Boxing: Cotto KO gives Hatton a chance to belt a welter for his retirement party.

Byline: Barry McGuigan 

THE DEFEAT of Miguel Cotto has given Ricky Hatton something to think about as he plans his retirement party.

It was thought that welterweight was out of range for Hatton after his loss to Floyd Mayweather. I suspect he is thinking otherwise now.

As this column forecast last week, Cotto and Antonio Margarito served up a welterweight classic in Las Vegas.

Ultimately the better chin won. Some argued that Cotto disappeared at the finish in the 11th round. Nonsense. He went out on bravely.

Margarito's rearranged features were testament to the valour and skill of Cotto. In the end he just did not have the guns to nail his opponent.

Few have. The Mexican walks through everything, and at 5ft 11ins, was too big for Cotto.

A slickster like Paul Williams is the nemesis of Margarito. He outpointed the Mexican for the WBO belt last year.

Cotto was ultimately too slow on his feet in the latter rounds.

He tired and got nailed.

That is why Hatton will be looking closely at Cotto now. He will have seen how Margarito's relentless pressure eventually paid dividends.

That is not to say Hatton will automatically have the same success. He'll take some hits.

But by standing in range Cotto will be open to the classic Hatton response - a right hand to the side of the head or a left hook up the middle.

Hatton shares Margarito's relentless approach. His problem will be getting caught square, something Margarito avoided. Hatton is now seeking a new trainer. He is a little long in the tooth for fundamental changes. And you have to concede that Hatton (below) has had one of the great British careers. So there is not too much wrong with his game. And there aren't that many Mayweathers out there.

It is a matter of subtlety. Towards the end of his relationship with his retiring trainer Billy Graham, he began to lose a little from his game.

The head movement and anticipation were not quite there. He feinted a lot more at his best. He would show you something then hit you with a different punch.

At his best he was a relentless, non-stop puncher. Those attributes seemed to have ebbed a little by the time he met Mayweather.

But, despite the muted reviews, Hatton showed improvements in his comeback fight against Juan Lazcano. The defence was tighter, the head movement better - minor adjustments that made the difference.

Those are the kinds of things he will be working on when a new trainer is appointed.

Graham's assistant Lee Beard has the job for the Paulie Malignaggi fight in November.

He may even keep it. Hatton is the critical element at this stage. If he is motivated he will make the necessary refinements.

He will have to be at his best against Malignaggi. The American is not a big puncher but he is quick and elusive.

Hatton now has an incentive to beat Malignaggi in style - Cotto. Pressure and pace were the elements that ultimately did for Cotto last week.

That is Hatton's game. If he can reach the standards that earned the shot at Mayweather, you have to give Hatton a chance against Cotto.

Mentally he believes he is not the same fighter at welterweight. But Cotto is no Mayweather. Hatton versus Cotto would be some sign off, eh Ricky?

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CAPTION(S):

BLOOD AND GUTS Margarito crashes a right hand into Cotto who shows his scars (right); HIT PARADE: Cotto was stopped by Margarito in the 11th round and his defeat could see him face Ricky Hatton at welterweight in what could be the final fight for the Hitman