Hitman to shoot down Castillo

Saturday June 23, 2007 is the date. Las Vegas is the venue. The IBO Junior Welterweight Championship is at stake. Jose Luis Castillo is the opponent. This really is a crunch match for England's very own Ricky Hatton. In subsequent bouts, the 'Hitman' has failed to reproduce the pyrotechnics he displayed in that famous victory over the legendary Kostya Tszyu in 2005, but this represents a golden opportunity for the Manchester-born fighter to fully establish himself on the international boxing circuit - it's time for the critics to be silenced. Hatton wasn't at his best when scraping through against Luis Collazo in his latest battle. However, he did what he had to do - he retained his title and his unbeaten record, which now stands at 42 fights, 30 of which he's won by KO - and, in any case, a better display is readily anticipated in the Thomas and Mack Centre this weekend. Collazo was a slippery opponent who was more of a tactical fighter than a back-alley brawler. Conversely, Castillo, who has won 47 of his 55 bouts within the distance, is a come-forward boxer. Squaring up against such an opponent will suit Hatton far more, as he'll thrive on what is poised to be a pound-for-pound war of attrition. The Mexican will provide Hatton with a stiff examination, of that there's no doubt, but the latter is five years younger, much leaner than his rival who has constantly fought with his own weight. Team Hatton go into this fight in the knowledge that their man is the quicker of the two and, crucially, boasts the better technique. Castillo has said in recent interviews that he reckons he will grind Ricky Hatton down. However, it looks far more likely to be the over way around. Jose Luis will throw good shots and his rival will leave the ring with scars to remember the fight by, but the 'Hitman' can go toe-to-toe all night and is taken to justify favoritism. Given the amount of KO's these fighters have accrued between them, I am sure that many will be predicting that this won't go the distance. But such is the ability of both to handle heavy blows and soldier on that I can see this going right to the wire. I can also envisage it producing a bout of epic proportions. Both have a point to prove after all. In the latter stages, the aforementioned physical advantages Hatton possesses can prove telling. At 5/4 with bet365, Ricky Hatton to win on points looks a rock-solid bet. There will be too much pride within that ring for either man to fall. As such, unless the referee is forced to call time at any stage, it'll be the judges deciding this one. Verdict: 4pts Ricky Hatton to win on points @ 5/4 (bet365)