Hatton Promotions – The Boys Are Back In Town
A Look at the Company's First Show at The Manchester Velodrome
Aug 13, 2009
Former IBO World Featherweight Champion Michael Brodie will return after a four year absence on August 21st at the Manchester Velodrome. After being knocked out in four rounds by Scott Harrison in 2005, Brodie decided he needed a break, but now he is chomping at the bit and wanting success once again.
A Not So Easy Comeback For Michael Brodie
While many are wanting to see Michael Brodie do well in his comeback, one man that would like to see him fail is Mark Alexander who will be Brodie's opponent. While he has a fairly unimpressive record (8-3 0 KOs), Alexander is fairly ambitious and has won his last four.
In addition, it should be noted that he has never been stopped, so theoretically, Brodie should be taken a few rounds. However, if Brodie really is serious about this comeback, he needs to be able to pass this test, and he should win by a wide points margin.
'Genius' Joe Murray Returns To Manchester
Another Mancunian, Joe Murray will be looking to make it three wins out of three when he takes on an as of yet unnamed opponent. Murray has outstanding amateur credentials (he went to the 2008 Olympics), and possesses a very smart fighting style.
While he hasn't stopped anyone in his professional career as of yet, he has looked impressive, and has been up against tough journeymen Sid Razak (who has only been stopped twice) and Missael Nunez (who has only been stopped once). Murray is a very good prospect.
Watson Looks To Erase O'Donnell Memory
Craig Watson is also on the bill, and he will be looking to put on a performance which will help him forget about his narrow points loss to John O'Donnell in April. Many (including Watson) argue that he won that fight, and he will be vying for a rematch sooner rather than later.
Undercard At 'The Boys Are Back In Town'
Decent lightweight Andy Morris is also on the bill, and he will be looking to defeat Jesus Garcia Simon, an average journeyman, early. Morris has had an up and down career, with two knockout losses to John Simpson hindering his progress, and he will be looking to defeat Simon to open some more doors to title shots a few fights down the line.
Quality operator David Barnes will also be fighting after over a year out. Placed in front of him is Felix Lora, a journeyman that should be able to take him a few rounds. Barnes is more or less guaranteed a win here though.
Graeme Higginson will be looking to impress Ricky Hatton on this bill as well, and he will fight in the light welterweight division against another as of yet unnamed opponent. 'Dezzi' has been a British Masters champion, and is of decent quality, so he should walk away with a victory.
Prospects Alex Dilmaghani and Kieran Maher will also get a run out. They are battling fighters with losing records, but this is early days, and getting any ring time is good for them.
A Good Local Night of Boxing
While there are no title bouts or huge fights on the card, this is still a good event. It will be nice to see so many local fighters on one card, and hopefully, this is a sign of things to come from Hatton Promotions.
