By David Freezer

Copyright bbc

Despite bleeding heavily from a cut above his left eye in the first round, Hatton went the distance and beat Thaxton on points – going the full distance for the first time in his professional career.

Speaking to BBC Radio Norfolk, Thaxton recalled: “For 48 minutes in there we didn’t like each other much, but after that, whenever we’ve seen each other on the circuit it’s all been good. He came to my retirement dinner.

“He was a genuine, good person. I’m very proud of that fight.

“It wasn’t my best performance but it was my most favourite fight and it did put my name out there a bit.

“People still talk about that fight and that’s something to be proud of.”