Ricky Hatton got the big test he craved at the MEN Arena in Manchester on Saturday night but he emerged with his WBU light-welterweight title intact. The 24-year-old scored a landslide points victory over the brave American veteran Vince Phillips after a brutal and bloody 12-round battle.
Only the dogged bravery of the former IBF champion prevented Hatton landing a knockout win. However, the judges' scores reflected Hatton's total dominance with 120-108, 120-107 and 119-109 meaning only one of the three cards had him losing a round.
Afterwards, Hatton paid tribute to his defeated opponent as he was impressed by his resilience. "All I can do is take my hat off to Vince Phillips. At 39 years of age, what a warrior, absolutely incredible," he told Sky Sports.
"I was hitting him with constant hooks to the chin, right upper cuts. He protected his ribs well but I was getting him with my jabs. I don't think I lost many rounds - value for money, that's all I can say. He caught me with a corking right upper cut - I didn't know whether I was in Manchester or Las Vegas for a split second. I left myself open at times but the good thing is I beat a top guy here in Vince Phillips and I think I proved myself," he added.
Filed by Amanda Fennelly
