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FRANK WARREN, the green man, with his other manufactured hero, Joe Calzaghe

'I'll get Hatton big fight at all kosts,' writes British manager/promoter, Frank Warren on website www.frankwarren.tv '

'I'm working doubly hard to get Ricky Hatton the fight he deserves against Kostya Tszyu for the undisputed light-welterweight crown. Aussie Tszyu's stunning knockout of Sharmba Mitchell confirmed him as the man to beat. And Hatton is the mandatory challenger for his IBF title.

Tszyu is unlikely to fight WBC champ, Arturo Gatti next as Gatti appears on network HBO and Tszyu is contracted to rivals Showtime. Unlike Tarver and Johnson who gave up their crowns I don't think Kostya will ditch his IBF belt.

Under his Showtime contract, one of the oldest around, Tszyu received around $4 million while Mitchell took home $400,000 and a cut of the ppv money.
Tszyu will want that kind of cash to tackle Hatton and I've got no problem with the Hitman going to America if that is what it takes. Phoenix drew only 4,500 spectators padded out by tickets sold for as little as $20. But you could fill the MEN Arena (Manchester).

Fighting Tszyu would be a big step up for Ricky, but it is one I'm confident he can make, with his phenomenal body punching and terrific work rate. . . But the ring rust I expected to see in Tszyu simply wasn't there. '

. . . He'd be the most hit man

ROBERT DRANE comments:

We don't always know a man's intentions but we can judge him by his actions over a long time. Judging from his actions Frank Warren thinks only of making Frank Warren rich.

He avoided every match-up that would challenge Hatton, in order to keep his unbeaten record (37-0) and hero-status in Britain; and now he suddenly leapfrogs to Kostya Tszyu for the giant money.

Hatton would not have a chance! It's an insult to offer him to Tszyu. Unlike the other big names in the division Kostya has refused to engage in the ridiculous dance of avoidance. Tszyu wants big fights because he prepares long and hard. He deserves two things: a reward for all that work, and a challenge at the end of it. The Hitman is no real challenge.

With only a few fights to go, anything else is a waste of Kostya's time. No insult to Ricky intended, but for heaven's sake Frank, we're not stupid. Get Ricky some decent fights against Harris, or Cotto, or Mayweather. Even Abdullaev, despite his inactivity, would be a test. True to form, you've lined up for his next fight, another has-been, Ray Oliveira.

Hatton, if you're serious about being a legitimate contender, lose Warren. You'll also lose a couple of fights along the way, but it might actually make you a better fighter. You can only live on the delusions of your fans for so long.

Your present form is "Mouse that Roared" material. If you're serious about reaching for the stars, you have to start by leaving the neighbourhood.