Theophane furious over cancelled fight
Kilburn’s Ashley Theophane claims Ricky Hatton’s promotional company is in breach of contract after his planned fight at the weekend was cancelled at the last minute.
Theophane was due to face Chris Truman at the Manchester Arena on the undercard of Hatton’s unsuccessful return to the ring.
He signed with Hatton Promotions earlier this year and says he does not blame the popular former world champion for the events of Saturday night.
Instead his anger has been directed towards the company’s director of boxing Richard Poxon, who Theophane says is responsible for what he branded “a shambles”.
The former British light-welterweight champion says he was initially told his would be the third fight on the bill and was later informed he would be on after Hatton’s clash with Vyacheslav Senchenko.
In the end, a curfew meant Theophane did not enter the ring, leaving the 32-year-old furious – not least because his trainer had travelled from New York to be in his corner.
He believes Poxon ensured two fighters he manages, Adam Etches and Scott Jenkins, were prioritised so that their bouts went ahead.
“I was told at 12.10am when I was warming up to fight that I wouldn’t get on due to the curfew,” said Theophane.
He added: “My team paid for my travel expenses to Manchester which should be paid for by Hattons.
“Hattons were supposed to have transport for me to and from the venue but none was given.
“Ricky is not to blame for this. He has employed people to do a job.”
Poxon told West London Sport that Theophane had been paid in full.
He also pointed out that fights being cancelled because of curfews is an unfortunate but accepted part of boxing.
“It’s always disappointing when a fighter doesn’t get on but I’m afraid these things do happen,” said Poxon.
“There was a curfew and it was simply the case that there wasn’t time for four of the fights to go ahead.
“The others have accepted this, because it’s part of boxing, and the only one who has complained is Ashley.
“It was always the case that we had title fights plus the Ricky Hatton fight that would be on television and we would put on whatever other fights we could.
“It’s disappointing for Ashley and the other fighters that didn’t get on but they know this can happen in boxing and they were paid.”
Theophane confirmed he had been paid, but insisted: “It’s about timekeeping and basic organisation.
“I was told I was fight number three, so I definitely should have been on. You have a schedule and you should stick to it.”
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