Duddy’s new opponent Arron eyeing ‘ambush’
Kelly Pavlik had barely won the world title when a challenge by Duddy was being pencilled in for St Patrick’s Day with Las Vegas the likely venue.
Duddy’s handlers, however, were busily charting the route to an eventual world title fight with engagements in Dublin and Belfast. They quickly signed up the Spanish champion and when he withdrew with an ankle injury, they brought in Noe Tulio Gonzalez Alcoba, a rough and tumble veteran from Uruguay who had previously fought for the world title.
Alcoba was diagnosed with a detached retina — a career threatening injury — only this week and Arron jumped at the opportunity to fight Duddy.
“I’m going to shock the world,” predicted the 6’ 3” 19 year-old. “This is an unbelievable chance for me and I’m so up for this fight. I got the call very late but I’m going in there with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
“I’ve done 10 rounds before so the distance is not a problem for me and — trust me — I can fight. I know all about Duddy but I wouldn’t have taken the fight if I didn’t think I could pull it off. I know Duddy has big plans but I’d like to step into his shoes. I have tons of ability and I think my height and reach advantages will make all the difference.”
Arron turned pro at 18 but he has already established himself as one of British boxing’s brightest prospects, racking up 10 wins from his 12 professional outings.
In June he out-pointed Cello Renda for the British Master middleweight title and his manager Wayne Barker says that’s just the beginning.
“We have big plans for him and some people might say this fight has come too early but it’s a fantastic opportunity and he has the ability to grab it with both hands. We know Duddy is good — in fact he’s very good — but he’s not without his flaws and I believe my man can exploit those flaws and pull off the upset. He’s already beaten two undefeated guys and you know the old saying that things come in threes.”
Matthew Hatton, younger brother of Ricky, features in an eight-round contest on the card as he looks to press his claims for a shot at the British welterweight title and Ricky will break his training camp for his mega fight, pound for pound showdown with Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas on December 8 to work his brother’s corner in Dublin.
At 26, Matthew is three years younger than his illustrious brother but he, too, boasts an impressive record from a seven-year professional career that has seen him compile an excellent record of 31 wins, three losses and a draw.
On Saturday night he meets Finland’s Samuli Leppiaho and he’s planning to win over Irish fans.
“You have to go a little way back but there is Irish blood in the Hatton family,” he said. “Our great great grandfather on my Dad’s side was a legendary bare knuckle fighter in his day. He fought under the name of Spider Hatton and he was originally from County Kerry, so you could say myself and Ricky are just carrying on in the family tradition.
“I’ve fought on Ricky’s last two cards in Las Vegas and really enjoyed the experience. It also helps your profile in the States to fight on these big cards so I’m looking forward to another one in December.”
Hatton’s last two Las Vegas outings have seen him pick up the IBF Inter Continental and International Welterweight titles but it’s honours closer to home that are really concerning Hatton as he wants a shot at reigning British welterweight champion Kevin Anderson.
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