Hatton's credit cruncher
Described as anything from a pocket Mike Tyson to the new Ricky Hatton – Denton Vassell is giving a new meaning to the phrase credit crunch.
Banker by day, prize-fighter by night, the big-hitting 25-year-old competes for his first major title tomorrow night when he faces Lee Purdy for the vacant Commonwealth welterweight crown.
And promoter and fully-converted fan, Hatton, believes it will be the first of many for a man he describes as British boxing’s best kept secret.
“He’s pure excitement,” said the Hitman. “I’ve been keeping an eye on him in the gym and he’s easy to work with because his style is a mirror image of mine.
“His talent is endless, but we don’t want to rush him.
“He’s only fought 14 fights. After 12 fights the only title I’d won was the Central Area. He is a work in progress, but he is a world champion of the future.”
It’s lofty praise for Vassell, who is yet to fight beyond six rounds and takes part in his first 12-rounder at Wigan’s Robin Park Arena.
But having bided his time working the phones for HSBC in Salford, while also honing his skills in the gym, he is convinced he is about to set the boxing world alight.
“I’ve been fighting for three years and been on the back-burner for a bit, but this is my time shine and I’m going to grab it with both hands,” he said.
“Maybe I’ve been unlucky or a late bloomer but I’m here now and that’s all that matters.