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It's time to move on

11/ 6/2008

MATTHEW Hatton levelled praise on Craig Watson following his unsuccessful challenge for the Oldham man’s Commonwealth welterweight title.

Watson earned a unanimous points decision at the City of Manchester Stadium a fortnight ago on the undercard of the Ricky Hatton-Juan Lazcano fight.

Now, having watched a replay of the fight, the younger Hatton congratulated Watson on his performance.

He said: "Fair play to Craig because he boxed a good fight while I just couldn’t seem to get going in there.

"What made me really disappointed was that although I’ve had defeats before, it was the first time I left the ring believing I’d been legitimately beaten.

"I’ve got no complaints about the scorecards either, they were accurate and fair. Even though it was a well contested fight, I think Craig was doing more in the rounds to win them.

"I’m a sore loser. Any sportsman who isn’t is in the wrong profession."

By his own admission during the build-up, Watson had been confident of beating ‘Magic’ which was a feeling borne out on the night.

The judges’ scorecards of 117-112, 118-111 and 116-112 told their own story of a night when Hatton failed to fire.

Nevertheless, he believes the defeat still offered him some hope should their paths cross again in the future.

He said: "I’ve only watched it once really. I found myself getting down when I watched it because I know I can produce better.

"It was a big chance but things didn’t go right on the night. I can’t put my finger on what it was because my preparation had gone well in the build-up.

"Having said that, his (Watson) style was very awkward. He was very elusive and quick, so I couldn’t pin him down.

"I never really caught him cleanly in the fight, but I did knock him off balance with the odd shot.

"If I were to box him again, I think the outcome would be different but whether that happens in the future, I don’t know."