?HATTON IS A TOUGH OPPONENT? ? MAYWEATHER

The battle of undefeated champions resulted in a knockout win by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. over Ricky Hatton. But Mayweather declared that Hatton proved to be a tough opponent. "Ricky Hatton is one tough fighter. He is still a champion in my eyes and I'd love to see him fight again.

"Hatton is probably one of toughest competitors I've faced. I hit him with some big ones but he kept coming and I can see why they call him the 'Hitman'."

Hatton was very aggressive at the opening bell. Mayweather lost balance on defense, and his seven-step stumble drew roars from the full-packed arena. Hatton chased Mayweather twice into the red corner. But Mayweather was clever enough to clinch.

In the fateful 10th round, Mayweather floored Hatton as his head hit the ring post with a devastating left hook. When the British challenger desperately tried to get to his feet at the count of eight, the champion completed his demolition with another enormous left hand.

When the fight was stopped at 1:35 of the 10th round by referee Joe Cortez, the three judges had scored in favor of Mayweather as follows: Paul Smith 88-82, Dave Moretti 89-81, and Burt Clements 89-81. ?Pretty Boy? has retained his WBC and Ring Magazine welterweight belt and the most prestigious title as world?s number one boxer pound-for-pound.

The Compubox punchstats also scored in favor of Mayweather:

Total punches:

Mayweather ? 129/329

Hatton ? 63/372

Jabs:

Mayweather ? 29/72

Hatton ? 11/63

Power Punches:

Mayweather ? 100/257

Hatton ? 52/309

The fight was considered as dirty as it is full of hugging, shoving and elbowing by both fighters. In round 6, Cortez deducted a point from Hatton for a blow to the back of Mayweather's head.

Mayweather explained his fight strategy, "I took my time. I fought on the inside, fought on the outside. That was my game plan. A true champion can adapt to anything."

He mentioned about retirement again as he never called any boxer to fight next. ?It?s time for me to become a promoter. I won?t let the sport of boxing retire me. I?ll retire from the sport.?