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Man or a Maussa?

Gavin Browne
14/ 9/2005

RICKY Hatton believes Carlos Maussa will prove a stiff test after it was announced the duo are scheduled to fight at Sheffield's HallamFM Arena on November 26.

The fight was formally announced at a Monday press conference, putting the Hitman's IBF light-welterweight title on the line against Maussa's WBA belt.

It will be co-promoted by Hatton's Punch Promotions firm and Dennis Hobson's 'Fight Academy'company, provided the Hitman comes through the High Court injunction sought by Sports Network promoter Frank Warren.

He believes he has an agreement to promote Hatton's next three fights, a statement which Hatton, his father Ray and solicitor Gareth Williams have repeatedly denied.

With 39 victories under his belt, it appears Hatton will have to win his 40th in the courtroom before hopefully defeating Maussa for his 41st.

Maussa, a 33-year-old Colombian, took the WBA title from Vivian Harris with a shock seventh-round stoppage.

Muddying the waters further though are claims that Warren, along with Don King, has offered Hatton £2.5m to step up to welterweight and face that division's number one-ranked fighter Zab Judah.

However, Hatton was unavailable for comment regarding that speculation.

• MATTHEW Hatton is targeting a step up in class after recording his 25th win in 28 fights last week.

'Magic' saw his contest against Dmitry Yanushevich stopped by referee Phil Edwards in the fourth round at Sheffield's HallamFM Arena on Friday.

With Yanushevich proving a difficult opponent, content to keep Hatton at arm's length and turn the fight into a wrestling match inside, it was difficult for Hatton to impress.

However, the fourth round saw him open up a cut over the Russian's left eye before a punch to the elbow caused Edwards to halt the fight for Hatton's 10th career stoppage.