Frank Warren remains critical of Hatton and Klitschko
What would Monday morning be without an official address from big-time British boxing promoter Frank Warren?
Ever-ready to speak about the boxing world, Warren offered thoughts to BoxingScene.com, where he spoke candidly about Ricky Hatton’s drug problem and Wladimir Klitschko’s recent TKO of Samuel Peter.
He suggested that some may view Hatton’s plight as a reflection of the state of boxing, and recommended that Hatton be relieved of all official duties until it is clear that he is on the mend.
Last week Hatton’s reputation was damaged when News of the World published a video of him using cocaine in a British hotel, after a night of heavy drinking with Irish women’s champion Emma Bowe.
Hatton hasn’t fought since his May 2009 bout with Manny Pacquiao (he was knocked out in the second round). Since then he has promoted, and built up a considerable stable of fighters in Britain.
Warren said, “I’ve been saying for a long time Hatton has been out of control […] the fact is there is no way he can be in a position promoting or managing where he is advising or guiding young boxers […]. And those who have been advising him over the last
couple of years need to take a long hard look at themselves as well.”
Warren then commented on the fact that publicist Max Clifford has been employed by Hatton to 'minimize the collateral damage'. Warren criticized Clifford for excusing Hatton with the statement, “...there are no stars anymore. The last to capture the public
imagination was Henry Cooper.”
Regarding Wladimir Klitschko’s recent defence of his unified heavyweight titles, Warren said that the fight was a “bore” and that Peter was totally outclassed. Throughout the tenure of his time as WBO/IBF/IBO/Ring champion, Klitschko has routinely been criticized
as lacking the charisma and showmanship to put on entertaining fights.
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