HATTON STOPS CASTILLO IN FOUR

By Michael Swann (Ringside)

Ricky Hatton retained his IBO and Ring Magazine belts with a perfectly placed left hook to the liver of Jose Luis Castillo at 2:16 of round four. An estimated crowd of 13,000 were on hand, including some 10,000 boisterous Brits who traveled from England to cheer on their favorite.

Hatton sprinted out of his corner in the opening stanza and set the tone for the fight with solid uppercuts, hooks and digging body shots. Hatton showed greater hand speed and strength throughout the contest as he dominated inside.

In the third, Castillo, 55-8-1 (47), landed a good left hook precipitating a good exchange before the bell, but overall was unable to solve Hatton’s relentless assault. Castillo was warned twice in the third for low blows and had a point deducted from referee Joe Cortez in round four before crumpling to the floor after the fatal liver blow.

After the fight, a dejected Castillo said, “I’m very sad and disappointed about the way I lost the fight tonight. I want to send an apology to everyone.”

The Mexican veteran added, “ He got me very good. I’ve never been caught that way.”

“A beaming Artie Pellulo, Hatton’s co-promoter said that, “Ricky was smashing.”

Hatton praised his “unbelievable fans,” and said that his opponent was a “wonderful fighter for many years.” He went on to say that he felt that he needed an exciting fight, since although he had won two titles in two weight divisions in his U.S. fights, he felt that he needed to provide more thrills for his American fans.

“My two best wins came from the two best names [Castillo and Kostya Tszyu],” Hatton observed.

Hatton confirmed after the fight that Oscar De La Hoya called him after the fight to offer congratulations, but said that his immediate plans included “a few battles with Mr. Guinness tonight.”

Heavyweight Shane Andreesen, 6-0 (3), out pointed Dione Craig, 4-9 (3).