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Having a brother as a world champion can be one of two things; a constant hindrance, with the pressure to reach a level that the boxer isn’t comfortable with, or in contrast it can be something that relieves the boxer of the pressure to perform and lets him get on with his own fights, and his own ability level.
For Matthew “Magic” Hatton, from the public point at least, having a brother, Ricky Hatton, as a world champion has allowed him to take a back seat and box where he is comfortable. The 5 foot 8 inch welterweight from Manchester has prepared a record of 28 wins with 3 losses and one draw going into his next fight tonight against Vladimir Borovski at the Octagon in Sheffield, England.
“Magic” was disqualified from his last fight, a British title eliminator against Alan Bosworth, after coming off a run of eleven straight victories. He has proved himself fit enough to go the distance in the past with three points victories over ten rounds, along with proving that he does have at least enough power at welterweight by scoring eleven knockouts.
Worthy names of mention on his resume are absent, however he has shown heart and desire to come back after the two losses he has suffered, and then the debatable disqualification in his last fight.
As said before, being the brother of a world champion may of helped him in this respect as he has been able to rebound at his own pace, as any boxer should be allowed to do. Still
only 25, Matthew Hatton certainly has time to challenge for a British title in the future or even a Commonwealth or European honor.
The current British and Commonwealth titleholder is the undefeated Kevin Anderson, who recently showed his skills by knocking out Young Muttley in a thriller for the titles he now holds, even after being knocked down in the second round.
Would Hatton be able to contend with Anderson? At this point in time, it seems unlikely, however as said before, prior to his last fight he was running eleven wins and a draw.
Although it may be crude to say, his early career resembles that of current champions such as Antonio Margarito and the recently relieved welterweight champion, Carlos Baldomir. The similarities lie in the fact that he seems to be getting better with age and after losing fights
early on in his career, seems to of matured and now can really start building up his profile.
Depending on what career path Matthew intends to take, a number of opponents would make for exciting matches. If Anderson is able to beat Eamonn Magee, and assuming the fiery 35 year old Belfast man doesn’t decide to hang up the gloves, a contest against Magee could certainly be considered for the younger Hatton brother.
A loss to Magee, while certainly not horrendous, would show Hatton that perhaps a world title shot is just a reach too far. However, an impressive win may well show that he is as Lennox Lewis put it, “like fine wine”, and getting better as he ages.
Overall Hatton, whatever he decides to do, must make a choice soon. His caliber of opponent is certainly nothing to brag about and he must show that he can contend with Britain’s best at this division before he goes anywhere else.
Hopefully at that point, the public will truly be able to see what Matthew “Magic” Hatton is all about.
