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Top British welterweight contender Matthew “Magic” Hatton made his own stateside debut on big brother Ricky’s WBA title winning effort in Boston earlier this month and the twenty-five year old is looking to build upon a hard fought split decision victory over tough light middle Jose “Stinger” Medina. “I’d been improving so much during my last few fights, ” recalled Hatton, “and I didn’t perform to the best of my ability against Medina. But the main thing was getting the win and I think that shows the sign of a good fighter when you can still get the result on a bad night. That’s what matters to me.”
Turning pro six years ago after a brief amateur career, Hatton picked up the British Central Area titles at both welter and light middle during a drive through the domestic ranks that has seen him to a 28-2-1 (11) record. “Magic” has posted wins over such hardened foes as Francis Jones, Rob Burton, Taz Jones and Lee Armstrong while only falling short during a points loss to the far more experienced David Kirk and on a cut against David Keir.
With an American appearance firmly under his belt, the Fight Academy promoted Hatton returns his focus back to Britain and will only be satisfied with a chance to press his claim of being the best welterweight on home soil. “I’ll be looking later this year for a British title fight,” declared Hatton. “I think I need that now, I need a fight that I can really sink my teeth into. A shot at the British title would mean the world to me. Given that chance I’d take it with both hands and I’m confident that I can win it. Commonwealth Champion Kevin Anderson fights British Champion Young Muttley soon and if I can get a crack against the winner, I feel that I deserve that now. I’m unbeaten in my last fifteen fights, improving all the time and that’s the right move for me know.”
