Harrison gets Hitman help

Dean Harrison revealed how Ricky 'Hitman' Hatton helped him produce the best fight of his life after outpointing six-time world title challenger Rakhim Mingaleev.

The superb Scotlands light-welter prospect won every round on referee Terry O'Connor's scorecard, beating the 39-year-old Ukrainian 60-54 over six-threes for his ninth straight win. Bricklayer Harrison, who had been given two weeks off to train for the fight, clearly used the time well as he easily bridged the step up in class.

"I've trained for 16 weeks and I couldn't have had better preparation," said Harrison, who spent time training at the Hattons' gym in Manchester.

"Ricky has been teaching me different kinds of techniques, like how to take me rests, how to put my opponent under pressure and what shots to throw.

"I watched him on the bag and I could watch him all day because his bagwork and the angles he makes are brilliant. He's told me to go up there whenever I want."

Harrison added: "It was my best performance Ð considering his calibre, I totally outboxed him.

"He was small and hard to hit Ð he was moaning as it looked like I was catching him with my head, but it was the only way he could get at me. I got caught with a couple of daft shots, but I thought I boxed brilliantly.

"I could have easily done another six rounds - it was the fittest I've ever felt, I wasn't even breathing hard. I could have fought again.

"I've felt more tired after one of my runs in the morning. Having those two weeks off work has helped as I've been able to train three times a day.

"I know everyone has to work for a living, but itÕs one of my aims to be able to do this full-time."

After a tentative start, Harrison produced a fine left to the head in the second round to leave Mingaleev blinking, before cutting his nose in the third.

Harrison remained on top, and after catching his opponent with two fierce left jabs to the head in the fourth he comfortably kept Mingaleev at bay.