We spoke to Boston Irish-American fighter Danny O’Connor. Fresh of the back of a comprehensive victory on the 24th May, Boston’s Danny told us his favourites in boxing and why Ricky Hatton is the perfect embodiment of raw determination.

Interviewer – Paddy Appleton

-favourite current fighter and why

Not sure if I have a current fighter but my favourite fighter is for sure Ricky Hatton, even though he’s recently retired I’ll have to choose him. I respect Ricky for being just a regular guy and I loved watching him battle like so many others did.

-favourite fighter of all time and why

My favourite of all time are Hatton, Wayne McCullough and Pernell Whitaker. When people describe boxing as an art form it’s a fighter like Pernell that are examples of this with his graceful movements and strategic boxing skills. You could not land on that guy.

-favourite fight of all time and why

Oh, that is such a tough question there are so many for me; I’d say Hatton vs. Tszyu probably, that was a great night for boxing, especially over there in Britain. I have always loved that fight, the way Hatton was like a hungry lion & the atmosphere of the crowd to make the fight what it was. I can only imagine what it would have been like to be at the fight in person but it was a classic to watch on television.

-favourite venue to fight at and why

My favourite venue is anywhere in Boston of course! There’s no better feeling then fighting at home and the Boston crowds love their boxing.

-any person in history who you would like to get in the ring and why, doesn’t have to be a boxer

The last question is a tough one; I don’t really have anyone that I fancy beating up. I guess anyone that stands in the path to my world championship dream, whoever that might be. I’m an easy going guy with no hate in my heart. I fight to better the life for my family & win belts it’s as simple as that.