Jason Harborow to organise Ricky Hatton's biggest fight

Apr 23 2008 by David Bartlett, Liverpool Daily Post

HE WAS tasked with delivering Liverpool’s showcase Capital of Culture year.

But now after Jason Harborow’s departure from his role of chief executive at the Culture Company, he is helping to put on one of the biggest events Manchester has ever seen.

He has swapped the ding-dong of Liverpool’s political scene to organise Europe’s biggest ever boxing fight – Ricky Hatton v Juan Lazcano.

Hatton will defend his IBO light-welterwight title in his return to the ring following December’s maiden defeat by American great Floyd Mayweather.

Since stepping down from Liverpool City Council in January with a £230,000 pay-off, Mr Harborow has set up an international consultancy from his new home in Murcia, in Spain.

He has spent the last couple of months working with Ricky Hatton’s father, Ray, to make sure the fight at the City of Manchester Stadium in May goes without a hitch.

“It came about in February when I was asked to be part of the group of people that work with team Hatton,” Mr Harborow said last night.

“I have been helping to get the venue sorted, and working on some of the operational aspects in advance and supporting the promoters.”

He is no stranger to the City of Manchester Stadium or the city itself, having worked as commercial general manager on the Commonwealth Games held there in 2002.

Originally from Chorley, Mr Harborow cut his teeth in the sports departments at Chorley Council and Wigan Council.

“It will be second biggest fight in the history of boxing, and the biggest fight ever in Europe.

“It is very enjoyable work, it is great to be involved in world class boxing and the sporting world again.”

Hatton will take on Mexican Lazacno on Saturday, May 24, in what is being dubbed his “homecoming” fight.

Ethical standards officers are currently investigating claims from Mr Harborow that he was forced out of his £150,000-a-year job in Liverpool by council leader Warren Bradley, in the wake of the cancellation of last year’s Mathew Street festival.

He recently spent two hours giving evidence to the Standards Board for England.

The board is also investigating claims from former events manager Lee Forde that Cllr Bradley and regeneration leader Mike Storey conspired to remove Mr Harborow from his post.

Upon his departure from the council Mr Harborow said there were time when he had felt “bullied and intimidated” and said Cllr Bradley had made his position untenable, claims denied by the Town Hall leader.

davidbartlett