“Hitman” Hatton puts hit on Castillo
Scores fourth round TKO with body shot

Ringside by Albert Howell
Photos by Chris Cozzone

In one of the most anticipated fights of the year, Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton (43-0, 31 KOs), defending his IBO light welter belt last night, demolished Jose Luis "El Temible" Castillo (55-8-1, 47 KOs) inside of four rounds to remain undefeated.

Over 13,000 attended Saturday night’s showdown at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, with approximately 10,000 of those attendees being die-hard British sports fans in town to chant Hatton a.k.a. “The Manchester Mexican” to victory. Arguably the best fans in boxing (at the very least the best chanters in the game), the Hatton faithful served to help reignite the Hatton franchise putting their man back near the top of the heap amongst the pound-for-pound elite in the game.

Both fighters made good on their promise to not take a step backward—though it led to a lot of wrestling between punches instead of the hoped-for toe-to-toe slugfest. The noticeably quicker Hatton, however, was able to beat Castillo to the punch all night, finally knocking out Castillo with a paralyzing left hook to the body in round four.

To begin the first round, both Hatton and Castillo rushed in to engage each other. Just as soon as they began to engage, they clinched. It was like this throughout the bout. A punch or two would be thrown, then the fighters would clinch. When they refused to work their own way out of the clinch, referee Joe Cortez would step in to separate the two brawlers. The endless clinchfest prompted Cortez to call a timeout in the first, to beseech the fighters to start boxing.

To Hatton’s advantage, Cortez’ desire to end the clinchfest never went further than that warning. Hatton’s lunge-punch-and-clinch style proved smothering to his opponent’s rhythm. Castillo was never able to find his timing. A master at threading the punch, particularly the hook through small openings, Castillo’s offense was consistently suffocated by Hatton’s bullying style. Hatton’s ability to impose his will and control the rhythm of the bout made it difficult for Castillo to ever get into the fight.

Hatton possessed the quicker hands in this bout. And, in round two, this became evident as Hatton continued to beat Castillo to the punch. Also, while in the clinches Hatton proved to be the stronger of the two fighters as he was able to successfully wrestle his opponent, putting himself into favorable positions to land his compact hooks and uppercuts on the inside.

To his credit, Castillo was game and as the fight wore on, seemed to be acclimating himself to Hatton’s wrestling tactics. As Castillo became accustomed, anticipating Hatton’s smothering, he began to put himself in better position to get his punches off. Nonetheless, Hatton won the battle of body blows which is typically Castillo’s strong suit.

Hatton put his defense on display in the third stanza, making Castillo miss punches when he was not blocking Castillo’s blows. To Castillo’s credit, he made Hatton miss with a wild left hook, displaying his own defensive skills. Referee Cortez warned Castillo for a low blow in this round. The bout began to take on a new form in the second half of round three as the fighters engaged in back-and-forth action that brought the fans to their feet.

At the beginning of round four, an uppercut landed for Hatton that snapped back the head of Castillo. The blow seemed to energize the recipient as Castillo looked bent on establishing a more consistent offensive attack in the fourth stanza. Just then, referee Cortez deducted a point from Castillo for a low blow despite Castillo’s protest against the call. Hatton took advantage of the break in the action to reassert himself in the round.

After the point deduction, Hatton jumped all over his adversary and landed a series of murderous hooks to Castillo’s midsection. It was a thunderous left hook to the body that finally fell Castillo. Curiously, Castillo had a delayed reaction to the knockout blow. The punch initially forced him back a step. Then, obviously feeling the sting of the crushing blow and unsure how to react at that moment, Castillo spun around on his feet before deciding to take a knee. Castillo remained on his knee as referee Cortez counted him out at 2:16 of the fourth round.

Hatton’s bout-ending body punch was reminiscent of the perfect liver shot that Bernard Hopkins landed to knockout Oscar de la Hoya in their 2004 world middleweight championship bout.

“He got me real good,” said Castillo. “It was a perfect shot. I could not breathe. I could not get up. It was a legal punch. It was the kind of punch that I delivered for years. This time I got it back.”

The next step for Hatton may be a New York showdown against fellow unbeaten rising star and WBA welterweight world champion Miguel Cotto. Whether it is Cotto—or Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Antonio Margarito or Shane Mosley—a move back up to the loaded welterweight division where the big fights lie seems inevitable for “The Manchester Mexican.”

Younger Hatton retains title

In the co-featured bout of the evening, Matthew Hatton (31-3-1, 12 KOs) retained his IBF International welterweight title with a 12-round unanimous decision victory over challenger Edwin Vazquez (22-10-2, 8 KOs).

Although Vazquez earned a knockdown in round eleven and followed up that feat by winning round twelve, it was not enough to even the comfortable lead Hatton had built over the first ten rounds.

Hatton used the first round to feel out his opponent. A Vazquez crushing left hook at the end of the second stanza hurt Hatton. Nonetheless, Hatton controlled the action throughout most of the second round and landed well when he took the initiative. The third round was a close one. Vazquez unleashed his power punches and it was in the third round that it must have dawned on Hatton that Vazquez was determined to put on a tough challenge. Hatton would have to earn this victory.

From the fourth round through the tenth round it was Hatton that controlled the action. Hatton stayed busy laboring to keep his jab in front of Vazquez’ face. Hatton’s ring generalship showed up when needed to help him eke out rounds. Hatton was willing to apply enough pressure to be perceived as the aggressor particularly in the middle rounds. Hatton displayed a workmanlike rhythm that may not have overpowered his opponent but did allow him to win rounds. In round six, Hatton put on a nice display of his defensive ability and footwork as he used his reflexes as well as his ring generalship to avoid Vazquez’ punches.

The younger Hatton may not be gifted with the natural hand-speed or power of his older brother, but he does display the determination and will that we attribute to his older brother. There were no fireworks in this bout, but there was evidence that Hatton knows how to get the most out of his talents. Although Hatton did not land a large number of clean shots he did keep his work-rate high.

In round eleven, a straight left by Vazquez floored Hatton. Hatton rose to his feet and then the bell rang to end the round. It did not look like Hatton was hurt by the blow. As a matter of fact, it appeared that Hatton was caught off-balance making the blow more of a flash knockdown. Nonetheless, the punch was scored a knockdown for Vazquez.

Vazquez emerged from his stool determined to win the final round by unleashing power thoughts and stalking Hatton. Nonetheless, it was too little too late as Hatton already had the fight in the bag.

When the scorecards were announced it was Hatton who was declared the victor by unanimous decision, with scores of 115-113, 117-111 and 115-112. 

Zuniga Earns Unanimous Decision Victory

Fulgencio Zuniga (19-2-1, 16 KOs) emerged with a unanimous decision victory over three-time world title challenger Antwun Echols (31-7-3, 27 KOs) in their ten round super middleweight bout.

In round one, Zuniga forced Echols to the ropes where he unleashed a series of hard punches, most of which were blocked but a few slid through the guard. Echols labored throughout the fight to stay in the middle of the ring and to establish the jab. He also scored a lead right that glanced off the top of the head, but Zuniga answered with a lead right of his own. Zuniga did his best work when he was successful in pushing Echols back to the ropes.

In the second stanza, a left hook by Zuniga that caught Echols on the chin. Zuniga landed three unanswered overhand rights followed by a looping left hook that found its mark flush.

The third round through the twelfth round were very similar to the second, with Zuniga pressing the action and stalking his adversary while Echols attempted to stay on the outside and use his defense to keep Zuniga at bay. Despite Echols’ efforts to keep the bout in the middle of the ring, Zuniga continued to win rounds by forcing Echols to the ropes and unleashing powerful body shots.

In the fourth round it was a right followed by a crushing left hook by Zuniga that stunned his foe and forced Echols’ mouthpiece to pop out of his mouth and onto the canvas. The fourth could have been justifiably scored a 10-8 round for Zuniga putting him comfortably in the lead. In the fifth and sixth rounds, the accumulation of body shots by Zuniga seemed to have its affect on Echols. In round six, Echols was deducted a point by referee Jay Nady for spitting out his mouthpiece.

In round seven, referee Nady deducted a point from Zuniga for hitting below the belt. A reenergized Zuniga nailed Echols with a hard left hand. Echols went reeling back to the ropes off balance and fell to the canvas as a result of the punch. The blow was scored a knockdown for Zuniga. Round eight provided some of the best action of the fight, with both fighters landing their power shots. Zuniga was cut over his right eye, and it was ruled caused by a punch. Echols began to target the cut with his punches.

In round nine, a short left hook landed flush on the chin of Zuniga. It was a beautiful shot by Echols, but Zuniga answered by landing an overhand right on the chin. The tenth and final round was close as both fighters landed their fair share of blows.

In the end, it was Zuniga that won a lopsided unanimous decision victory with scores of 97-90, 97-89 and 98-88.

Provodnikov TKOs Opponent in First

Provodnikov (4-0, 3 KOs) totally outclassed his opponent Willie Diamond (7-9-1, 3 KOs) in their scheduled four round junior welterweight bout.

Provodnikov connected early in round one with a double left hook combination—one upstairs and one down. A perfectly placed short left uppercut landed for Provodnikov right under the chin of his foe. In an opening round that was all Provodnikov, another strong left uppercut landed under the chin of Diamond forcing the helpless fighter to the canvas flat on his back. Diamond got up to beat the count. But, the bout would not last much longer; a barrage of punches by the fast-hitting Provodnikov flattened Diamond again. It was an overhand right that started the heavy damage and a left hook upstairs that finished the job.

Referee Kenny Bayless waved off the bout as Diamond crumbled to the canvas. Provodnikov was declared the victor by TKO at 1:46 of round one and remained undefeated.

Fehintola Wins Majority Decision

Femi Fehintola (16-1-0, 1 KO) won a majority decision over his opponent Barbaro Zepeda (8-15-1, 2 KOs) in their four round junior lightweight bout.

In the opening stanza, Fehintola labored to establish his left jab early. An overhand right landed for Zepeda. A strong left hook by Zepeda tagged Femi in the gut. This bout was quite a scrap as both young prospects displayed a willingness to exchange blows. Fehintola emerged from his stool to begin the second stanza intent to establish his jab again. But, as in the first round it was not long before the power punches began to fly. A hard let jab connected upstairs for Fehintola knocking his opponent off-balance. Zepeda regained his balance and backed Fehintola to the ropes where the young men traded body shots.

In the third round, Fehintola continued to try and make a boxing match out of a brawl but to no avail. Zepeda continued to close the distance effectively and keep the fight on the inside. As the fight wore on, Fehintola’s boxing pedigree surfaced as his better technique and ring generalship allowed him to control the action. A strong left uppercut landed for Fehintola upstairs to the head of his foe to begin round four. Fehintola boxed and moved very well in the fourth round. Fehintola landed an economical shoe-shine to the body of Zepeda. It was during the fourth and final round that Fehintola showed flashes of being a hot young prospect.

Fehintola won the bout by majority decision. The scorecards read 38-38, 39-37, and 40-36.

Heavyweight Andreesen Remains Undefeated

In the first of two walkout bouts, Shane Andreesen (6-0, 3 KOs) scored a unanimous decision victory over Dione Craig (4-9, 3 KOs) in their six round heavyweight duel.  Andreesen remained undefeated with the win.

Andreesen possessed the height advantage in this bout. Whereas Andreesen did appear to possess the physique of a heavyweight boxer, Craig appeared to be flabby in the middle area. Nonetheless, Craig was determined to play the role of aggressor early on, pushing Andreesen backwards with his lunging style of punching. The first round was Craig’s best round of the bout.

An overhand right landed for Andreesen to begin round two. A big left hook by Andreesen landed flush on the chin of Craig, who was showing ability to absorb Andreesen’s power punches but was looking visibly tired at the end of the round. In the third, it was two overhand rights by Andreesen that hurt Craig.

Round four was a lackluster performance by both guys. These two heavyweights did not possess the stamina to put on a good show throughout the six rounds. A strong overhand right by Andreesen landed on top of the head of his foe. Andreesen followed up with a hurtful jab and then a thunderous left hook to the midsection of his adversary. A devastating right hook to the body by Andreesen shook up his opponent. Nonetheless, Craig lasted the round. The fourth round was the most dominant round of the bout for Andreesen.

Andreesen looked very confident entering the fifth round. A straight right to the head landed early for him. An overhand right stunned Craig, who, in trouble, clinched as Andreesen belted his adversary with a series of hard shots. The accumulation of blows took its affect on Craig who appeared visibly tired from the beating. Nonetheless, the game Craig weathered the storm to finish the round on his feet.

In round six, Craig landed a picturesque right uppercut under the chin of his opponent that jolted back the head of Andreesen. The early offense mounted by Craig in round six sapped what remained of his energy. Craig continued to punch but had nothing left on his punches. Andreesen cruised through the sixth as an exhausted Craig barely finished the fight on his feet.

In the end, Andreesen was declared the victor via unanimous decision by scores of 59-55, 59-54 and 60-54.

Brookes Wins Unanimous Decision

Stuart Brookes (9-0, 3 KOs) remained undefeated after winning a unanimous decision victory over Taronze Washington (9-7, 5 KOs). Brookes controlled the action from the beginning of the fight. A relentless fighter, Brookes continued to apply the pressure throughout the bout forcing his opponent to fight a good portion of the bout with his back to the ropes.

In round one, a left hook landed upstairs for Brookes who then forced Washington to the ropes and unleashed a fury of hooks and uppercuts. Washington was able to avoid many of his foe’s punches but enough of the blows did get through the guard to explain why Brookes is the undefeated prospect. In this bout, Brookes possessed the faster hands. It was also clear as the bout wore on that Brookes has not only a crowd-pleasing style, but also the will and determination to make his mark in this sport.

In round two, Brookes went right to work. Brookes connected with a beautiful overhand right to the head of Washington. Brookes followed up with a right hook to the body of his adversary. Brookes landed a lunging left hook to the head of Washington to begin round three.

Washington mounted a bit of an offensive attack to begin the fourth round. But the attack was short-lived as Brookes outworked Washington through the balance of the round. Brookes appeared to have Washington in trouble in the fourth round, more from an accumulation of punches than any one singular blow. Nonetheless, Washington proved game and the fighter instinct in Washington enabled him to fight his way out of trouble and starve off the moment. Rounds five and six were much of the same with Brookes forcing Washington to fight with his back to the ropes and Brookes getting the better of the exchanges between the two fighters.

Brookes was declared the victor via unanimous decision with all three judges scoring the bout 60-54. Brookes pitched a shut-out in this action-packed match.

Bonus Photos