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From The Daily Telegraph
Hatton willing for Tszyu rematch
June 6, 2005
RICKY Hatton says he is willing to face Kostya Tszyu again after capturing the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-welterweight title.
Undefeated Hatton pulled off one of the biggest shocks in a British ring to win his first major world title in front of 22,000 fans at the Manchester Evening News Arena in his home city.
The new champion has various options open to him including a title-unification clash with Puerto Rico's WBO champion Miguel Cotto, yet Hatton would also be willing to again meet Tszyu.
Hatton had made 15 defences of the fringe World Boxing Union title before taking a huge step up in class to face the Australian, who started as a 11-8 favourite with bookmakers.
But after the fight there still remained some doubt as to whether Tszyu, 35, would prolong his career after suffering his second defeat in 34 fights.
"I would fight him again," Hatton said. "I have only just got to my peak and am only 26. I've had a lot of cuts but I've not had too many really bad ones. I'm fresh for 39 fights.
"What has hurt me in the past is that people have said I didn't want to fight this person or that person, but I will fight absolutely anybody and this has proved I will.
"It was a physical fight which is right up my fight.
"My trainer Billy Graham said I needed the last round to be safe so I was really up for it. I don't know whether Kostya sensed that and did the right thing.
"I raised my game and that's why I didn't get hit as much. I was the underdog and had to be more cautious. I would like to fight him again but it was a tough fight.
"Australia would be a bit warmer than Manchester, but my fans deserve it."
Tszyu had only fought three rounds in over two years prior to an attempted fourth defence of the IBF title in his second reign as champion after first winning the belt 10 years ago.
That inactivity told as Tszyu had only limited success with his counter punching and suffered as a result of Hatton's relentless, pressurising style which ensured the challenger landed the more punches.
But Tszyu's promoter Vlad Warton dismissed inactivity and age as reasons for Tszyu's surrender with Hatton ahead on points and poised to inevitably get the judges' decision
Hatton willing for Tszyu rematch
June 6, 2005
RICKY Hatton says he is willing to face Kostya Tszyu again after capturing the International Boxing Federation (IBF) light-welterweight title.
Undefeated Hatton pulled off one of the biggest shocks in a British ring to win his first major world title in front of 22,000 fans at the Manchester Evening News Arena in his home city.
The new champion has various options open to him including a title-unification clash with Puerto Rico's WBO champion Miguel Cotto, yet Hatton would also be willing to again meet Tszyu.
Hatton had made 15 defences of the fringe World Boxing Union title before taking a huge step up in class to face the Australian, who started as a 11-8 favourite with bookmakers.
But after the fight there still remained some doubt as to whether Tszyu, 35, would prolong his career after suffering his second defeat in 34 fights.
"I would fight him again," Hatton said. "I have only just got to my peak and am only 26. I've had a lot of cuts but I've not had too many really bad ones. I'm fresh for 39 fights.
"What has hurt me in the past is that people have said I didn't want to fight this person or that person, but I will fight absolutely anybody and this has proved I will.
"It was a physical fight which is right up my fight.
"My trainer Billy Graham said I needed the last round to be safe so I was really up for it. I don't know whether Kostya sensed that and did the right thing.
"I raised my game and that's why I didn't get hit as much. I was the underdog and had to be more cautious. I would like to fight him again but it was a tough fight.
"Australia would be a bit warmer than Manchester, but my fans deserve it."
Tszyu had only fought three rounds in over two years prior to an attempted fourth defence of the IBF title in his second reign as champion after first winning the belt 10 years ago.
That inactivity told as Tszyu had only limited success with his counter punching and suffered as a result of Hatton's relentless, pressurising style which ensured the challenger landed the more punches.
But Tszyu's promoter Vlad Warton dismissed inactivity and age as reasons for Tszyu's surrender with Hatton ahead on points and poised to inevitably get the judges' decision
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