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"Greatness" beckons for Hatton

20/02/2007

Ricky Hatton has been backed by his own trainer to install himself as Britain's greatest-ever boxer with victory over Jose Luis Castillo in June.

Billy Graham believes that the combination of the two boxers' styles will make for an entertaining fight with Hatton's legacy hanging on the outcome.

"This fight will show what I have been telling everybody for years - that Ricky is the greatest fighter to come out of this country," Graham said.

"I have got a lot of British idols but to me Ricky stands above all of them."

Mexican Castillo has recorded 55 wins in 63 bouts and made his name in a couple of brutal lightweight encounters with Diego Corrales.

His clash with Hatton represents the Mancunian's final fight in a three-match deal with American network HBO, and after failing to capture public attention stateside with a pair of unspectacular victories over Luis Collazo and Juan Urango in his first two contests, Hatton will be determined to put on a show.

"Castillo is a great fighter but not an awkward fighter and I think Ricky will really shine in this fight," Graham said.

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