Ricky Hatton won back his old IBF light-welterweight world title last night after a grinding a points victory over the previously unbeaten Juan Urango in Las Vegas.
Although Hatton was given 119-109 verdicts on all three of the boxing judges scorecards, I thought he could have done better.
Hatton seemed to fade a bit in the final couple of rounds and he was pushed to the limit by Urango.
Also Hatton looked like his right arm was giving him some grief, from a previous injury, as during the fight he began to rely more and more and his left.
But overall Hatton showed some really good footwork and movement against Urango’s “come forward” boxing style.
This was a good start for Hatton on this his Las Vegas début and he used his left uppercut very effectively against the advancing Urango.
He only really looked in trouble in the fifth round when a big right hand from Urango saw him lose his balance for a moment. Also in the last few round it looked like Urango was getting the upper hand and Hatton seemed relived to hear the final bell. He gave himself 7/10 for his performance and said he will have to do better in the future.
Regarding the possibility of a summer boxing match against Jose Luis Castillo, Hatton said that it would be a hard fight: “I don’t think it will be a dancing competition,” he predicted. “But I’m doing what I always wanted to do – to come and unify belts. I’m doing that.”
So if Hatton wants unification boxing fights, then surely as well as Castillo, Witter should also be in Hatton’s sights, as the WBC light-welterweight world boxing champion?
What do you think is the next step for Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton?
Also, what did you make of his boxing performance on Saturday night?
Witter should be in Hatton’s sights but I think he wants to fight castillo first.
Hatton seems to be avoiding Witter and I dont know why…???
Witter is the WBC world boxing champion and Hatton says he wants unification bouts so why doesnt he want to fight Witter and win that light-welterweight title as well as part of his unification campain???
Comment by *MIKEY* — January 21, 2007 @ 6:38 pm
Simple fact is witter is not a class act HBO don’t want to see him and he is simply bagging hatton for a massive payday for himself. I don’t see what Hatton gains. Witter is not a fight he needs he can only lose from his position.
Witter isn’t even in the same orbit let alone league yet and maybe should fight some more big names before he gets the chance at such a prize. The amount of crap he has said about Hatton for years I would love to see him get knocked out but I wouldn’t want him to get what he doesn’t deserve. IMO he didn’t look good either on Saturday and talks a lot more of a fight than actually doing it.
Comment by ScrewWitter — January 23, 2007 @ 3:09 pm
I think “Screwitter” is right.
Witter needs to win some more high quality boxing matches against big names or better opponents before hatton can take him seriously.
Comment by Sam — January 23, 2007 @ 5:02 pm
Dave thanks for stopping by Ring around the World. I just put a video comment post up but I thought I would show you some love by commenting here.
Personally I have not really seen what others see in Hatton when it comes to in-ring skill. True he may be great as a person but as a boxer I am reminded of a pub/bar room fighter more than a boxer.
He only won because his opponent was NOT throwing punches. I felt Hatton should have had points taken away in the later rounds for holding. But a win is a win. He was put to the test when he faught Collazo but won because he held a lot.
If he keeps on fighting here in the states trust he will be put to the test.
Comment by Sean M. Crawford Sr. — January 24, 2007 @ 3:27 am
Yes Hatton is not a very stylish boxer, but his “fighter” style is winning him fights and titles so you can’t knock him for that.
However if he comes up against someone who can really box well then he his in trouble and a great boxer will beat a great fighter any day of the week…we just need a decent boxer for him to fight.
Comment by Dave — January 24, 2007 @ 9:37 am