Senchenko back in the limelight after his win over Hatton
Even at Friday’s weigh-in there were a great many Ricky Hatton supporters. Makes you wonder how many quid were lost by the faithful betting on their hero. Photo: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
As predicted Vyacheslav Senchenko defeated Ricky Hatton and hopefully the British Bookies took it on the chin. The opening line at the William Hill Sports Book in London, England favored Hatton at odds of 4 to 1 which eventually dropped to 3.5 to 1 as the money started rolling in on the Senchenko side.
The Caliente Sports Book in Tijuana plus many of the On-line Sports Books stayed clear of posting a betting line. This usually happens when the bookies know there’s something screwy going on with the early betting line.
The good news is that Mr. Hatton still has some petrol in the tank; the bad news is that he’s just not good enough (quick enough or accurate enough) to beat a fighter of Senchenko’s ilk. After getting outworked for eight rounds, Hatton’s eyes became puffy especially around his right eye. His Waterloo came in the ninth round after he got hit by a punishing left hook to the body.
Scores at the time of the knockdown: judge Oliver Brien 77-76, Robin Dolpierre 78-74, and judge John Keane 77-76, all three had Hatton ahead on their scorecards.
Not thinking too clearly these days (can’t imagine why) Hatton requested to fight a top tier boxer even though he hadn’t fought in 3½ years. Even the best pitchers in Major League Baseball will pitch at least one game in Triple AAA before returning to the majors after being out of action. Hatton needed to get back his rhythm. This loss for Hatton is his first in the United Kingdom since he won his professional fight against a fellow by the name of Colin McAuley (8-43-3), a first round stoppage back on November 11, 1997.
Note well: Hatton, who fought all but four bouts in his career at light welterweight, never beat a fighter with a winning record at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds, while Senchenko had a record of 22-1 with 11 KOs against opponents with winning records at welterweight.
For what it’s worth, Hatton announced his retirement at the post fight press conference.
Below are the best photos from that fight in Manchester, England.
Vyacheslav Senchenko weighs in at the Manchester Town Hall. Everyone, including the men whispering to each other look very serious. Photo: Clive Brunskill/Getty Images
The whimsical look on Ricky Hatton’s face at Friday’s weigh-in drew a smile from his opponent Vyacheslav Senchenko (R). Photo: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
As you can see, it was an all out effort as the two men fell to the canvas during one exchange. Photo: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Ricky Hatton fails to get up after being knocked down by Vyacheslav Senchenko during their Welterweight bout at the MEN Arena on November 24, 2012 in Manchester, England. Photo: Scott Heavey/Getty Images
One man celebrates, Vyacheslav Senchenko, while the other, Ricky Hatton, is still feeling the pain from Senchenko’s left to the midsection. Photo: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images
Ricky Hatton has to be helped up after being counted out at the MEN Arena on November 24, 2012 in Manchester, England. Photo: Scott Heavey/Getty Images
