Ricky Hatton: Momentum the aim to continue Brett McGinty's rise

Ricky Hatton wants Brett McGinty to build momentum and continue his rise.

The St Johnston man overcame Alessandro Ruggiero on points at the National Stadium on Saturday night to extend his pro record to 6-0.

After a long wait for his pro debut, due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, McGinty fought four times in his first year in the paid ranks.

The 24-year-old has fought just twice in the last year, a win over Genadij Krajevskij in May and Saturday's decision against Italian journeyman Ruggiero.

Domestic title now the aim for Brett McGinty

After a points win over Alessandro Ruggiero on Saturday, Brett McGinty, now 6-0, wants to start moving into title territory

“I love working with him,” McGinty's coach Hatton told Donegal Live.

“He's a great talent, a great kid. We just want to keep him busy now. He had some momentum at the start and we'd like to go back to that again.”

Boxing legend Hatton, who won world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, returned to the ring the previous week for an exhibition with Marco Antonio Barrera at the Manchester Arena.

McGinty shared the ring for some sparring with his coach ahead of that bout.

Hatton believes Saturday's clash with the rugged Ruggiero will stand to McGinty.

“That's a box ticked and six scheduled rounds done at pace,” Hatton said.

“That's what he needed. When he gets up there, there will be people who have the same talent as him and are just as tough. That's when you find out about yourself as a fighter.

“That's a good step on the ladder. Brett was well on top, but it was a good learning moment.”

McGinty hurt his left hand during the fourth round and was effectively one-handed for the last two rounds.

However, he came out on top in front of a huge home support.

Hatton said: “He switched on in the last round with a good, tight guard. You don't jut tire people with the punches that you're landing. Sometimes, the tight guard and moving around has the same affect.

“It's very rare to fight journeymen and they just stand there and have it out with you.

“After the last fight, Brett said to me: 'These journeymen, they don't throw enough and they don't even try to win'.

“He got a man there who stuck with it and tried. You wouldn't believe how tough some of these fighters can be.”