Matthew Hatton reveals why he rejected Saul Alvarez offer and claims that he is still interested
European welterweight titlist Matthew Hatton, the younger brother of Ricky Hatton, has gone public about his decision not to fight Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez on December 4 in Mexico.
Golden Boy Promotions, who promotes Alvarez, contacted Hatton shortly after Alvarez knocked out veteran contender Carlos Baldomir last month in hopes of arranging a fight. Plans were ousted when Hatton expressed scepticism with the catch weight offered,
and the possibility of winning a decision in Alvarez’s backyard of Mexico.
“I’m definitely interested in that fight,” Hatton confirmed to the Manchester Evening News. “[But] I didn’t accept it this time, because it meant flying out to Mexico and I was also giving away a lot with the weight. I don’t think I would have got
the rub of the green in his home country. He’s massive in Mexico.”
'Canelo' is a superstar in Mexico. He represents the next generation of Mexican boxing talent, inheriting the crown from notables such as Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Oscar De la Hoya. Alvarez is currently dating Marisol Gonzalez, a former Miss
Mexico Universe winner and star in her own right.
Hatton said his primary goal is to secure a deal with WBA welterweight champion Viacheslav Senchenko, but if that can’t be done by early 2011, he’ll concentrate on Alvarez anew.
"Golden Boy have been in touch since [initial talks] and if he comes through [in] his next fight, then it is definitely one I’m interested in. If I can’t get a world title shot and if it can be made in America, then I’d look for Alvarez early next year.”
Since negotiations collapsed with Hatton, Alvarez has determined to fight Lovemore N’dou on the same date of December 4. N’dou is coming off a win over previously undefeated Bongani Mwelase. N’dou and Matthew Hatton fought to a technical draw in November
2009.
Hatton is expected to return to the ring November 26 against undefeated Roberto Belge at the Reebok Stadium in Greater Manchester, England. Hatton hopes to get through Belge and emulate some of the international success of his older brother.
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