Ricky warning for fight rival
TRAINER HATTON SENDS OUT MESSAGE TO HIS FORMER BOXER
RICKY Hatton has warned former protege Ryan Burnett he is in a heap of trouble when he goes up against Zhanat Zhakiyanov this weekend.
Burnett and Zhakiyanov meet in a unification clash in Belfast, with the IBF and WBA bantamweight titles on the line.
Hatton trains Zhakiyanov, and previously trained Burnett during the early stages of his professional career.
The Manchester boxing legend has no hard feelings with Burnett after he decided to move elsewhere, but insists he will have the last laugh this weekend as Zhakiyanov will be victorious.
“I knew 100 per cent that Ryan had the ability to go all the way when I was training him,” said Hatton.
“I was having a lot of problems at the time, I wasn’t in a good place at all, and Ryan felt the training was better elsewhere.
“I wasn’t the trainer I am today. I understand why he left. There are no hard feelings. The Ricky Hatton of today is in a miles better place than the Ricky Hatton back then.
“I text him before his world title fight with Lee Haskins to say good luck and text him straight after to say congratulations. I think the world of Ryan and his family. He’s a great lad and a wonderful talent but I don’t think he’s going to beat us on the night.
“Ryan’s done everything asked of him so far but he’s going to have to show more than his talent in this one. If he doesn’t nail Zhanat to the canvas in the first few rounds he’s in for a very tough night. But if he doesn’t put Zhanat over in the first few then goes on to win, I’ll be the first one to shake his hand.
“They’ve sparred together and he probably just edged the sessions with those big gloves and head guards, but times and circumstances change.
“Ryan’s in for a heap load of trouble once that bell goes.
“Zhanat has never looked better to be honest with you. I know you hear trainers say that a lot, but he has never looked this good. He couldn’t be any sharper.
“He’s got an extra bit of ambition and determination for this one. There’s always been that bit of rivalry between the two as obviously he used to share a gym with Ryan and spar with him at the same weight.
“Ryan hasn’t fought anyone as good as who Zhanat has been in with.
“Zhanat beat Karim Guerfi for the European belt who is a very good fighter, and Rau’shee Warren is an absolutely outstanding fighter.
“As good as Lee Haskins and Ryan Farrag are, they aren’t big power houses who can pack a huge punch.”