I admit that I am unsure¬what the ramifications will be regarding junior welterweight king Ricky Hatton’s split with longtime trainer Billy Graham.¬ It seemed to me that the two wise-cracking Brits were two peas in a pod and both have shown deep compassion and friendship toward each other so the news of the split came as bit of a surprise.¬ Even more surprising is the apparent differing stories regarding Graham’s departure from Hatton’s corner. While Ray Hatton, Ricky’s father and business manager, informed the press that Graham had retired from the sport Graham himself refuted the story insisting that he was fired by his start fighter.¬ It’s a sad ending to a fantastic chapter in British boxing history as fight fans were treated to witnessing the shared bond between the two during HBO’s 24/7 series leading up to Hatton’s fight with Floyd Mayweather.¬ But unfortunately boxing is in fact a business and sometimes that truth taints our romanticized feelings on the sweet science.¬ In an ironic sort of twist Floyd Mayweather Sr., father of afore mentioned Hatton conqueror, is rumored to be next in line to train “The Hitman”.¬ Hatton looked like less than stellar in his last outing, a narrow victory over Juan Lazcano, but a change in trainer’s may be what is needed for Hatton to retain his from when he battles Paul Malignaggi later this year.¬
Hatton Splits With Graham
Posted by Tim Starks on Aug 1, 2008 02:37
