Tszyu Bout Could Be Hatton's Final Shot

Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton sees his upcoming June 4th mega bout with Kostya Tszyu as giving the British boxing scene the proper boost it needs. Hatton sees the Tszyu bout as something that will inspire the British boxing fans and younger British fighters to follow their dreams. "It's just going to give everyone a boost. I am doing it for myself, but I'm also doing it for the country and all the fight fans. And hopefully this will inspire young boxers coming up through the ranks to think - if Ricky Hatton can do it, why can't I do it?" Hatton said to Sky Sports News. Although Hatton will be the underdog in this bout, he knows that the British fans will load the arena to support him in his fight with the best junior welterweight in the world. "He took the pressure to him and that's my game, really - to come out fighting and take it to him. I know I'm up against it and I know I'm the underdog, but I couldn't be more confident to be honest with you." Hatton has piled up a very impressive 38-0 record with 28 wins by knockout, this includes wins over the always tough Ben Tackie and Tszyu conqueror Vince Phillips. On the other hand, Hatton has not faced any fighter on the level of Kostya Tszyu or even close. Tszyu, after being away from the ring for almost two years, looked like a rejuvenated fighter in his three round destruction of Sharmba Mitchell last year. Hatton was very close to signing a deal to fight Sharmba Mitchell in 2004 but, the negotiations fell apart when the two sides could not come to terms on money or the fight location. Hatton has been showcased on Showtime Championship Boxing several times but still remains unknown to most fans in the United States. Hatton was almost on the verge of coming down to the United States in order to try and market himself for big money fights. A win over Kostya Tszyu will skyrocket Hatton's stock in the eyes of the fans and the experts. At the very least a win over Tszyu will land him a spot on Boxing's very respected "pound for pound" list. Then again, a win over Kostya Tszyu is easier said then done. Hatton has relied on a combination of power and boxing skills in order to rack up some of his biggest wins. For the first time in his career, Hatton faces a man who has the edge in experience, skill and power. Another factor is the facial swelling Hatton suffers in many of his bouts. Hatton's face has swelled up in several of his key bouts and could come into to play if Tszyu starts peppering his face with a stiff jab followed by big powershots. Hatton is said to be already working on a very tight game plan for the Tszyu bout and will train like he has never trained before. Hatton knows that this may be his only shot against a top level fighter in the 140 pound division. Should he lose, another mega bout may be many years away. Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather and Arturo Gatti, the other top fighters of the junior welterweight division, are all under contract to Showtime rival HBO. The anticipation for the fight is already building and we are several months away. Regardless of the outcome, the bout should be a very action packed event for however long it lasts.