Theophane: I will bounce back from Hatton snub

Theophane, a 32-year-old Londoner with a record of 32-5-1, hoped to continue his bounce back from a points defeat to Darren Hamilton in May with a victory at November’s Manchester Arena card.

But after his bout was removed from the bill due to an overrun of other supporting bouts, reports circulated of a falling out between the light-welterweight and Hatton Promotions higher-ups.

Theophane told Eurosport-Yahoo! that while losing the chance to fight was frustrating, he remains optimistic about his future.

He said: “After weeks of training and a real burning desire to get back in the ring, it all fell flat, but it was Ricky’s night.

“I’m now fully focused on 2013 – there will be changes, and positive ones at that.”

Theophane, a regular Eurosport-Yahoo! reader, has had the honour of training with both Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.

And the former British and International champion feels what he learned from the two legendary welters will always keep him within reach of further glory in his career.

“Training at the Wildcard Gym and the Mayweather Gym have been two great experiences for me,” Theophane explained.

“Freddie Roach was so warm and welcoming, he invited me to watch Manny Pacquiao's private training and sparring sessions.

“It’s been said that I can ‘over train’ sometimes, but what people don't know is that I have taken many of my training routines from watching Manny and Floyd train.

“That is why they are the best. They push themselves to their limits and beyond, so to normal fighters and trainers they are overdoing it, when in reality they are just on another level.”

He continued: “I was never an amateur standout, but two of the National champions from my era in the amateurs, Lenny Daws and Nigel Wright, never achieved half of what I have as a professional.

“My guess is that's because I have totally dedicated myself to the sport, and made sacrifices that many wouldn’t. That is the main reason why I have achieved what I have.

“I've achieved everything without a promoter backing me, without finance behind me.

“Imagine what I could do with a promoter backing me the way Frank Warren, Mick Hennessey or Eddie Hearn can get behind their fighters. The sky would be the limit. I've already shown that I deliver in the big fights.”