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Boxing

Hatton loses unbeaten record

09/12/2007

Ricky Hatton lost his unbeaten record after being floored by Floyd Mayweather in the tenth round during their bout in Las Vegas last night.

The 29-year-old Mancunian had started the fight well, hitting the WBC welterweight champion with two powerful right hands in the first round, but Mayweather's speed proved crucial as he began to overpower Hatton in the middle rounds before sending him to the canvas twice in the tenth.

The hometown fighter had built up a huge points advantage by the time the fight was stopped and with Hatton dizzied by the accuracy of Mayweather's jabs, the brave British boxer was knocked down by two powerful left hooks before referee Joe Cortez called the fight.

"I felt alright tonight, really big and strong but I left myself open," Hatton said after the fight. "He's better inside than I thought, with all the elbows and shoulders and forearms he used.

"I didn't quite stick to my game-plan. He's not the biggest welterweight I've fought but he was very strong. I don't think he was the hardest puncher tonight but he was a lot more clever than I expected. I'll be back, don't worry."

After retaining his belt, Mayweather paid tribute to his opponent, saying: "He was definitely the toughest competitor I've ever faced."

He added: "I was throwing body shots and he kept coming. I see now why they call him the Hitman. I feel like one of my last fights I gave the fans a dud so I wanted to give back and give the fans a great fight."

Though official figures estimated the British attendance at the MGM Grand Arena at 4,000, tourism heads suggested there may have been three times as many fans backing the Hitman.

A valiant Hatton added: "I'm the best at light-welter and I fought the best at welter. I'd rather give praise to my opponent. My pride is hurt more than the punches."

It is thought his loss could have saved British bookmakers £10 million.