Campbell Hatton, with a record of 14-1, started the fight off well in the first two rounds, showcasing his skills in the ring. However, as the fight progressed, Jimmy Joe Flint (14-1-2) took over the momentum. The turning point came in the third round when Flint began to catch Hatton repeatedly with shots, shifting the balance of the fight in his favor.
As the fight went on, Hatton found himself struggling to keep up with Flint’s pace and power. In the eighth round, a well-placed right to the breadbasket from Flint left Hatton badly hurt, forcing him to hold on to survive. From that moment onwards, Hatton seemed to have nothing left in the tank to mount a comeback and regain the momentum he had earlier in the fight.
The judges scored the fight 98-92, 97-94, and 97-95 in favor of Jimmy Joe Flint, resulting in a ten-round unanimous decision victory. Hatton, while feeling he had done enough, accepted the defeat gracefully, acknowledging Flint’s performance. Promoter Eddie Hearn believed Campbell lost by a close margin of one or two rounds, highlighting his forward pressure as a source of credit in the fight.
Eddie Hearn hinted at a potential rematch between Campbell Hatton and Jimmy Joe Flint, suggesting that Hatton could learn from this experience and come back stronger in the future. Hearn praised Hatton’s courage and heart in the ring but emphasized the need for significant improvement to compete with Flint in a rematch. Despite the defeat, Hearn commended Hatton for his efforts and determination in the fight.
In the aftermath of the fight, Hearn urged Hatton to reflect on his performance and acknowledge areas where he fell short. While the loss may be disappointing, it serves as a valuable learning experience for Hatton to grow and develop as a boxer. Hearn emphasized the importance of self-assessment and encouraged Hatton to use this setback as motivation to improve and come back stronger in the future.
The fight between Campbell Hatton and Jimmy Joe Flint showcased the unpredictability and competitiveness of boxing. While Hatton found himself on the losing end of the decision, the experience gained from this fight could be instrumental in his development as a boxer. With the guidance and support of his team, Hatton has the opportunity to learn from this defeat, make necessary adjustments, and strive for success in future bouts.