Former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton has trained a fighter to a world title for the first time.
Kazakhstan’s Zhanat Zhakiyanov survived two first-round knockdowns to outpoint American Rau’shee Warren and claim the WBA bantamweight title in Ohio.
The 33-year-old, trained by Hatton since 2013, was given a split decision 111-115 116-110 115-111.
Hatton, 38, tweeted: “He’s only gone and done it. Been with me years. Couldn’t be prouder.”
Zhakiyanov stunned many inside the Huntington Center with a tenacious comeback as the fight progressed in Warren’s home city.
