By Sheldan Keay
When you hear the name Hatton, you automatically think of one person. With a combination of world class boxing skills and a down to earth personality that charmed the British public, Ricky Hatton has powered his way into legendary status in the boxing world that will forever see him known as an all time great.
So spare a thought for his little brother Matthew. Over the years, Matthew Hatton has found himself a regular addition on Ricky’s undercards and forced to watch from afar as his older brother gained critical success and acclaim throughout his career. Many argued that Matthew was no better than any other regional fighter, and without the Hatton name, would be a boxing novice.
When Matthew failed in a bid to win the Commonwealth welterweight title against Craig Watson in 2008, it would appear that those naysayers were correct with their assumptions. Despite appearing to be out for the count, Matthew has risen from the deck to prove those doubters wrong, and now finds himself in a fight that could see him finally step out of Ricky’s shadow.
After outpointing veteran Italian Ginaluca Branco in 2010 to win the European welterweight title, Matthew then had upon him a light middleweight world title fight against Mexican youngster Saul Alvarez. Alvarez has been touted for very big things by the boxing community, and it was easy to see why due to his expected one sided beating of Matthew. Was Matthew simply just there for exposure to an American audience? Possibly. Was it a great opportunity for Alvarez to use the Hatton name to catapult himself onto the world stage? Absolutely.
Regardless of these points, Matthew did himself plenty of good, due to his gutsy performance against a much bigger opponent. The performance from Matthew put the rest of the welterweight division on notice, and it prompted boxing promoter Eddie Hearn into putting together a fight that the British public has been begging for.
When Matthew steps between the ropes for a landmark 50th time in March, opposite him will be rising British sensation Kell Brook, who is widely regarded as Britain’s top welterweight. Brook has dazzled audiences with his fast paced style and explosive power, and the unbeaten prospect is aiming for a world title shot in 2012.
Just a few years ago, a win for Brook against Hatton would likely have been a foregone conclusion, but Matthew has proved that his skills have vastly improved, and that is one of the reasons why is has earned this fight purely on merit, as appose to simply being Ricky’s brother.
The fight between Matthew and Brook is being dubbed as ‘War of the Roses’, due to Matthew’s birthplace being in Stockport, and Brook residing from Sheffield. The term ‘war’ is a fitting title for the battle between these two British stars, as this fight first came to prominence following a war of words over Christmas. Matthew had sent a not so seasonal greeting to Brook via a voicemail message, which began the fiery exchange that these men have carried on ever since.
The thrilling build up to their fight has been reminiscent to the nineties battles between fellow English boxers Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank, and it is clear just how much the British public appreciate an all English dust up between two top stars, as over 6000 tickets have already been sold for the hotly anticipated battle, taking place at the Motorpoint Arena in Brook’s hometown of Sheffield.
Matthew has a tough challenge ahead of him if he is to defeat the very talented Brook, but it is a challenge that he has every chance of winning. Due to his world title fight last year, and now the upcoming battle of Britain bout, Matthew is starting to show people that he is able to walk on his own two feet, and doesn’t need Ricky’s influence in order to gain a high profile fight. Whether he still currently remains in Ricky’s shadow is a different matter, but if he is able to defeat Brook, that certainly would change.
Despite being written off by the doubters years ago, Matthew has proven to have sensational mental toughness, and that itself is one of the hardest fights in boxing. His patience throughout his career shows quite clearly, that good things come to those who wait.
Follow Sheldan on Twitter: @SheldanKeay
Follow Sheldan on Twitter: @SheldanKeay
