After a 15-year spell in the professional ranks that included a number of high-profile contests either side of the pond, Ricky Hatton will forever be known as one of England's most popular fighters, but it was on this day 10 years ago that the legendary Mancunian enjoyed the finest night of his illustrious career.
Hatton had spent a number of years successfully defending his WBU light-welterweight title as he amassed an unbeaten record of 38 matches, but he hadn't challenged for one of the recognised world belts before he agreed a deal to face IBF champion Kostya Tszyu, who was regarded as one of the best pound-for-pound boxers in the world after spending a decade at the top of the division.
The bout would take place at the Manchester Evening News Arena, but given the magnitude of the fight, it would not begin until the early hours of the morning in England to accommodate American television channel Showtime. That didn't stop 22,000 fans from cramming inside the arena, hoping to witness their favourite son finally elevating himself among the elite at 140lbs.
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The opening round began at a ferocious pace, with Hatton intent on crowding Tszyu at every opportunity. The Australian didn't look comfortable with being pressured relentlessly by Hatton, but he was still catching the challenger with shots as he waded in. After an even first three minutes, Hatton was momentarily rocked by a left at the start of the second but he responded superbly, landing three uppercuts that got Tsyzu's attention as he spent the rest of the session on the back foot.
However, the classier work in the third came from Tszyu, who was showing signs that he was adjusting to the come-forward style of Hatton that was perhaps becoming predictable to the talented champion. The fourth followed a similar pattern, but both men could lay claim to taking the round after connecting with hurtful shots during the second part of the stanza.
Hatton found himself in trouble in the opening seconds of the fifth, though. Tsyzu immediately landed with a crushing right hand that forced Hatton to hold before he picked the Englishman off for a second time when he attempted a wild left hook. The sixth began in the same way but on this occasion, Hatton absorbed Tsyzu's shots before unloading half-a-dozen punches that almost put the champion down against the ropes.
The seventh proved hard to score with neither man giving an inch as they looked to take control before the championship rounds, but a low blow from Tsyzu saw the action come to a brief halt, which probably benefited both men after a breathless 20 minutes. However, Tsyzu was visibly struggling during the eighth after being on the receiving end of several left hands from Hatton, and as the round came to a close, he looked happy to make it back to his stool.
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Tsyzu's output and movement was slowing considerably, but with Hatton beginning to get on top, he was handed a lifeline after being on the end of a low blow which gave him time to regroup towards the end of the round. It wasn't enough to stem the Hatton tide though, and throughout the 10th the end looked near for Tsyzu when he took a number of heavy punches from the challenger, who looked the fresher of the two men.
The penultimate round of what had been an enthralling encounter saw Hatton continue to plough forward without landing the same punches that hurt his opponent during the previous three minutes. Tsyzu was struggling though, and despite making it through to the bell, a consultation with his corner resulted in the towel being thrown in by his trainer. Jubilant scenes in the Hatton camp ensued as they savoured the realisation that the 27-year-old had joined the list of British world champions.
The triumph would lead to Hatton becoming a major name in worldwide boxing, with three of his next four outings taking place in the States as he enhanced his reputation ahead of his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. Hatton would eventually lose to the unbeaten American in December 2007, and although he hit back with victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi, a devastating second-round defeat to Manny Pacquiao effectively brought his career to an end.
Darren Plant
