Hatton Cruises; Castillo Survives
Ricky Hatton (42-0) looked sharp in an impressive return to junior welterweight as he lifted the IBF belt from Juan Urango (17-1) via a unanimous decision. Hatton is known primarily as a brawler but he used his quickness and boxing ability to easily outpoint the rugged Urango. Hatton's only trouble spot came in the fifth round when it appeared as if Urango might take control of the bout with an effective body attack, but Hatton resumed control in the following round and was never again in any sort of danger. Hatton resorted to some holding down the stretch, but still did enough to win all but one round on all three scorecards: 119-109. Punch stats had Hatton landing 258-of-755 punches to 153-of-570 for Urango.
Former lightweight champ Jose Luis Castillo (55-7-1) was not nearly as impressive in edging out Herman Ngoudjo (15-1) by split decision. Ngoudjo looked incredibly poised for a relatively inexperienced fighter and often beat Castillo to the punch. Whether it was ring rust or a case of looking past an opponent, Castillo was not at his best. However, the veteran did just enough down the stretch to impress two judges who scored 115-113 in his favor. The third judge favored Ngoudjo by the same score. Punch stats showed Ngoudjo to be the busier fighter (landing 208-of-783 punches) while Castillo landed more frequently (245-of-682).
Jim Lampley, as expected, called the fight for HBO despite his arrest earlier this month on suspicion of felony domestic violence. Lampley denies the allegations.
Comments
I thought both fights sucked. I’m tired of warm up fights where the boxers we are supposed to pay for almost look outclassed, or in Zab Judah’s case, actually beat him. I though Castillo looked terrible. It Ngoudjo had any sense of ring generalship, he would have won easily. Hatton is just waiting to take a big punch and retire.
Castillo’s ability as a fighter can be best measured from his two fights with Carales in the 135lb light weight division. Castillo could have made a better showing against Herman but wanted to give Hatton the air that he was withering away as a contender. But little does Costillo realize is that Hatton will be more than ready for him Come fight night. I predict that Hatton will TKO Castillo smewhere after the seventh round!! Castillo will be fighting a very strong and skillfull fighter in a weight class he does not have much experience in. Though there is only a 5lb differance in the weight classes, Castillo will be up against a very natural 140lber that fights back hard and effectively! Castillo will be done somewhere after the 7th!
Hatton Has Not Been At His Best In His Fights In The Usa But Belive Me He Well Be On Fire This Time Because He Wants Mayweather And So Do The Fans So Come On Pretty Boy Lets Have It.