• Boxing news

New title shot hope for beaten Hatton

Matthew Hatton will hope to pick himself up and gain another world title shot at his preferred weight class © PA Photos

Enlarge

Related Links

• News: Hatton falls short in bid to become world champion
  

Matthew Hatton has set his sights on another world title fight - this time at his preferred welterweight class - after being beaten comprehensively by Saul Alvarez for the WBC light-middleweight belt on Saturday.

Giving eight pounds to his Mexican opponent in the 12-round bout in Anaheim, Hatton was thoroughly out-boxed by his bigger opponent in a unanimous decision but showed great stamina and heart to ensure the fight went the full distance.

The 20-year-old Alvarez extended his unbeaten professional record to 37 fights, and with a title to his name now looks destined for stardom. Magnanimous in defeat, Hatton hopes to return to his natural weight class and earn another shot at a world title.

"I did my best against a fantastic fighter," Hatton said. "The size difference was too much. He was 8lb heavier and that was the hardest I have been hit, but I never came close to being stopped.

"Saul is a remarkable fighter for someone so young. I'm glad I fought him now and not when he is 25 because he will only get better. I am going back to welterweight to get a win and then hopefully another world title fight."

Having increased his profile in the United States with a determined display, chief executive of promoters Golden Boy, Richard Schaefer, believes Hatton will certainly get his wish - with a bout against the winner of the forthcoming WBC title fight between Andre Berto and Victor Ortiz a distinct possibility.

"In the last 12 to 18 months Matthew has really improved and has now made him a name for himself in America," Schaefer said. "We will make sure he becomes a world welterweight champion. [Television channel] HBO wants him back and there will be opportunities later this year.

"If the Matthew Hatton who performed like that turns up against any welterweight in the world he will beat them. Alvarez is the next superstar of boxing."

Alvarez paid tribute to his Manchester opponent in the aftermath of his victory.

"People criticised Matthew before the fight, but he was a tough guy, a good fighter," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.