-Photo Credit: D M Warr/DKP-

     Until last night Ricky Hatton had not fought on U.S. soil since June 10th of 2000 when he stopped Gilbert Quiros in the second round in Detroit Michigan.  The TD Banknorth Garden in Boston, Mass. hosted WBA welterweight champion Luis Collazo against challenger Ricky Hatton. The fight would be Hatton's first at welterweight and even though he was the challenger, all attention was placed on him.

       When the opening bell sounded, it appeared the fight might be over as soon as it started, with Collazo being sent to the canvas within the first 15 seconds of the fight. Collazo easily made it back to his feet and fought hard for the next 12 rounds.

       Ricky Hatton's buzz-saw style looked good in the early rounds, where he threw punches to Collazo's head and body. The southpaw, showing why he is the champion, changed his game plan and started to frustrate Hatton in the middle rounds. With Collazo taking over, Hatton's high-pressure style began to slow down, giving Collazo the chance to box from the inside and outside.

       In the late rounds the momentum swung back and forth like a clock pendulum, with each fighter stepping up his game. Hatton's in your face style would take over, earning him a round and before you know it the slick style of Collazo would once again show earning him a round. Going into the last round both fighters came out knowing the scorecards were close, but it was Collazo who seized control and had Hatton hurt. Hatton did everything he could to hang on and it worked as he was still on his feet as the final bell rang. 

       The fight was close and easily could have been a draw or either man winning by a point or two but when the final scorecards were read Ricky Hatton was the unanimous decision winner by scores of 115-112 twice and 114-113. Who's next for Ricky Hatton is unsure but you can bet it will be a big fight we can all look forward to.

 
 5-13-2006