.”

Should he successfully hold on to the belt he took from John O’Donnell in a points victory at Wembley Arena three months ago, Watson plans to take a break before potentially headlining the return to Oldham of professional boxing.

Hatton Promotions’ bid to hold the first show of its kind for four years at Oldham Sports Centre moved a step closer when Sky Sports officials deemed the venue suitable for their filming

requirements.

Watson added: “I would like to have a nice long rest after this fight, if it all goes to plan.

“It would be great to push for a European title fight later in the year. There is no reason why not — my fate is in my hands.

“It would be a dream come true to top the bill in Oldham. When I heard the news that Sky Sports were happy with the venue I was absolutely over the moon.”

Watson believes a homecoming event at the back end of 2011 would give the town a lift.

“Imagine what it would be like to have a massive boxing show in Oldham, there is nothing like that there,” he said.

“It would get the whole town buzzing. Oldham needs something like that and I believe I am the man to do it..”




Hatton admits his fight is over...



RICKY Hatton claims he is now “man enough” to admit he will never fight again.



The former world welterweight champion has been absent from the ring since the mauling by Manny Pacquiao in May 2009, a defeat which effectively ended his career after which he became depressed and turned to drink and drugs to fill the void.

Despite never officially retiring from the sport, Hatton lost his boxing license last year owing to his out–of–the–ring problems and has since taken on the role of a promoter. The Mancunian believes he is now on the road to recovery.

He said: “I wake up every morning and still miss it. I haven't coped well with retiring, but you have to hit rock bottom before you get back into gear — which is what I've done.”

“It still breaks my heart to think I won’t fight again, but at least I'm man enough to admit it now.”