DENTON FIGHTING TO GET OVER
DAD
DENTON VASSELL has revealed that he been preparing for his first
Commonwealth welterweight title defence despite his dad's
death.
The unbeaten Mancunian's dad Mansell died earlier this year, but
Denton bravely decided to push ahead with Saturday's (March 26th
2011) clash against Namibian Bethuel Ushona.
Vassell said: "People are saying 'do this for your dad', but I
don't want to put that sort of pressure on myself because at the
end of the day I know he is proud of me."
Mansell rarely watched his son fight, although Denton's mum,
Janet DaSilva is her boy's number one fan.
The fast emerging Hatton Promotions star added: "Dad never
really liked me boxing but was proud I worked in a bank and loved
it when people would say to him; 'Your Denton is doing well'.
"He was pleased I had a good happy lifestyle and used to say he
was glad I wasn't on the streets fighting, selling drugs. I was
doing something good and making something of my life.
"My mum goes to most of my fights, but my dad never liked
watching me. It was weird."
Ushona, 29, is undefeated in 23 fights, and holds a win over
countryman Ali Nuumbembe who was formerly based in Manchester.
The cocky challenger said: "I haven't even bothered looking at
Vassell. I will work him out inside a round.
"I am one of the best welterweights in the world so what he can
do doesn't concern me."
Vassell who has 16 professional fights won the Commonwealth
crown in a thriller against Purdy last April.
In the chief supporting bout unbeaten hopefuls Matty Askin and
Neil Dawson slug it out for the vacant Central Area cruiserweight
title.
Other action packed clashes feature Tom Doran, Adam Little, Rhys
Roberts. Jez Wilson, Jazza Dickinson and Tom Shaw
Tickets for this big night of title action are available £30,
£55 (Ringside) and £75 VIP Ringside, www.brandhatton.com / 0844
847 2500 / 0161 775 7500
29/03/2011 11:57:25