Ricky Hatton sustained two cut eyes to wear down and stop Carlos Maussa in the 9th round at Hallam FC Arena in Sheffield, England last night.

Hatton retained his Ring magazine belt, a recognition of his status as king of the 140-pound division, while adding Maussa's meaningless WBA trinket to his collection. In beating the awkaward and dangerous Maussa, Hatton, an impressive 40-0 (30), could set up future dates with Vivian Harris or Floyd Mayweather, but a fight with Miguel Cotto would generate the most interest. Maussa who defeated Harris but was a Cotto KO victim, falls to 19-3 (16).