Ricky Hatton has named Luis Collazo as his toughest opponent, not Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao. The former multiple world champion boxer made this surprising revelation in a recent interview with Joey Barton.
Hatton's career was filled with impressive achievements. He won multiple world championships in the super-lightweight division and one in the welterweight division. In 2005, Ring Magazine named him Fighter of the Year. His record shows 45 wins from 48 fights, including a knockout victory over Kostya Tszyu when he was a heavy underdog.
Despite facing boxing legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, Hatton points to his fight with Luis Collazo as the most grueling. The bout took place in May 2006 at TD Garden in Boston, where Hatton won by unanimous decision and claimed the WBA welterweight title.
"I'd probably say Luis Collazo. I think Floyd Mayweather was the best opponent, he was the best, but when I moved up to welterweight, that extra seven pounds, that was the toughest fight I've had, peeing blood for a fortnight. Shaking after the fight. Real bad way."
Hatton explained that the jump to welterweight, which added an extra seven pounds compared to his usual super-lightweight class, took a serious toll on his body. The physical impact of the fight left him in a "real bad way," including peeing blood for two weeks and shaking after the bout.
Luis Collazo's career spanned nearly 23 years. He fought from a southpaw stance and was known for his resilience. His record shows 39 wins (20 by knockout), 9 losses, and 1 no contest. Collazo faced other notable opponents like Shane Mosley, Amir Khan, and Keith Thurman before retiring in 2023.
The fight against Collazo earned Hatton a strap in a second weight class, adding to his already impressive list of achievements. It's clear that this particular bout left a lasting impression on the British boxing legend.
You can watch Hatton's full interview where he discusses his toughest fight and more on Joey Barton's YouTube channel.
