Ricky Hatton did what few thought he was capable of doing in front of 22,000 of his biggest fans at the MEN Arena in Manchester, England last night - make the legendary Kostya Tsyzu quit.

"The Hitman" became the undisputed junior lightweight champion when Tsyzu didn't come out for the 12th and final round. Hatton, a volume puncher who punches in bunches, simply overwhelmed the 35-year-old veteran, although the fight was far from one-sided. Tszyu, who unlike Hatton and under the advice of scientists and nutritionists didn't alter his training schedule to coincide with the 2 a.m. fight time, clearly looked like the wearier fighter. "I haven't been that tired or exhausted for years and years", Tszyu said after. All three judges had Hatton ahead on the scorecards going into the final round. I had it 106-105 for Tszyu.

The first few rounds featured in close fighting with Hatton, 39-0 (29), mauling Tszyu and landing uppercuts. Tszyu, 31-2 (25), despite his experience and status as an elite pound-for-pounder who can adapt to any style, seemed uncomfortable on the inside and was bullied around the ring by the fresher Hatton all night. In the middle rounds, Tszyu started to gain some distance but couldn't quite find his range, though he landed some clean punches to Hatton's face - punches which seemed to have little effect on the fiesty Brit.

In the 7th round, Tszyu threw a left to the body which floored Hatton but was scored a low blow - it wasn't. In the 9th round, Haton threw what looked like a deliberate low blow but was not deducted a point by the referee. Overall, the fight was very hard to score, but Tszyu shocked everyone when he took the fight out of the judges' hands by not answering the final round.

The crowd of 22,000 erupted - you would have thought Manchester United was playing - as it became evident that Hatton was the new world champion. Tszyu was gracious in defeat, and his future plans are uncertain.

As for Hatton, he finds himself at the top of the food chain in boxing's most talented division. Miguel Cotto, Arturo Gatti, Vivian Harris and Floyd Mayweather are just some of the names that will be thrown around when one talks of Hatton's future opponents.

For now, Hatton should bask in the glory of his greatest defeat, as he emerges from the shadow of the great warrior Tsyzu. There will be many, more difficult battles to be waged from this point on.