By Sean Pollock: On March 5th, ‘Magic’ Matthew Hatton (41(16)-4-2) faces unbeaten Mexican wonder-kid, Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (35(26)-0-1), and it doesn’t take a clairvoyant fan to predict it will be his toughest assignment thus far. The Mancunian magician has enchanted Europe in his last three duels, and aims to add a world title to his achievements. However, despite having masses of heart, Hatton will once again reach into his bag of tricks, this time, only to come out empty handed.
California’s Honda Centre will host the clash for the vacant WBC light-middleweight championship and Hatton has promised an enthralling encounter, “He’s the best fighter that I’ve faced. I’ll be the best fighter he’s faced. We’ll be meeting in the middle of the ring. Expect fireworks.” Although only 20, Alvarez is a powerful puncher and Hatton (recently floored by Yuriy Nuzhnenko) is under the illusion he can stand and trade with ‘Canelo’ who has a 72% knock-out ratio. This isn’t a terrible strategy to adopt against the lackluster defence of Alvarez, but is not ideal for ‘Magic’ Matthew who doesn’t hit particularly hard.
In his last fight, Alvarez out-pointed Lovemore N’dou (48-11-2) by a convincing margin, something that eluded Hatton when he battled the South African for the IBO welterweight belt two years ago to a controversial draw. The blemish against N’dou is a worrying factor for the 28 year old, considering champions like Malignaggi, Cotto, Cintron and Witter have all registered victories over ‘The Black Panther’. Alvarez, a distinctive ginger haired brawler, claimed the recognisable scalp of ex-world champion Carlos Baldomir recently, but the Argentinean was so far over the hill he was minute figure in the distance- Hatton will surely pose a sterner challenge to his concentration and determination.
Currently the EBU welterweight champion, this is defiantly the biggest test of his career and snatching a victory in California would almost equate to the triumphs of his brother Ricky’s magnificent night against Kostya Tszyu. Obviously Alvarez hasn’t achieved the accolades of ‘Hall of Fame’ inductee Tszyu, but is touted as a future star- not to mention the unfortunate reality that Mathew doesn’t boast the skill nor strength of his elder sibling.
For ‘Magic’ Matthew to overcome the odds, he’ll have to cast some of his finest shots through the leaky defence of Alvarez and hope he can conjure enough power to knockout heavy favourite ‘Canelo’. March 5th may prove one trick too far for Hatton, but he can claim world respect by going the distance- which could land him a title shot at Viacheslav Senchenko. If the Mancunian can pull off this mammoth task, after living for so long in his brothers shadow, he would explode into the boxing limelight and bewitch the British public. It may take a magnificent moment of wizardry or an accumulation of persistence and heart, but maybe the ‘Magic’ man can find a way.
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