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Matthew - My best yet

Last updated: 23rd November 2008

Hatton: best yet

I want a British title fight. I feel a deserve that

Matthew Hatton
Quotes of the week

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Matthew Hatton hailed his points win over Ben Tackie as the best performance of his career.

Hatton Jnr kicked off the evening in sizzling style as he boxed smartly for the full 10 rounds to take a lop-sided decision against the durable Ghanaian.

He was rocked only once on his way to a 98-92, 97-93, 98-92 unanimous verdict and controlled the majority of the fight against a man who had taken big brother Ricky, Kostya Tszyu and more recently WBO light-welterweight boss Kendall Holt the distance.

"Without a doubt, I think that's one of the best performances of my career," he told Sky Box Office.

"I know he's lost his last few fights but they have been world-class fights. His last but one he fought Kendall Holt - who is now the light-welterweight champion - and lost on a split.

"And I won that convincingly."

Hatton had promised a different fighter following his decision to leave Billy Graham for Lee Beard after his lacklustre loss to Craig Watson for the Commonwealth title in June and was true to his word.

It takes his record to 35-4-1 and the 27-year-old is convinced that life can begin at 40 - with a British title shot.

"I want a British title fight," he said. "I feel a deserve that."

"The welterweight division is quite a crowded division but I feel I deserve my shot.

"I let myself down earlier in the year, but I have finished the year on a high now, so I am pleased."