Manchester to get it.
Unlike many of the maniacs who call themselves fight managers these days, Smitty actually showed restraint and intelligence concerning Hatton?s delicate decision whether to retire after getting smashed in less than six minutes by a Pinoy typhoon named Manny Pacquiao.
Instead of insulting the Hurtman, I mean Hitman, Smith did not throw any thunder from Down Under.
This, instead, is how Smith spoke to fight writer Craig Watt of Fightnews:
?It is up to Ricky ? we are here and prepared to come to the UK and his home town of Manchester but we know it is an important decision for him. All we can do is tell everyone we are willing and able to make this match.?
Hatton has said he will wait until sometime in June before announcing his decision. That?s a bright move since it?s something that merits careful consideration given the way Hatton got pounded by the Pacman.
The more thought that goes into the decision the more likely the popular Hatton is to stick to it.
So my count of managers with couth is up to two, the other being smooth Gary Gittlesohn, the LA lawyer and New York transplant who has done such a good job in moving another Pinoy star, Brian ?Hawaiian Punch? Viloria.
Full marks to Mr. Smith, indeed.
Michael is a former sports columnist at the New York Post. He was a criminal defense attorney and worked for sports legends Howard Cosell and Don King. Marley also operates BoxingConfidential.com. Email him your thoughts. He makes it a practice to always recommend Pacland and Philboxing
