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Warren issues his Down Under denial

30/12/2004

RICKY Hatton's promoter Frank Warren has refuted suggestions the Hitman will have to travel to Sydney to face Kostya Tszyu.

Promoter Murad Muhammad claimed last week he had offered Tszyu a four-fight deal to defend his IBF light-welterweight crown, including a fight Down Under with Hatton.

However, Hatton's promoters Sports Network have always claimed an Australian fight was not viable because American television network Showtime want to screen it live.

Warren said: "Australia is not an option for this fight.

"In Showtime's broadcast agreement with Tszyu, they have the final say about where his fights take place and logistically the fight cannot happen there which is why they wanted Manchester.

"Regardless of what has been said by Muhammad, Hatton is the mandatory challenger to Tszyu's IBF title and the fight has to happen, otherwise Tszyu will be stripped

"Our position on this matter is very clear.

"I have negotiated solely with Kostya Tszyu's promoter Vlad Wharton regarding a fight with Ricky Hatton. I cannot deal through anybody else to make this fight happen.

"The American TV network Showtime hold the television broadcast rights over Tszyu fights and Jay Larkin has confirmed to me that Wharton is his promoter, not Muhammad who has no promotional rights over Tszyu whatsoever.

"Wharton has also confirmed to myself and Larkin that terms for a Tszyu-Hatton fight have been agreed.

"I cannot do anymore than deal with the person who has the legal promotional rights over Tszyu.

"In addition, a letter from Tszyu's manager Matt Watt was faxed to me by Wharton confirming that he wants the fight with Hatton and that is their position."