The talk in boxing

As Ricky Hatton begins to think seriously about his career-definer against world light-welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu in June, Talk offers the 'Hit Man' a timely boost in the form of a prediction from Hall of Fame trainer Emanuel Steward.
The man credited with taking Lennox Lewis to the undisputed heavyweight title reveals: "I'm going with Hatton. I like his activity level. Hatton is the bigger man and his style can give Tszyu problems. It's the right time for Ricky."

Tonya's bum of the month

FIGHT FRIGHT 1: the word out of Florida is that disgraced Olympic skater Tonya 'Bad Girl' Harding, whose new career as a professional boxer has so far resulted in three wins, three defeats and a nocontest, is next to take on female impersonator known by the moniker 'Daisy D', at an establishment called Beach Bums in Fort Lauderdale next month.

Lubandi's 'magic' result

FIGHT FRIGHT 2: Controversy in Zambia where Congolese champion Lubandi Mamba Mulozi stands accused of using black magic against opponent Willie Nkandu and the referee.
Even before a punch was thrown Nkandu said he felt as though he had been hit. The bout was then abandoned when the referee collapsed. An official insisted: "It is believed magic was used."

Ruthless Moli a bully boy

Don't expect a clean fight when British heavyweight champion Matt Skelton challenges for the vacant WBU title against Argentina's Fabio Moli at Wembley Conference Centre next Friday. Moli's promoter Mario Arano, who claims Moli has been wrestling with bulls, said: "He doesn't care where he hits or with what: elbows, head, high or low."

Lee has Beijing business

While whispers link Amir Khan with a switch to the professional ranks, London-born Irish Olympian Andy Lee has pledged his future to the amateur sport until the Beijing Games in 2008.
Lee, the 20-year-old middleweight who was Ireland's boxer in Athens, said: "I want to give the Games another shot. There's unfinished business to attend to."

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