18 years ago

Date: 13th May 2006

Title: WBA World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Banner Promotions, Fight Academy & Don King Productions

Tv: HBO World Championship Boxing

Luis Collazo
( 26 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 147 lbs

Ricky Hatton
( 40 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 147 lbs

On Saturday, 13th May 2006, the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, hosted the WBA World Welterweight Title match between Ricky Hatton and Luis Collazo. The event was promoted by Banner Promotions, Fight Academy, and Don King Productions, with John Zablocki serving as the referee. Hatton, hailing from Manchester, England, entered the ring with an impressive record of 40-0-0, while Collazo, from Riverview, Florida, had a record of 26-1-0. Both fighters weighed in at 147 lbs.

The match began with an explosive start as Hatton scored a flash knockdown just 10 seconds into the first round with a left hook. Collazo took the mandatory eight-count before continuing the fight. In the third round, an accidental headbutt opened a cut above Collazo's forehead.

Hatton maintained his aggressive approach, attempting to fight up close. However, Collazo's effective counterpunching proved to be a challenge for the Englishman. In the final round, Hatton slipped to the floor early on but managed to recover.

In the twelfth round, Hatton was wobbled but managed to withstand Collazo's offense. After twelve intense rounds, Hatton emerged victorious by unanimous decision, with judges Paul Driscoll, Leo Gerstel, and Don O'Neill scoring the fight 115-112, 114-113, and 115-112, respectively.

The decision was met with some controversy, as many fans believed Collazo had done enough to secure the victory. Nonetheless, the fight showcased a high level of activity for welterweights, with Hatton having a slight 53% to 47% edge in total punches.