World champ Tim Witherspoon hits Shropshire
Ricky Hatton's imminent return to the boxing ring will be good for the fighter and good for British Boxing, former world heavyweight champion Tim Witherspoon has said.
'Terrible' Tim, who held both the WBC and WBA titles during a successful 24-year career, has also backed 'The Hitman' to beat fellow British superstar Amir Khan should they ever meet in the squared circle.
Witherspoon was at the Madeley Court Hotel last night as the guest of honour at an evening of entertainment raising money for Telford & Wrekin Boxing Academy.
When asked whether Hatton should return to the ring, the former champion, who is most famous on this side of the Atlantic for stopping Frank Bruno in a world title defence at Wembley Stadium in 1986, said: "I think Ricky can come back and give it a try.
"He trained hard, he's dedicated. If he fights Amir Khan I'm actually thinking he'll beat him.
"Any fight with Khan or Kell Brook, that's going to be a big fight here and I think Ricky coming back will be good for British boxing. He's not beat up, he's in good shape. He's only 33."
Earlier this month Hatton announced his plans to return to the ring against an as-yet unnamed opponent on November 24 at the Manchester Arena after a hiatus of more than three years.
