• Boxing

Hatton is cannon fodder for Alvarez - Roach

ESPN staff
March 4, 2011
Matthew Hatton gets a shot at a world title against Saul Alvarez © Getty Images
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Matthew Hatton's "embarrassing" title shot has been sanctioned in order to gift Saul Alvarez a world belt, according to Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach.

Hatton and Alvarez will compete for the WBC light-middleweight strap, which has been vacated by Pacquiao, despite making a name for themselves in the welterweight division.

Alvarez is the overwhelming favourite, having compiled a 36-fight unbeaten record, while Hatton has spent most of his career competing at domestic and European level.

But Roach, who also coaches Amir Khan, believes that neither is worthy of world honours. "You know I'm really surprised they made that a title shot. I mean the calibre of fighters that they've faced is not world class and I'm very, very shocked that they made that a title fight," Roach told the On the Ropes radio show.

"I think it's embarrassing to boxing because he hasn't proven himself, Hatton. His brother has. We know who he is. They're just giving Saul Alvarez a title."

Hatton's camp are concerned that Alvarez will weigh-in at above the pre-arranged 150lb limit, four pounds lighter than the normal maximum at light-middleweight, but the Brit has apparently ruled out the prospect of walking away from the clash.

"Alvarez is a fantastic prospect but I genuinely believe at this point I am the better fighter," Hatton said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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