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Hatton claims welterweight title

14/05/2006

Ricky Hatton claimed the WBA welterweight title in his first fight in the division after a unanimous points decision win over Luis Collazo in Boston.

The Manchester Hitman exploded out of the blocks and had his American opponent on the canvas inside the first ten seconds of the fight.

However, Collazo recovered to last the distance but all three judges awarded the fight to Hatton, 115-112, 115-112, 114-113.

"I was absolutely positive I'd won it at the end as every round was close or competitive but I felt I had the edge," Hatton said.

"Knocking him down that early was probably the worst thing I could have done because I went in to finish him but he's a good fighter and it certainly wasn't comfortable but I felt when I needed to up it, I did so."

After the blistering start, Hatton dominated the first two rounds but couldn't take advantage of his early knockdown and Collazo slowly pulled his way back into the fight.

Collazo's greater experience at the weight slowly begun to tell as the fight progressed, and while Hatton worked hard, he couldn't find his range and when the American connected, his power looked to trouble the 27-year-old Briton.

This was especially so towards the end of the fight and in the 12th round, Hatton was lucky to survive a good combination by Collazo but he made it to the bell and took the win on points.

"Hatton was out on his feet in the 12th and I thought I out-boxed him and was stronger," Collazo said.

"I thought a guy had to do more than he did to take my title."

Collazo immediately called for a rematch and Hatton said that he would welcome another fight.

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