Hatton basks in Urango's glory by James Slater Apr 28th 2008

It's strange how with just one result in the ring, the reputation of a fighter can go up mightily. In the case of Juan Urango's recent one-punch destruction of Carlos Wilfredo Vilches, two fighters' reputations were increased more than somewhat. Urango's stock obviously grew due to scoring the kind of KO win that got the fans excited (indeed, check out the KO on YouTube, and read some of the comments left by fans) but our own Ricky Hatton also benefitted from "The Iron Twin's" highlight reel demolition.  Back when "The Hitman" beat Urango, via a overwhelming points victory, not too many plaudits were given to Manchester's finest. And no, Hatton never scored a win that was too much in the way of an exciting victory, but we now all know just how dangerous Urango can be. Quite simply, Ricky Hatton was, back in January of 2007, in with a beast. Yet Ricky handled the man who just scored what will likely win most people's KO of the year award, with consummate ease. Once again, I think a lot of his critics (and for some reason Ricky appears to have more than his fair share, especially in America) owe Hatton an apology. The knock on Ricky is that - an old Jose Luis Castillo and an even older Kostya Tszyu aside - he's never really beaten a genuinely formidable opponent at world level. Yes, we know such talk is nonsense, but listen to a number of fans from the US and it becomes clear they think our hero is vastly overrated. The question is, will their opinions change any now that Urango has proven how ultra-strong and very dangerous he is? This is a fighter Hatton almost shut-out on all three judges' cards, don't forget. Without a doubt, if given the opportunity, Juan Urango will be a world champion once again. Magnificently conditioned and in possession of one of boxing's most lethal right hooks, the 27-year-old southpaw from Columbia is a genuinely rough and tough customer for anybody. But will any of the current belt holders at light-welterweight want to risk mixing it with such a powerhouse - one who also has a great chin at that? Well, guess what? Ricky Hatton was more than willing to risk mixing it with Urango, and when he did so he beat him decisively - the only man ever to do so. Now that we've all seen what "The Iron Twin" can do, should the critics perhaps be even more impressed by what Ricky Hatton has already accomplished?

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