In honor of the recent passing of Hatton I figured it would be good time to appreciate one of the biggest wins in Hatton's career when he dethroned the great Kostya Tszyu 20 years ago in a memorable bout. This content is protected
It was an immense performance where Ricky really upped his game and he was never as good before or since. He constantly used speed, pressure, workrate and angles to overwhelm Tyszu and I do think he might have been able to beat a prime Tyszu too. He was immense that night However pre-Tyszu Hatton avoided most of the top 10 at 140lbs for years, including Mayweather (his first fight at 140 instead of Corley), Mitchell, Corley Witter, Harris and Judah. Post Tyszu he avoided Mayweather in the aftermath (Ricky's dad said they turned down 5 offers to face Mayweather before the did), Witter and others I forget
Ricky fought the perfect fight that night. He completely neutralized that straight right hand of Tzysu's and bullied him around the ring. I never thought I woukd see anyone at 140 out muscle Tzysu but Hatton did. Tzysu was beat up and completely spent going into the 12th round.
This is the fight that got me into boxing. Ricky was ridiculously strong at 140. He managed to regularly out muscle Tszyu who was a physical freak himself. One of the most memorable nights in British sporting history.
"THERES ONLY ONEEEEEEEE. RICKY HATTON. ONNNNNNNE RICKY HATTON. WALKING ALONG SINGING A SONG WALKING IN THE WINTER WONDERLAND!"