The Empire
Casino in London, promoter Frank Maloney officially announced
Ricky Hatton's next fight, an IBO defense against ex-world
title challenger Juan Lazcano at City of Manchester Stadium in
Manchester, England on May 24, 2008.
Maloney also unveiled a Commonwealth welterweight title clash
between reigning champion Craig Watson and challenger Matthew
Hatton, younger brother of "The Hitman" as well as IBF Light
Welter Champion Paulie Malignaggi defending his crown against
former titlist Lovemore N'dou in a rematch.
Ricky Hatton declared the event would be a family occasion
occurring between 6 and 11PM as a thank you to the many
thousands of fans that have supported him in both the UK and
America. With 51,000 tickets already being sold for the May 24
date, only 4,000 seats remain at City of Manchester Stadium.
On hand were Ray
Hatton of Punch Promotions and Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy
Promotions, co-promoters with Maloney of the Hatton vs.
Lazcano bill.
Also announced at the conference was Ricky Hatton's intention
to face Floyd Mayweather again next spring, this time in
England, following Hatton's only career loss which occurred
against Mayweather in Las Vegas last December.
But first Hatton must come through not only the Lazcano bout
but also a proposed clash with Malignaggi should the New
Yorker turn away the rugged N'dou. For his part, Mayweather
must see off his other conquest of 2007, Oscar de la Hoya,
again before a Hatton match can be made a reality.
If these hurdles
can be cleared, Maloney sees no problem selling out the
100,000 seat Wembley Stadium in London.
3-27-2008