Billy Joe Saunders hails influence of childhood hero Hatton in corner as he eyes second world title win
BILLY JOE SAUNDERS loves having childhood hero Ricky Hatton in his corner for his shot at a second world title.
The 29-year-old southpaw fights Shefat Isufi for the WBO super-middleweight belt on May 18, just weeks after joining Tyson Fury’s trainer Ben Davison, who works out of the Hitman’s Manchester base.
Two-weight icon Hatton is attracting most of Britain’s top Traveller talent to his sweatbox, with Nathan Gorman and Tyson’s little brother Tommy under his wing and Isaac Lowe in the team.
And Saunders revealed exactly what it is about the 40-year-old fans’ favourite that has got the Gypsy fighters settled in his spot.
Saunders said: “Ricky is a real down-to-earth fella and he was one of my idols growing up, you can be in nothing but awe of him.
“In this camp already he has picked out a couple of pointers for me and I have taken them on board, he’s like a senior member of the team because he has been there and done it.
It’s always nice to have talks with someone who has been there and done it
Billy Joe Saunders on Ricky Hatton
“Ricky sees little things and has his say and he has a real good relationship Ben and Ricky Hatton just appeals to all of us.”
Hatton was a crucial part of Fury’s corner when the Gypsy King drew with WBC champ Deontay Wilder in December.
And the Manchester City nut has already provided expert wisdom for Fury’s next fight on June 15 fight with Tom Schwarz.
Saunders said: “It’s always nice to have talks with someone who has been there and done it.
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“I heard him talking Tyson recently about his plan to stay at the MGM for his next fight but Ricky said the air con there blocks you up and you don’t sleep well.
“That really is insider information that you cannot buy and cannot have without experience.
“He has walked this tightrope many times and knows all the places you can slip up, so you can only learn from that and I have really enjoyed learning off him, he is a real inspiration to me.”