Raring to go

LET’S HEAR IT FOR CRAIG... Oldham boxer Craig Watson receives the backing of Athletic boss Paul Dickov and his players on the eve of his big fight.

BOXING:

CRAIG Watson wants to go down in Oldham folklore by reclaiming the British welterweight title in front of his hometown fans tomorrow night.

Hatton Promotions present the first professional boxing show in the area for four years at Oldham Sports Centre, and Watson’s bout against Lee Purdy tops the bill.

Northside star Watson (28) was devastated to lose his belt to Essex-born Purdy at the Manchester Arena in April, when he was floored by a stinging right hand in the fifth round.

And he has vowed to send more than 1,000 supporters into raptures with a much-improved display against his 24-year-old opponent.

“I was not in good enough shape back in April and paid the price,” said Watson.

“This time I am fit and raring to go. I have had the break I should have taken last time and am ready to make up for my defeat in Manchester.

“Everyone knows how much it means to me to fight in Oldham — it is something I have been dreaming about for years.

“I want to make the people of Oldham proud by proving that people from this town can succeed in life.

“The fact tickets have been selling fast is a big boost, because it demonstrates this show has captured the imagination.

“I have spoken to a lot of people in the area. Some who have never watched boxing will be coming on Saturday night, so will those at both ends of the age scale, as well as men and women from different backgrounds — it will be a great mix.

“Many see this as a barbaric sport until they witness it for themselves, and realise it is based on skill and technical ability.”

Watson has spent this final week winding down after intense sparring sessions with local boxer Ronnie Heffron, who is also in action tomorrow night and Midlands warrior Thomas Costello.

While he has done his best to keep his mind off what promises to be a memorable occasion, he has been waxing lyrical about the man who made it possible.

He added: “I cannot thank Ricky Hatton and his team enough for bringing professional boxing back to the town.

“He has given me the chance to fight in front of friends and family in my own back yard. It is a night I will never forget.”




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