Matthew Hatton Seeks British Title After American Boxing Success

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.”