• Welterweight

Senchenko sad to have ended it for Hatton

ESPN staff
November 26, 2012
Vyacheslav Senchenko floored Ricky Hatton with a left hook to the ribs in the ninth © PA Photos
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Vyacheslav Senchenko admits he is sad that his victory prompted Ricky Hatton to retire from boxing for a second time.

Senchenko stopped Hatton in the ninth round with a left hook to the ribs that left the Mancunian on one knee from which he failed to beat the count.

And the Ukrainian former WBA welterweight champion is sorry that, like Trevor Berbick ushering Muhammad Ali into retirement, he may be remembered as the man who finished off the Hitman.

"It is sad for me that I'm the boxer who has forced him to retire, but it is Ricky's decision to stop now," Senchenko said.

"Ricky will know better than anybody how he feels. I think there's enough in Ricky to carry on if he wanted to because he showed that he was a very tough opponent with a very big heart.

"But if he has made that decision then we all have to respect it.

"He commands respect and has always been a tough opponent. He will be remembered as a great fighter. That is without any doubt."

Hatton confirmed his retirement hours after the fight on Saturday, admitting he no longer has what it takes to compete at the top. He will now focus his future on promoting fights for Hatton Promotions, which has been running since 2009.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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