HATTON WINS A CLEAR UD OVER BRAVE LAZCANO

Tonight, at The City of Manchester Stadium, Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton won a virtual shut-out against the incredibly brave Juan Lazcano. Capturing a UD win by scores of 120-108, 120-110 and 118-110, Hatton looked as sharp as he ever has. Hatton, 29, dominated the four years older man from Sacramento in impressive style. Indeed, this writer, despite Lazcano's gameness, was never able to give the visiting fighter a single round. With his win, Ricky got back on track after losing for the very first time to Floyd Mayweather by KO in ten rounds last December. Hatton improved to 44-1(31). The 33-year-old Lazcano, who has not won a fight now since October of 2006, fell to 37-5-1(27).. Hatton looked sharp throughout and on a number of occasions appeared to be on the verge of a stoppage. Lazcano landed a few of his own shots from time to time, but his lack of punch-power prevented him from getting on top for more than a fleeting period. Both guys came out and went at it right from the opening bell, but Hatton's body shots, head shots, and advantage in speed and youth proved to be decisive. There appeared to be one scare for Hatton in round number eight, as Ricky seemed to be hurt by a Lazcano head shot, but "The Hitman" came back at the end of the round in an exciting three minutes. Hatton really began to rake his challenger from the 4th round on. Lazcano showed amazing heart, but he took a beating that may well end his career up at the top level. The fight was never dull, and at the end both men showed signs of battle. Ricky had a swollen right eye, and Lazcano looked all but exhausted at the final bell. With future rival Paulie Malignaggi looking less than spectacular on tonight's chief support - as he won a hard-fought split decision over the capable Lovemore N'dou - a Hatton-Malignaggi showdown later this year looks like a winnable fight for Hatton. Both of tonight's title fights were more entertaining than expected, and now all eyes are on a fight between "The Hitman" and "The Magic Man." Ricky Hatton looked as though he has a few fights in him yet, but Paulie Malignaggi, in getting hit more than he has in some time, may not be in the same position.Source_EastSideBoxing.com