Click for larger image © Peter Porto Saddo Boxing

In a much anticipated bout between the two top 140 pound fighters in the world, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton will face off against Jose Luis “El Terrible” Castillo tonight, Saturday, June 23, 2006 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas, NV. At stake will be Ricky Hatton’s IBO Junior Welterweight title.

Scheduled for 12 rounds, the bout promises to be a crowd pleaser. With both fighters sporting aggressive styles and a preference for bringing the fight to their opponent, this match-up has the potential for explosive exchanges and almost non-stop action. As a result, expectations for this fight are high as many are already predicting it as a fight of the year candidate.

Ricky Hatton, 42-0 (30), from Manchester England, arrived as a major figure in boxing two years ago when he shocked Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF Junior Welterweight title. Since, he has added the WBA Welterweight title to his record in defeating Luis Callazo by unanimous decision, before moving back down to compete at his more natural 140 pounds.

Jose Luis Castillo, 55-7-1 (47), from Hermosillo, Mexico, is a former lightweight world champion who has faced some of the biggest names in boxing. Perhaps best known for his dramatic battles against the late Diego Corrales, he can also boast a win over Joel Casamayor and two close contests against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Despite being a former world champion and having a fine boxing resume, this fight provides an opportunity for Castillo to overcome questions about his age and commitment to the sport. At 33, and now getting ready for his 64th fight, there are questions as to just how much tread he has left on the tires. Additionally, his failure to make weight in recent high profile matches has resulted in constant questions regarding his preparation and commitment.

Hatton, however, may have even more at stake. While this fight has the potential to cement his position as the top 140 pound fighter in the world, Ricky has made his desire to face Floyd Mayweather Jr. quite well known and it is rumored that a decisive win over Castillo may be enough incentive to lure him from retirement.

With nearly 10,000 Hatton fans expected to make the trip to Las Vegas, the atmosphere in the arena is sure to be electric and add to tremendous energy to the event. The bout will be televised on HBO’s Championship Boxing, 10pm ET, 7pm PT

Click to read more boxing articles by Peter E. Porto

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