Boxing: Kenny Anderson in frame for link with Hatton

CAPITAL super-middleweight boxer Kenny Anderson and former WBA featherweight champion Barry McGuigan have ended their informal management agreement by mutual consent, paving the way for Anderson to cut a deal with Ricky Hatton.

Anderson, who won a British title eliminator warm-up bout last month in Glasgow against Gambian Patrick Mendy, said: "Barry and I have parted by mutual consent and on good terms after I decided after talks with Ricky Hatton that he could fast-track me towards title fights as I've been told that he will get me plenty of ring action.

"I will I box my British super-middleweight eliminator against Liverpool's Carl Dilks, possibly on 28 May, under Ricky's guidance.

"Hatton Promotions have told me that they plan to put in a purse bid on Monday to stage the fight between Dilks and I. I'd like to stress that I will still be coached by Kevin Maree and also that I am grateful for all the support that Barry McGuigan provided me leading up to the Mendy bout last month.''

A spokesman for McGuigan added: "Kenny Anderson and Barry McGuigan ended their informal arrangement by mutual consent and on good terms.''

Meanwhile, Leith Victoria heavyweight Steve Simmons claimed that his 6-3 points defeat yesterday by Albanian opponent Christian Demaj in Ankara in the Multi-Nations tournament was a "a complete travesty".

"The guy slapped throughout the contest and the judges seemed to score his slaps as legitimate blows," he added.

"Demaj also hid for most of the bout behind a high guard while I did most of the real punching so the verdict was a liberty."