Ricky Hatton fought a who’s who of talent during his fine career, including the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, but he didn’t pick either of those legends of the sport as his toughest ever bout.
The popular Manchester man held multiple world championships in the super-lightweight division, and also one up at welterweight. He was named Ring Magazine’s Fighter of the Year in 2005 and will always be remembered for his KO victory over Kostya Tszyu, despite being a heavy underdog against the then IBF and The Ring light-welterweight champion.
Hatton scored 45 wins from 48 fights, only falling short to Mayweather, Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko in his final contest.
Speaking on Commons Sense with Joey Barton, he was asked about the toughest opponent he ever faced.
“I’d probably say Luis Collazo. I think Floyd Mayweather was the best opponent, he was the best, but when I moved up to welterweight, that extra seven pounds, that was the toughest fight I’ve had, peeing blood for a fortnight. Shaking after the fight. Real bad way.”
‘The Hitman’ fought Collazo in May 2006 at TD Garden in Boston and won by unanimous decision. That earned him the WBA title and a strap in a second weight class.
Over a career spanning nearly 23 years, Collazo amassed a record of 39 wins – 20 by knockout – nine losses, and one no contest.Known for his southpaw stance and resilience, he faced top-tier opponents like Hatton, Shane Mosley, Amir Khan, and Keith Thurman.
The former world champion officially retired in 2023.
