Ricky Hatton is backing Josh Warrington to reclaim his world title against Kiko Martinez tonight. The Leeds hero has endured a torrid time in the ring recently, but he has the opportunity to put that all behind him when he faces a familiar opponent in Martinez.
The rugged Spaniard travelled to Yorkshire in 2017 but was defeated on points by Warrington in a close encounter that had many in the boxing industry split. If Warrington can repeat the result tonight then he’ll become world champion, and Hatton, a former two weight world titlist, is backing his compatriot to get the job done.
“Josh will be right up for this,” said Hatton is his latest Metro column.
“This is when you find out what sort of champion you are, coming back from defeat and going for it the second time around. Kiko Martinez is a world champion, let’s not forget that. What he did that night last year against Kid Galahad was absolutely sensational.
“I am backing Josh to get the win and become a two-time champion. I fancy a late stoppage or a clear points win.
"We can’t take Kiko for granted and Josh has to concentrate on what’s in front of him. Kiko can’t go on forever. Sooner or later, the batteries will run out.
"It all depends on what Josh does, if he keeps that work rate high, he can make Kiko look his age.”