A heartfelt tribute was paid to Ricky Hatton at Aintree as ‘Hitman’, a racehorse named after the boxing legend, won at the prestigious track. As provisionally confirmed at the public inquiry, Hatton was found hanged at his residence in Manchester in mid-September.
Tributes have been pouring in over the last six weeks, the latest of which came on Sunday afternoon at Aintree Racecourse when ‘Hitman’ triumphed in the William Hill Venerable Roan Circumscribed Handicap Chase at 2.55pm. The victory carries a prize pool of £45,560, with the entire sum going to the Ricky Hatton Foundation.
Ged Mason’s co-owner of the nine-year-old gelding and Hatton’s manager Paul Speak were on hand to evoke deep emotion after the race. “I just have no words. I prayed and he answered the prayer,” Speak began, holding back tears in an interview with ITV Racing.
“I just have no words, but I said, ‘do what you think.’ [Hatton] can facilitate him,’ and it happened.” Hitman had finished second in four of the previous eight races, but nothing could stop him at Aintree, with Mason also speaking warmly.
Mason told ITV Racing: “As you know, he’s been a bridesmaid many times. He always tries his best and he’s always on top. He did it for Ricky and his foundation. What a great little contribution. That guy [Speak] for taking care of Ricky. He was a man of the highest order and helped many people. If you have problems, speak up – that would be his message today.”
Speak and Mason also shared heartfelt words about Hatton in a touching tribute during an interview with Racing TV. Speak praised Mason, saying: “The man is amazing and I’ve told him so many, many times. You won’t find a more compassionate and generous man.”
Mason replied: “I’m absolutely delighted that we can facilitate Ricky’s memory and legacy through the foundation. So the proceeds will go to that cause. He was clever a few times, Hitman, and he did well today.” Speak, referring to Hatton, added: “I looked up and said, ‘you can do it,’ and he did. I hope he’s up there, looking down and smiling, but as we say, no one has to fight alone.”
He continued: “You just have to share your problems with other people and hopefully with the foundation, which is a vehicle for people to do this. I can’t thank Ged enough, he’s an unsung hero.” Mason concluded: “Thanks to everyone at the stable, Freddie [Gingell] who rode it, and Ricky rode it too. He won an incredible amount of prize money by finishing second, but today he ran out of steam.
Jaron Ennis is the bookmakers’ main favorite to defeat Xander Zayas in their highly anticipated world title clash on Saturday in Brooklyn.
Ennis challenges Zayas for the WBO and WBA super welterweight belts at the Barclays Center live on DAZN pay-per-view.
The undefeated resident of Philadelphia enters the game as the favorite on February 11 Bet365 give the 23-year-old his first professional defeat and become world champion in two weight categories.
“Boots” has stopped 31 of his 35 opponents, including Uisma Lima in his 154-pound debut in October, and is expected to stop the Puerto Rican on 20/21.
The 28-year-old last covered this distance in 2024, and a decision victory is valued at 13/2.
Zayas and Ennis face to face before the clash. Photo: Matchroom Boxing
Even though Zayas has taken over as unified champion, he is an underdog Bet365 at 15/04.
Man from San Juan defeated Abass Baraou by split decision will add the WBA belt to his WBO crown in January and his best chance of victory is rated at 13/2 by decision, while success in the shock break is rated at 14/1.
Jaron Ennis knocked out Uisma Lima in the first round in Philadelphia. Photo: Emma Brawley/Matchroom Boxing
Full Bet365 odds
The result of the fight
Xander Zayas will win the fight: 15/4
Xander Zayas by KO/TKO/DQ: 14/1
Xander Zayas by decision or technical decision: 13/2
Jaron Ennis will win the fight: 11/02
Jaron Ennis by KO/TKO/DQ: 20/21
Jaron Ennis by decision or technical: 8/5
Draw or technical draw: 14/1
Round bets
Xander Zayas
Win in round 1: 100/1
Win in round 2: 100/1
Win in round 3: 100/1
Win in round 4: 100/1
Win in round 5: 100/1
To win in round 6: 100/1
To win in round 7: 80/1
To win in round 8: 80/1
To win round 9: 66/1
To win in round 10: 66/1
To win round 11: 66/1
To win in round 12: 80/1
To win by decision or technical decision: 6/1
Zayas won by points decision over Abass Baraou. Source: Mikey Williams / top position
Jaron Ennis
To win round 1: 80/1
Win in round 2: 50/1
Win in round 3: 40/1
To win in round 4: 28/1
To win in round 5: 20/1
To win in round 6: 16/1
Win in round 7: 12/12
To win in round 8: 1/11
To win in round 9: 10/1
To win in round 10: 10/1
To win in round 11: 10/1
To win in round 12: 1/11
Win by Decision or Technical Decision: 7/4
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On Wednesday, Lewis Crocker heads to Australia to defend his IBF welterweight world title against Liam Paro for the first time.
Crocker will face Paro at the Pat Rafter Arena in Queensland, live on DAZN in the UK and Kayo Sports in Australia.
Crocker (22-0, 11 KO) became world champion in September, defeating Paddy Donovan twice before winning the rematch by split decision.
Man from Belfast recorded his second victory over Donovan after the first victory in March last year, and his rival was disqualified for hitting him after the bell.
Paro (27-1, 16 KO) is trying to become a world champion in two weight categories, having previously reigned in the super-lightweight division.
In September, Donovan was beaten a second time by Crocker. Photo: Mark Robinson Matchroom Boxing
The 30-year-old won the title with a unanimous decision victory over Subriel Matias in Puerto Rico before winning the belt in his first defense against Richardson Hitchins.
The Australian has since won twice, overtaking David Papot in his last appearance in September.
Paro looks like a two-time IBF champion. Photo: Melina Pizano/Matchroom
McKean meets Taliva
Heavyweight Demsey McKean will look to continue his rebuild when he faces Liam Talivaa for the vacant IBF Pan Pacific title.
McKean (24-2, 16 KO) had his career cut miniature after a last-round loss to Filip Hrgovic, followed by a brutal first-round loss to Moses Itauma.
The 35-year-old southpaw returned to winning ways with back-to-back stoppage victories.
Talivaa (8-2, 4 KO) last won the IBF Oceania-Orient title, defeating Faiga Opelu by first-round stoppage.
Undercard remaining
At cruiserweight, Luke Modini (13-0, 11 KO) will likely need distance to beat Peng Qu (17-2-1, 12 KO), while Riley Candy (8-1, 5 KO) could stop Nathan Watson (11-3, 3 KO) at super middleweight.
Vegas Larfield (13-1, 9 KO) can hand Shamal Ram Anuj (11-8, 8 KO) his fourth defeat in a row in a featherweight clash.
Heavyweight Nelson Asofa-Solomon (2-0, 2 KO) can secure a third straight knockout over debutant George Burgess, and Stevan Ivic (8-0-1, 2 KO) can do the same against Caleb Tialu (3-7, 3 KO), also a heavyweight.
Prospective super welterweight fighter Jack Javed (1-0) should overtake Lance McDonald (1-5-1, 1 KO).
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