Hatton packs a hard punch

Praise must also go to the Russian, who showed impressive durability and also some neat counter-punching.

In what can only be described as an atmosphere worthy of a top football match, both fighters entered the ring to a tremendous ovation.

Boos for the challenger gave way to polite applause for the challenger, but the arena erupted when Hatton entered to the tune of 'Blue Moon'.

Unfortunately, the atmosphere soured somewhat when the minute silence for Princess Margaret was barely observed by many of Hatton's followers.

Landing punches at will

The roar that accompanied the introduction of Hatton's name was simply phenomenal.

He responded by comfortably winning the first round, although the action was notable for how fast his Russian opponent seemed to retreat.

The second round showcased Hatton's terrific array of skills - he landed repeatedly with the right uppercut while also thudding several body shots into the challenger's abdomen.

Hatton celebrates a hard earned victory

The next two rounds followed much the same pattern, with Hatton stalking his man relentlessly, but accepting the odd counter in return.

The fifth round was Hatton's best - he landed at will, while the Russian suddenly seemed more discouraged than before.

From there through to the ninth, it was a matter of how long referee Mickey Vann would let the action go on for.

After a sustained barrage in the ninth round, referee Vann acted sensibly to stop the fight with just 19 seconds of the round remaining.

The Russian was not going to fall, but he was not going to win either.

Hatton's record moves to 28 wins with 23 wins by stoppage, while Krivolapov suffered his third defeat in 37 fights, with half of his 36 wins coming by stoppage.