Boxing Preview Analysis: Matthew Hatton vs. Yuri Nuzhnenko

“Magic” Matthew Hatton attempts to keep the Hatton family flag flying when he makes the first defence of his European Welterweight title against tough Ukranian Yuriy Nuzhnenko in Bolton tonight.

A pro now for 10 years, Matthew, not surprisingly, has lived in the shadow of more famous brother Ricky. However, with Ricky currently inactive this is now Matthew’s chance to enhance his reputation.

A mature and composed display in March this year saw Hatton claim the vacant European title with a points win over the crafty and experienced Italian Gianluca Branco.

Matthew, although defeated four times, has himself mixed in very good company. Impressive wins on his resume include the likes of Ben Tackie and Ted Bami and in sole world title fight of sorts in November, 2009 he pushed the experienced Lovermore N’Dou to a disputed draw,

In Nuzhnenko, he meets a man three years his senior at 34 years of age. The Ukrainian can also boast of winning a world welterweight title having bagged the WBA version in 2007, holding onto it for a year.

It’,s a tough fight this one for Hatton, and again I think he will have to dig deep. Although neither man in this one is a big puncher, the Ukrainian is none the less the more skilled technician.

With a partisan homecrowd behind him, Hatton no doubt will acquit himself well. However, Nuzhnenko has world title aspirations of his own and although I hate to say it, I feel he may wear Matthew down enroute to a late round stoppage win.