Former WBO lightweight holder Terry Flanagan (33-0, 13 KOs) and promoter Frank Warren believe that the Manchester-based southpaw can emulate his idol Ricky Hatton by becoming a two-weight world titlist.

The 28-year-old meets Taxas’s Maurice Hooker (23-0-3, 16 early) for the vacant WBO light-welterweight title at the Manchester Arena on Saturday night in a fight that “Turbo” believes can get him on the right track after deciding to vacate his 135lbs belt in order to seek fresh challenges.

“That would mean everything to me,” said Flanagan when speaking to David Anderson of the Daily Mirror about what victory would mean to him.  “Ricky is someone I looked up to as a kid so to emulate what he did would be a dream come true.”

Warren handled Hatton’s early career and laid the groundwork for his June 2005 win over the legendary Kostya Tszyu at the same venue.

With all the fight week talk focused on the comeback of Tyson Fury, who meets Sefer Seferi over 10, Warren feels that Flanagan can quietly slip in and possibly steal the show by netting another WBO belt.

“They both have a great desire to win,” he said when comparing Flanagan to “The Hitman”.  “They don’t know what defeat means.”

The show will be shown live on BT Sports here in the UK as well as being streamed live in the US via Showtime’s Facebook page.

By Terence Dooley —  Photo by Lee Smith / Action Images

https://www.boxingscene.com/flanagan-warren-anticipate-hatton-moment-on-saturday–128814

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47-year-old passed away on Tuesday

The boxing world has expressed its shock and sadness at the death of Dean Powell.

Powell, who died aged 47 on Tuesday, had been in the sport for 25 years, as trainer, cornerman and matchmaker. His death is not believed to be suspicious.

“All of us are deeply saddened and shocked by the loss of our very close friend and colleague, Dean Powell,” read a statement from Frank Warren promotions, who he most recently worked for.

“Dean was a valued and popular member of our team and within the sport of boxing.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones for their tragic loss.”

British boxers past and present, many of whom worked with Powell, have paid tribute.

Amir Khan

Sorry to hear the loss of Dean Powell. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. He was close to team khan and trained me for 2 fights. You will be missed.

Ricky Burns

Cant believe what I heard bout @DeanPowell66 was speaking 2 him yesterday.some great nites with him in my corner. Thoughts r with his family

Lennox Lewis

RIP Dean Powell! #GoneTooSoon

Joe Calzaghe

Shocked and saddened to hear the news of Dean Powell. Was in my corner for many of my big fights. RIP Dean x

Ricky Hatton

Just found out the tragic news that Dean Powell sadly passed away. My thoughts are with his family.a great man & boxing will miss him.

Billy Joe Saunders

Sad times for the boxing world lost a true Professional and hard working man in @DeanPowell66 will be missed #rip x

Anthony Ogogo

Shocked and saddened to hear about the death of Dean Powell. Boxing has lost a great guy. RIP my friend.

Dereck Chisora

Rest in peace Dean Boxing will miss you

James DeGale

Shocked and devastated to hear about the passing of Dean Powell. A sad loss to British boxing. RIP x

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/others/boxing-world-pays-tribute-to-trainer-cornerman-and-matchmaker-dean-powell-8809738.html

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By Edward Ckaykovsky –

Promoter and former champion Ricky Hatton praised WBO lightweight champion Ricky Burns for his victory last Saturday night in Glasgow when he came from behind to stop unbeaten Jose Gonzalez in nine rounds. Gonzalez appeared to win the first seven rounds, but began to fade badly and then quit on his stool before the start of the tenth – claiming a left hand injury.

“I was very fortunate where I was able to beat people who were more talented than me because I wanted it a bit more. When you get to that level where you are very evenly matched, you have to drag it out. No matter how much you work in the gym on a game plan, you have to drag it out in the chmapionship rounds and that’s what Ricky did. I know [Gonzalez] damaged his hand a little bit but he was tiring. Maybe he lost a bit of bottle? Maybe he did but because of what Ricky was doing,” Hatton told Sky Sports.

http://www.boxingscene.com/ricky-hatton-ricky-burns-showed-hes-real-champ–65619

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