OTD: Ricky Hatton pulled off one of the biggest upsets in boxing history over a top pound-for-pound contender.
Before entering the ring on June 4th, 2005, Ricky Hatton was a relatively unknown presence in the sport. The UK standout made a lot of noise on the English regional scene, but hadn’t faced a top challenge worthy of major recognition.
Everything would change for Hatton when he faced off with Kostya Tszyu for the IBF and The Ring light-welterweight titles.
Despite winning his first 38 professional fights, Hatton entered the matchup with Tszyu as a significant underdog. But Hatton embraced the ‘David vs. Goliath’ role to put on the performance of a lifetime.
Ricky Hatton overcame insurmountable odds vs. Kostya Tszyu
Hatton and Tszyu went punch-for-punch over the first five rounds of the fight with both light-welterweights dealing out heavy blows. But the tide would turn in Round 8, when Hatton left Tszyu visibly stunned by a right hand midway through the round.
After wearing down Tszyu in the ninth and tenth rounds, Hatton poured it on in Round 11, with Tszyu on the brink of a stoppage defeat. While Tszyu made it to the bell, his team pulled the plug on the fight and refused to let their pupil walk out for the final round of the bout.
Hatton earned two light-welterweight titles by defeating Tszyu and put his name on the boxing map. It was a stunning upset at a time when Tszyu was in the mix alongside Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Oscar De La Hoya when discussing the pound-for-pound best boxers in the world.
Tszyu didn’t return to the ring after the Hatton fight and announced his retirement shortly after the loss. He hung up the gloves with a 31-2-1 professional boxing record.
Ricky Hatton’s wild upset led to showdowns with Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather
After becoming a major light-welterweight titleholder, Hatton rode the momentum towards showdowns with the likes of Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, and Paulie Malignaggi. While he suffered knockout losses to Mayweather and Pacquiao, Hatton knocked out Malignaggi in what would end up being his final boxing victory in 2008.
Hatton returned to the ring in an exhibition match against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, with the fight going to a draw. As of this writing, Hatton hasn’t planned any potential comeback fights.
The 46-year-old Hatton remains active in the boxing world as a promoter and trainer.
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