Tszyu Quits

Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton is the new IBF light welterweight champion after he was awarded the world title fight against Russian born Australian Kostya Tszyu at the end of the 11th round when upon suggestion of Tszyu's corner referee Dave Parris stopped the bout.

The 26-year-old Mancunian thrilled his hometown crowd of Manchester improving his record to 39-0 with 29 knockouts on one of the biggest nights in British boxing history.

Roared on by a 22000 strong crowd in Manchester's MEN Arena, the challenger was true to his word when he took up the fight to the champion from the opening bell.

The Pride of Hyde maintained his all action style throughout, eventually wearing down Tszyu. The Englishman's plan was to sap Tszyu of his strength in the early rounds before moving up through the gears from the middle to late rounds.

Great betting odds on Boxing
Huge 20% Deposit Bonus + $20 Free Bet! Click here

The big right that has been so destructive for Tszyu during his undisputed reign at the top of the 140lb division failed to deliver. Hatton's tactics ensured he was either too close and took the sting out of his right or he was getting half a block on them.

With the crowd roaring Ricky Ricky Hatton Hatton the local lad stepped it up in the ninth round. Up until then it was pretty much an even fight. Hatton now pressed for victory as he looked to take advantage of the 9 years age difference between the two fighters.

A low blow took the wind out of Tszyu's sails. From that moment on there would be only one winner as Hatton powered on relentlessly. When Tszyu failed to answer the bell for the 12th round, Ricky Hatton had pulled off one of the biggest upsets in British boxing history.

Tszyu has always been a classy champion and he couldn't have done it any better after the fight when he congratulated Hatton on his victory telling the crowd, "Today I lost to the better fighter and it is no shame for me to say that. Ricky was better than me in everything."

Hatton, a self confessed Manchester City fan paid tribute to Tszyu at ringside saying, "If I can be half the champion Tszyu was, I'll be doing very well," he also heaped praise on his loyal fans after ensuring it would be a late morning for everyone.