By James Slater: Former trainer of Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, Billy Graham has engaged in an exclusive interview with Setanta Sports. Speaking from the heart, the recently dismissed Hatton coach revealed how he was both upset that he was sacked and annoyed at how the news of his departure was portrayed in the media.
The man known as “The Preacher” also gave his opinion on the news that none other than Floyd Mayweather Senior may be his replacement as Ricky’s trainer.
“It was hurtful [the way the news of his leaving the Hatton camp came out], but I don’t feel any resentment towards Ricky, because I don’t think Ricky was the one [who got rid of me],” Graham told Setanta. “I’ve got nothing bad to say about Ricky. I’ve said that all along. I’ll never have anything bad to say about Ricky.”
Graham did, however, have some negative things to say about the possibility of Mayweather Senior being brought in as his replacement.
“I think it’s ludicrous,” Graham said. “I’m not saying he’s not a good trainer, but it’s outrageous. He’s not the trainer for Ricky Hatton.”
It has come as quite a shock, to say the least, that Mayweather’s name has even been mentioned as a possible trainer for Hatton. Out of the blue to be sure, this was news that was not seen coming. Would Hatton and Mayweather, such different personalities, be able to get on? Would the father of “Money” Mayweather even be able to improve Hatton’s boxing ability or alter his style this late in the day? Would Hatton trust Mayweather the way he did Graham?
It remains to be seen if Mayweather does indeed land the job, but should this be the case there are no guarantees that the fighter and the trainer would gel. And at his current age the time has surely passed for “The Hitman” to try and learn a new approach to fighting.
As for Graham, despite no longer being involved with Hatton on a professional level, he says he will definitely be in Las Vegas on November 22nd for the Hatton-Malignaggi showdown – the ex-trainer also said how he feels the match-up is a perfect one for Ricky.
“The fight he’s going into with Malignaggi is the ideal fight for him,” Graham stated. “It’s the best fight around at this stage of his career. I’ll be in Las Vegas to watch it. I’ll stay away from the camp. It’s not my thing anymore. He’s been a big part of my life and there’s no way I cannot be in Las Vegas for that fight. I’ve got to be there.”