Ricky Hatton gets Brazlilian hard nut

18.02.04 – Promoter Frank Warren has today (18 February) confirmed that RICKY HATTON will face KELSON PINTO on April 3 for the WBO ‘Interim’ World Light-Welterweight title at the M.E.N Arena. The Manchester Hitman and dynamite punching Brazilian put there unbeaten records on the line in a thrilling showdown that promises to be an explosive encounter. Hatton, unbeaten in 34 fights with 25 knockouts, entered the premier league of the 140lb division with his victory over tough Ghanaian Ben Tackie last December and is relishing the prospect of facing Pinto.

Pinto, from Salvador, has won all 19 of his fights with 17 of them coming by knockouts and 11 of them have come in the first round. Pinto has also held the Brazilian, WBO Latino and NABO light-welterweight titles.

Hatton, who holds the WBU World title said, “Pinto is the man I have wanted for a long time. People are raving about Miguel Cotto but I see Pinto as the most dangerous prospect out there and remember he beat Cotto twice in the amateurs.

“Junior Witter was scheduled to fight him on the undercard of my fight with Tackie but he pulled out with an injury. I’m not sure what Witter injured but after I watched Pinto’s knockout compilation on tape I’ve got a good idea of what he ruptured!

“Pinto’s got a fantastic record and is a massive puncher. He’s very tall, probably about 6ft, with a long reach and is an attacking fighter,

“I don’t see that as a problem, I like tall opponents as I can get inside and smash away to the body,

“I felt that Tackie was the hardest fight of my career but this is without a doubt the toughest challenge of my career and as you have seen the bigger the challenge put in front of me the better I perform.”

Tickets are available from the Sports Network Box Office on 01992 550 888.