Sometimes, the script doesn’t unfold as it’s supposed to.
Such was the case for Ricky Hatton when he made his anticipated, maligned and curious return to boxing on Saturday. Fighting in front of a raucous and devoted crowd in his native Manchester, Hatton (45-3, 32 KO) succumbed to Vyacheslav Senchencko via knockout in Round 9.
So, what did we learn from this sudden, excruciating loss?
Of course, Hatton was fighting for the first time in three-and-a-half years. Last seen losing via devastating second-round knockout to Manny Pacquiao in 2009, one wondered what was ultimately motivating Hatton’s comeback.
Hatton’s drug problems and battle with depression have been well-documented (per the Manchester Evening News). With his personal demons suppressed but still lingering and his devastating loss to Pacquiao very much a vivid memory, Hatton seemed like he needed to box again.
From a technical standpoint, Hatton still displayed fighting instincts, even if his technique was sloppy. And despite some encouraging early moments, fatigue seemed to play a factor as the fight moved into the later rounds.
And what about Senchenko (33-1, 22 KO)? What does the future hold for the former Ukrainian Olympian and world champion?
Hatton thankfully announced his retirement in a press conference after the fight (per ESPN UK). As the finality of this settles in for fans and pundits, let’s find out in detail what Hatton-Senchenko revealed about all concerned parties.
Begin Slideshow
0 comments:
Post a Comment