What was to be a an exciting battle between two big name pressure fighter’s in England’s Ricky Hatton and Mexico’s Jose Luis Castillo was not.  Instead Hatton had his way, forcing Castillo to take a knee and be counted out with a hard left hook to the body in the fourth round. Although a slow starter, Castillo still appeared shot.  He never got going, even when he had success in the second and third. The damage accumulated in past wars, frustration with a low blow point deduction, Hatton’s style and most importantly – Hatton’s strength at 140 clouded Castillo from channeling his warrior spirit and continuing.  You could see the change from soldier to civilian in his expression, just as in Erik Morales and the numerous others who come to the profound conclusion that they are licked.  At this weight, Castillo seems less effective and because the advantages he enjoys at 135 are less apparent at 140, it gives the illusion of a steep decline. 

Meanwhile, Hatton’s blend of speed and holding, which he expertly employs, remain the strongman’s strength.  When he’s not holding he’s punching, grappling or out of range.  To hit him you have to be able to time him coming in or be as strong or stronger than him.  All of which makes him very tough to beat at 140.  Although his two biggest wins are the biggest names on his record, they were also considered shot.  Which still leaves some doubt as to how good he is.  What he has proved is that he is a huge draw anywhere, which gives clout to his challenges to any boxer in or near his weight class. 

Unfortunately for Hatton, I believe he and Castillo share the same curse of being able to dominate in a weight class, than be significantly weaker in the very next one up.  This is unfortunate for Hatton due to lack of big name fighters in his division and the trouble he had against Luis Collazo in winning the WBA strap at 147.  With big fights to be made in the welterweight division, it seems Hatton’s big lotto payout will likely be a one-time lump sum if it’s against one of the lions lurking in the welterweight division.  Or he can continue to collect big (not huge) checks, making his imprint as a junior-welter.

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