JUNE DATE FOR HATTON-CASTILLO
Monday 19th February 2007
Ricky Hatton's bout with Jose Luis Castillo has been confirmed for the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on June 23.
The lightly-regarded IBO light-welterweight title will be a stake although that is the least attractive aspect of a contest that will see two of the most exciting fighters in the business go toe-to-toe.
Castillo, 33, is a former WBC lightweight champion and is best remembered for two epic battles with Diego Corrales.
Both men featured on the same bill at the Paris Casino in Las Vegas last January - Castillo failing to impress during a split-decision win over Hernan Ngoudjo, while Hatton also laboured during a points success against Juan Urango.
That victory earned Hatton the IBF light-welterweight crown, a belt he opted to relinquish in order to face Castillo.
"You become a great fighter by fighting great fighters and Jose is one of them," said Hatton.
"When I beat Kostya Tszyu I beat one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and Jose undoubtedly falls into that category as well.
"I am so excited about this fight and I am living my dreams by topping the bill in Las Vegas again.
"This fight does not need anyone to sell it because everybody knows how good it is going to be. I am not going to take a backward step and neither will Jose.
"A lot has been said about our last performances but when you are involved in so many big fights you raise your game for a challenge - and this is a challenge to say the least."
Monday 19th February 2007
Ricky Hatton's bout with Jose Luis Castillo has been confirmed for the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on June 23.
The lightly-regarded IBO light-welterweight title will be a stake although that is the least attractive aspect of a contest that will see two of the most exciting fighters in the business go toe-to-toe.
Castillo, 33, is a former WBC lightweight champion and is best remembered for two epic battles with Diego Corrales.
Both men featured on the same bill at the Paris Casino in Las Vegas last January - Castillo failing to impress during a split-decision win over Hernan Ngoudjo, while Hatton also laboured during a points success against Juan Urango.
That victory earned Hatton the IBF light-welterweight crown, a belt he opted to relinquish in order to face Castillo.
"You become a great fighter by fighting great fighters and Jose is one of them," said Hatton.
"When I beat Kostya Tszyu I beat one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and Jose undoubtedly falls into that category as well.
"I am so excited about this fight and I am living my dreams by topping the bill in Las Vegas again.
"This fight does not need anyone to sell it because everybody knows how good it is going to be. I am not going to take a backward step and neither will Jose.
"A lot has been said about our last performances but when you are involved in so many big fights you raise your game for a challenge - and this is a challenge to say the least."
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