Ricky Hatton survives a knockdown to scrape past Eamonn Magee in 12 tough rounds.

Has "the hitman" got what it takes - or has he reached his limits?

Ricky Hatton survived the worst moment of his career to beat Eamonn Magee in a points decision over 12 rounds in Manchester.

Hatton saw Saturday's sixth defence of his WBU light-welterweight title as the turning point in his boxing career.

But has this fight revealed the limits of his talent, or can he face the likes of Kostya Tszyu with confidence?

Is Hatton on the road to greatness?

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The very fact that Ricky Hatton had the courage and the character to get up off the floor and then to out box Magee showed beyond all doubt that he is world class.

Magee himself is a class act and Hatton will not come up against many opponents more durable than the Irish man. Hatton must now keep up the momentum and invite challengers of Magee's calibre to test him. Unfortunately, while he is tied to the limited scope of satellite television the nation will miss out on seeing a true champion at his best. Come on Beeb! Dump 'Ordinary Harrison' and invest the license fees in a genuine world class fighter!
Mike Sloyan, England

Hatton put in a superb performance and he showed that he can think on his feet when he needs to.

The knockdown and going the full distance with Magee were both beneficial to him and it is only a matter of time before Kostya Tzyu becomes another victim of the Hitman.
Dan K, England

Was at the fight on Saturday night, great scrap, but if Hatton faces Kostya Tszyu in the future a massive training on defence is needed, left glove too low, and beef up slightly.

Hatton said the knockdown didn't bother him, maybe, but for a time in the second round he was out on his feet and he was clinging on. every thing else was brilliant, but he needs to improve his defence.
Stewart Walsh, England

Ricky Hatton had the type of learning experience he needs if he is going to fight Kostya Tszyu. I hope he steers clear of the WBO title and works his way to the WBC No.1 contendership. He needs to fight the likes of Ben Tackie, Jesse James Leija, Vince Phillips and Mickey Ward before stepping in with Tszyu, who would slaughter him at this point in time. He better hurry though, Tszyu will probably retire within four or five fights.
Darren Yates, Australia

Hatton is a strong and sensible fighter with great tactical abilites. However to go on and fight Kotzyu will take a lot of work. Hatton's dedicated though so I'm for him.
Mark Wilson, Scotland

Coming back from an early setback, Hatton showed true championship class. Magee's 'fight in my own corner' tactics embarrassed his 'Irish Hardman' claims as Hatton wore him down into submission...dare I say McGuigan style?
Des Davis, England

Magee was a hard man to beat and some respect to him but Ricky was fantastic and well deserved the result. Superb night!
Chris, Manchester

Ricky is a credit to himself, the sport and his home town. Wish I could be there to see him fight Magee. I predict a Hatton win.
Charlie Partanna, USA

Hatton has met his match Magee. On his day he will knockout any fighter put in front of him. Although Hatton is fighting in front of a home crowd, Magee knows that the whole of Belfast are supporting him back home. Go on Magee we all have every confidence in you mate.
Joe Rocks, Belfast, Ireland

Hatton is a delight to watch. His work rate, speed, power and accuracy are awesome. He conducts himself out of the ring like a real gent. These qualities all help on the road to greatness. One other small point, it will take an extremely strong talented and focused fighter to stop this young whirlwind in his tracks.
Richard Lane, England

Hatton has not proved that he has the tools to become a champion, let alone to reach the level of 'Greatness!' However I do believe that if he is not already the most proven "prospect" he is definitely amongst the best.

To me the best prospects in boxing right now are Ricky and Kermit "the Killer" Cintron (welter-weight.) But every true boxing fan knows that potential and youth never guarantee 'greatness.' The bottom line is that nobody really knows for sure if they will get there - only time will tell, good luck to both!
Luis Rivera, Puerto Rico/ USA

Ricky Hatton is one of the most over-rated fighters in Britain at the moment. Magee will stop Hatton in the later rounds.
Kevin Johnstone, Scotland

Hatton is going to get the beating of his life and he will not last 6 rounds with the terminator. The WBU light welterweight title will be coming to Ardoyne and it will be there to stay.
Aiden O'Hanlon, Ireland,Co.Down, Kilkeel

This match will be an excellent test for young Hatton - you don't get much more gritty competitos than Magee. If he takes him out in style his next step should be one of the better American fighters like Gatti or Ward. Hatton in 8 rounds
Paul Raddon, England

Hatton has the ability to knock Magee out early, then try to move up the weights and take on the likes of Mosley and Forrest. He will be a legend.
Peter Smith, Scotland

Magee is in unbelievable shape, Hatton is in for a hell of a war. Magee has too much power. It'll be over in 7 rounds.
James Magee, Northern Ireland (Newcastle)

Hatton has the technique, the power and the durability to defeat Magee. He is a very dangerous opponent as his victory over Thaxton proved but Hatton's body blows will ensure Magee runs out of steam in round 6.
MJ Watkins, UK

This is the biggest test for Hatton by far. Magee has been around for a long time, is ranked highly by the WBC and certainly has a proven calibre at domestic level - what's more he seems to have a personal problem with Ricky which can only fuel the atmosphere.

Hatton has to stop Magee to put him amongst the 'big boys' of the division so it is time to see just how hard those body punches are. He has looked the business so far and his conduct is outstanding so I would love to see him win in style - then who knows how far he can go.
Richard Fairs, UK

Magee is heavy handed, and has a chance of stopping Hatton on cuts. Susceptibility to cuts remains the only main question mark over him.
Matthew Tan, Belgium

Hatton is exactly what world boxing needs in what a pretty dire climate. However he is prone to cutting and will have to be on form to put the quality Magee away inside the distance.
Jason, England

I was wondering when the excuses would start. Maybe it's hitting home to Magee that Hatton is a class above him and should already be operating at world level.

Micky Vann is an experienced and respected referee and will give Magee every opportunity to ward off the inevitable Hatton stoppage. The variation of Hatton's attacks will be the key to a sound victory, and I look forward to Hatton progressing into real World level.
Matt Berry, England

If Magee is as good as he says then what difference does it make who the ref is? He is looking for excuses already.
Jim W, England

Ricky Hatton is the best thing to happen to British boxing for a very long time. His conduct is truly professional and his dedication to the sport is second to none. Good luck Ricky!
Nick Tansley, England

So far Hatton has looked unstoppable. However, there is a lot of truth in what Magee is saying and Hatton's punch resistance is still unknown. Despite this, I think Hatton will become one of the best fighters to come out of the UK for many years.
Brian Carroll, Scotland

Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe are this country's best boxers. Unlike Naseem Hamed, Hatton is not just jive but action as well. He is one of the most exciting fighters I have seen in a long time. It would be money well spent if the BBC or SKY show his fights and not one of those powder puff pugilists, Hamed and Harrison.
Kristian Ward, England

Ricky Hatton is a breath of fresh air to boxing at the moment. With Naz's arrogance, Harrison fighting no-hopers, and Tyson's sheer lunacy, it's good to see a boxer just talk about boxing and not bragging to the world about what a great fighter he is.

And he is a good fighter. Hatton shows that he is a class above by his behaviour both inside and outside the ring. I suggest his thunderous body blows will be too much for Magee (who himself is a great fighter).
Chris Jose, England