• Matthew Hatton v Chris van Heerden

Hatton suffers wide points defeat

ESPN staff
March 2, 2013
Matthew Hatton was comfortably beaten © Getty Images
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Matthew Hatton failed to claim the IBO welterweight title on Saturday, after losing a unanimous decision to defending titlist Chris van Heerden.

Hatton was marshalled throughout by the South African, who eventually secured a one-side decision despite some struggles in the closing stages - with the judges ultimately scoring the fight 118-110, 117-112 and 116-112 in his favour.

In truth, the Englishman's best moments came towards the very end of the contest - as he rocked Van Heerden with a couple of strong punches that had the 25-year-old bloodied and the Johannesburg crowd fleetingly fearing a late shock.

But Van Heerden maintained his composure, shaking off the few blows that landed to ride the lead he had built up over the course of the early rounds through to the final bell and the retention of his belt.

Hatton has now failed to win in all three of the world title fights he has had in his career to date.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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