The End for Ricky Hatton!

Ricky Hatton’s big comeback ended in complete devastation after a ninth round stoppage by Vyacheslav Senchenko at the MEN arena in Manchester. Hatton started the fight well and was winning the earlier rounds, but he still looked just a shadow of his former self. Once or twice early on in the fight Senchenko looked to be hurt but the Ukrainian kept gesturing back at Hatton which was clearly winding him up. As the fight went on it was Senchenko who started to dominate, his jab kept connecting with Hattons face almost at will. Hatton was being made to look distinctly average by a man who in his prime he would have destroyed. By round seven the three-and-a-half-year absence began to show as Hatton started to look weary and was throwing wild shots which were missing by a big margin. With his head movement and work rate noticeably dropping Hatton was being picked off by Senchenko but still looked to be on for a point’s victory. But the ninth round proved to be the final straw, a body shuddering left hook to the ribs sent Hatton to the canvas and left him writhing in pain. As the referee counted Hatton out in front of his impressive and loyal 20,000 fans it was an extremely sad ending on the Hitmans career. There is still no doubt that Hatton is one of the sports greats and he can proud of what he has achieved. Anyone who criticises Ricky’s effort can never have laced the gloves. The minerals and courage required of Hatton and any boxer are humbling to anyone.