While Ricky Hatton was to be the fighting in his hometown, many believed he didn't have a prayer against the wily veteran Kostya Tszyu. After all, it wasn't too long before this that Tszyu handed Zab Judah his first defeat and stopped the great Julio Cesar Chavez, so he was a quality operator at world level.
Hatton at this time was a rising star, but he had many critics. The anti-Hattons constantly knocked his defence, and even his ability to take punches, but after all was said and done on 4th June 2005, even his worst critics had to admit he was world class.
How Tszyu vs. Hatton Went
Hatton started fast and immediately went to work on the body. He knew he needed to be on the inside, and made sure he got there, hooking all the time along the way.
In round two, the uppercuts were working well for Hatton and Tszyu still hadn't really got into the fight. The workrate of 'the Hitman' was very good, and Tszyu just couldn't get the fight on his terms.
Tszyu probably took the third session, as he managed to find a home for his right hand. However, Hatton managed to land what was easily the best punch of the fight so far - a bruising right hook to the body.
Hatton edged the fourth and fifth rounds. Tszyu was being patient and countering at every opportunity, but Hatton was initiating the action and working well on the inside.
The sixth was very even though. Tszyu was rocked at the start of the round after a flurry left him flailing on the ropes, but Hatton admired his work after that, and let Tszyu land a few shots and get back into the round.
Ricky Hatton was on the floor in the seventh, but thankfully for the Manchester contingent, it was only after a low blow. However, Tszyu took the round nontheless, as he consistently caught Hatton coming in.
Tszyu probably took the eighth as well. Hatton started well, and connected with some good lefts, but Tszyu grew in confidence as the round went on and hit Hatton with a few meaty looking shots.
A low blow floored a fighter once again in the ninth round, but this time it was Tszyu. Unfortunately for him, he also lost the round, and was starting to struggle with the pace Hatton was setting.
Hatton's work on the inside was excellent in the tenth, and he started to connect with more head shots. Signs were showing that Tszyu was fading.
Tszyu had one last gasp effort at the start of round eleven, but after that it was all Ricky Hatton. He mauled his opponent on the inside and hit the disorganised Tszyu with some really heavy head shots.
After this round, Tszyu quit on his stool, meaning Ricky Hatton had fulfilled his ambition of becoming a 'world champion'.
The Implications of Hatton vs. Tszyu
This was to be Kostya Tszyu's last fight, and it signalled the end of a glorious career. He had outstanding wins in the amateur and professional ranks, and he always guaranteed entertainment, but it was now time to pass the torch.
Ricky Hatton was to be the recipient of that torch, and this fight really made others take notice of him as a force to be reckoned with at world level. Without this fight, Ricky Hatton wouldn't be the multi-millionaire he is today, as by winning this, he proved he was the real deal.
How To Watch Hatton vs. Tszyu
Hatton vs. Tszyu was this week's 'Classic Fight of the Week'. Please visit my profile page for details on how to watch this, or any of the fights previously covered in this column.
