Maloney hails Hatton popularity
by Mark Doyle, 13 May 2008
Promoter Frank Maloney believes that Ricky Hatton is "taking boxing to a new level" and is in awe of the Mancunian's popularity and financial pulling power.
A sell-out crowd of 55,000 people is expected at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24 for Hatton's bout with Juan Lazcano, The Hitman's first outing since his stoppage defeat by Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last December.
Maloney believes that Hatton's appeal is truly unique and feels that the former light-welterweight world champion deserves to be hailed as a British sporting phenomenon.
"When I first got into boxing I was told there was two types of business in boxing: there is the boxing business and then there is the heavyweight business," Maloney said.
"Since getting involved with Ricky and his team I have realised there is the boxing business, the heavyweight business and then the Hatton business.
"Lennox Lewis would never have been able to sell 55,000 tickets for a fight, it would be impossible for anyone to do that.
"He is taking boxing to a new level. This is more than a boxing match, this is an event and that is all down to Ricky himself.
"No sportsman in the history on British sport has done this before. Ricky is responsible for 55,000 people turning up at the City of Manchester Stadium. He is unique to the public.
"I think he will show the way forward in this business on how to get the crowds there.
"Everybody will be out enjoying themselves by 11pm if I am not mistaken, any other promoter facilitates the American TV but Ricky is doing this fight for the British public.
"I think Ricky will out earn Lennox Lewis, it will take some doing but it can be done over the next three of four fights."