VIVIAN Harris has started a war of words with Ricky Hatton, calling the Manchester boxer a "big mouth" and offering a '27,000 side-bet on the outcome of their October clash.

The two men meet in what will be the first truly big battle of Hatton's career at the Manchester Evening News Arena on October 2.

And Harris, who says he will love fighting in front of a partisan crowd that is expected to top 20,000, had a few harsh words for the unbeaten light-welterweight Hitman.

Hatton has built a reputation on fierce body punching, mixed in with big shots to the head, but Harris dismisses the Hyde man's record of 26 knockouts in 36 winning fights.

"To be honest with you, I don't think he has any power so it doesn't really concern me," said the New York-based Guyanan.

"He is a great fighter to the fighters that he has fought before so I give him credit for that. But, he has never fought Vivian Harris, so I am not worried about that. I am a totally different fighter."

Fighting talk

Harris turned down a '160,000 purse for a re-match with Germany-based Turk Oktay Urkal, after beating him on points three months ago, when Hatton's promoter Frank Warren waved the cheque book.

He claimed that Urkal and his promoters tried to cheat him out of his World Boxing Association title, but has no qualms about crossing the Atlantic to defend the belt again. He said: "I will fight in England because the Ricky Hatton fight is a fight that I've never fought before, and I want it. I have already beaten Urkal in his country.

"I'll go to Hatton in England because he won't come to America to fight me, so I'm going to England and fight him. He talks a lot of rubbish and I am definitely going to shut his mouth.

"I don't have a prediction, but I'll guarantee I'll be the winner. And if Ricky wants to put up $50,000 I'll bet Ricky that he's not winning this fight October 2.

"I'll bet $50,000 of my purse that I'll beat Ricky Hatton that night. I don't care if I stop him or go to the decision I'm going to be the winner that night.

"And I don't care where I'm at. That's why I'm going to England for him.

"Ricky Hatton has a lot of mouth. All you have to do is fight Vivian Harris and stop playing games. I am willing to fight the best in the world, and I'm going to prove to the world that I'm the best."

The tirade will amuse Hatton, who, rather than being the braggart portrayed by Harris, is known throughout boxing for the respect he shows opponents.

Harris has started the war of words, but who will win the fight? Have your say.

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