THEY came and saw their hero conquer Juan Lazcano as Ricky Hatton’s fans possibly saw their idol fight for the last time in England.

A record-breaking crowd of 57,000 packed into the City of Manchester Stadium last Saturday to watch the Hitman mark his ‘homecoming’ with the 44th victory of his career.

The judges’ scorecards of 120-108, 120-110 and 118-110 made it look a one-sided and convincing victory in favour of the Hitman, although there was a nagging feeling that it posed just as many questions as it answered.

First the positives; Hatton shrugged off defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jnr last time out, proved he still possessed the stamina to last 12 rounds, while retaining his IBO light-welterweight belt in the process.

However, there were one or two hairy moments within the 12 rounds when Lazcano found a way through Hatton’s defences, proof of which was the mass swelling around the Hitman’s eyes come the post-fight press conference.

Some fans also left the stadium saying that the Hitman of two or three years ago would have found a way to have finished the Mexican off inside the distance.

Nevertheless, Hatton was just pleased to have got what he believed was ‘the hardest fight’ out of the way.

He said: "Beforehand I was very nervous. The training camp went as well as it could have but you can’t prepare yourself for the time you get beaten or knocked out, nothing can prepare you for how you feel when you step in the ring.

"I think I boxed a good fight and 57,000 people coming to support you isn’t a way of easing back into action after a knockout defeat.

"It was a very good fight for me, I think I boxed well in every round and showed good boxing ability.

"I think I hurt Juan in near enough every round but when I put my foot on the gas and tried to finish the fight, that’s when I sometimes landed myself in trouble.

"Billy (Graham, trainer) told me not to take any chances because I was boxing well and was well ahead on the scorecards but you’ve got to understand I always go for the knockout.

"It’s landed me in trouble in the past and again tonight but I think that’s what people love about me."

The build-up to the fight had also featured speculation about a ring entrance with a difference.

Wild theories had abounded about a possible knife-thrower with Hatton having talked about daggers being aimed at him in the past.

In the end, it was a rewording of Jeff Beck’s ‘Hi-Ho Silver Lining’ which poked fun at Hatton’s love of fast food before the Hitman emerged resplendent in a ‘fat suit’ bearing the words ‘Fatman’ and ‘Ricky Fatton’.

Having answered his critics in that manner, it was down to business for Hatton who started the fight well.

After bossing the opening couple of rounds, there was a minor scare at the start of round three when he was sent to the canvas, only for referee Howard Foster to rule he had slipped.

Despite being well ahead, Hatton was perhaps too keen to try and land the knockout blow, leaving himself open to possible counter-punching from Lazcano.

The Mexican had 57,000 hearts in mouths during rounds eight and 10 when landing a series of punches, only for Hatton to withstand the attack.

Once that happened, it became merely a matter of Hatton holding out without alarm until the final bell to claim victory, even if thousands of supporters had already left, either knowing that victory was secure or in a bid to get the last train home.

Job done, Hatton was keen to pay tribute to both Lazcano and his fans, knowing in all probability that it will be the last time they see him fight in Manchester.

He said: "Juan was very durable, he got on my nerves a few times!

"He kept coming thoughout and caught me with a good good shot in the eighth round, but by the end of it, I think it might have taken more out of Juan than me.

"He put a lot of effort into finishing me in the last few rounds but I came on.

"I’d like to thank all the fans who came here, it was absolutely awesome – not a seat left in the house.

"I may be trying to become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world but I know who the best pound-for-pound fans are in the world."

For his part, Lazcano believed he lost to ‘a great fighter’ having come into the contest after 15 months away from the ring.

Despite being unable to inflict a second consecutive defeat on Hatton, the Mexican was full of praise for the home fighter.

He said: "I knew Ricky was a fast starter and that the first four rounds would be difficult for me.

"I figured that if I could weather the storm, then I would get to him in the middle of the fight.

"I did hurt him but he hangs on tighter than a clamp. I give him credit and take my hat off to him.

"I lost to a very great man who challenges himself and it was a really tough, good fight.

"I know the fans were very happy and it was a very good show tonight."

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