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9th November 2005
Hamed Hails Hatton
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Naseem Hamed says Ricky Hatton is the inspiration behind is comeback.
The former WBO, WBC and IBF featherweight champion has announced plans to get back in the ring in 2006 - after more than four years away from the fight game.
Throughout his exile, Hamed still loomed large over the British boxing scene and there have been several reports of comebacks since his last fight, a disappointing points win over Manuel Calvo back in May 2002.
But The Prince, now 31, admits that even his achievements were eclipsed by Hatton's rise to world prominence, culminating in that emotional IBF title win over Kostya Tszyu in June."
I was transfixed by it, one of those fights where you have to pinch yourself," he told The Times. "Hatton was so strong, so brave."
He beat the best in the division and you could make a case for saying the best in any division. He beat a knockout merchant. He took his heart away and beat him fair and square."
Watching Ricky did make me think about coming back because he was such an inspiration and I will be back some time next year."
Hamed's first public appearance following the announcement could well be ringside at Hatton's first defence, against Carlos Maussa in his hometown on November 26.
And whether he watches in person or not, Hamed cannot wait to see the Hitman in action in a town he himself put on the boxing map."
I wouldn't miss his clash against Maussa for the world and I am very proud that the fight is in Sheffield - my hometown," he said."
I am sure anyone who loves the sport will give him all the backing he is due, because his achievement in beating Tszyu will go down as the greatest ever by a Briton."
I grew up with Lloyd Honeghan's victory over Don Curry taking that mantle, but Hatton did something even greater."
"We will take it slowly at first and then build up, but I will be back."
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