Hatton had to work hard for victory

The Manchester fighter scored a unanimous points victory over his Ghanaian opponent Ben Tackie but he did not have things all his own way.

Hatton landed some useful punches on his opponent but Tackie refused to be stopped and kept coming back for more.

Although Tackie rallied in the final rounds, Hatton managed to hang on for an 11th straight defence.

Hatton made a confident start and even had Tackie on his knees in the opening round only for referee Mickey Vann to rule a slip.

Feature: Hatton comes of age

Tackie started the third round with a bit more purpose but was warned by Vann for punching low and he continued to look more aggressive as the round went on.

Although Hatton was the one landing the more intelligent punches, Tackie was living up to his reputation as one of the toughest men in the division.

I've said I can do it all and I think I have proved it now Ricky Hatton

Tackie blazed out for the start of the sixth and had the champion on the back foot for the first time in the fight.

But Hatton had his opponent back against the ropes early in the next and landed a left hook which seemed to briefly wobble the challenger.

Tackie was trying his best but had no answer to Hatton's gameplan, although he did connect with a powerful close right hand in the eighth round which briefly had Hatton holding on.

Hatton pressed home his advantage but he was given a couple of worrying moments late on with victory in his sights.

Tackie began the penultimate round by landing a right hook and also found his range in the final round but there was to be no stopping Hatton.

Hatton is now at his peak and it is Frank Warren's job to make sure he gets a crack at Kosta Tyzsu From Yaz, Bingley, West Yorkshire Join the debate

"I always knew this was going to be my biggest test but it proved to be my best performance - I did what I needed to win," Hatton admitted afterwards.

"I can box when I need to. I knew I have got it in my armoury but I do it when it's needed against the right opponent.

"Ben Tackie has got the toughest head I've ever hit in my life. I don't think I have broken anything but my hands are red raw."

Promoter Frank Warren added that Hatton's next fight would probably be in April.

"We've seen a different side of Ricky Hatton tonight," he said.