MATTHEW Hatton’s world title hopes ended in tatters as a controversial draw with IBO welterweight champion Lovemore N’dou robbed him of the chance of following in the footsteps of David Haye and Amir Khan.
The 28-year-old was bidding to become the latest Brit to conquer the world, but saw his hopes dashed by the judges’ scorecards in Stoke.
N’dou immediately offered the 28-year-old a rematch in South Africa, but Hatton angrily snapped: “If I can’t get a decision here, how am I going to get one there?”
Hatton looked to have edged a close fight, throwing and landing more shots than his 38-year-old opponent.
But that wasn’t enough to see him emulate brother, Ricky, and claim his first world title.
A dejected Hatton said: “That’s the way the judges saw it. It was a tough fight, but I thought I won it. It is very disappointing. I’m my own worst critic, but I know when I watch the tape that I won that fight.
“I don’t care what Lovemore says, I won that fight. I threw more punches and landed more shots.”
Upon the final bell N’dou looked like a man ready to concede his title – and he looked as surprised as anyone in the arena when the fight adjudged to be a draw.
But afterwards he insisted he’d done enough to hold onto his belt.
“It was a tough fight, tougher than I expected,” he said. “But I felt I was always in control. You have got to take a title from the champion.”
That’s exactly what Hatton thought he’d done, constantly making the running against his veteran opponent.
Despite being caught by a number of heavy left hooks from N’dou, Hatton’s aggression and positive attitude looked to be enough to edge him the contest.
He visibly gained in energy as the fight wore on, while N’dou was reliant on the counter attack, which brought a certain amount of joy.
The first two judges scored the contest 115/114 to each fighter, while the third and decisive judge scored the fight 114/114.
The result was another disappointment for Hatton who fully expected to complete his road to redemption after defeat to Craig Watson in his bid for the Commonwealth title 18 months ago.
Heavy soul searching, a change of trainer and impressive victories against Ted Bami and Ben Tackie earned him his title shot last night – but he will have to do it all again if he is to truly announce himself on the world stage.
Ricky, watching on at ringside, looked as disappointed as his brother at the controversial result.
It was a major coup to secure a world title fight in his own backyard - whether Hatton will be given such a golden opportunity again remains to be seen.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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