Jimmy Joe Flint Outclasses Campbell Hatton Again to Keep Junior Welterweight Title

Jimmy Joe Flint Clinches Rematch Against Campbell Hatton

The Manchester crowd packed into the Co-op Live Arena expecting fireworks, and Jimmy Joe Flint didn’t let them down. In a fight loaded with tension and backstory, Flint once again found a way to halt Campbell Hatton’s previously unbeaten run. This wasn’t just another title defense for Flint. It was proof that last spring’s win wasn’t a fluke, and that the Yorkshireman is a real force at junior welterweight.

Flint walked in as champion, but plenty of observers saw Hatton — with his 14-fight win streak — as the man with momentum. The tone shifted just days before the fight when the original British and Commonwealth title clash on the card fell through, boosting this rematch to chief support. Suddenly, the spotlight and expectation both cranked up a notch — and in that glare, Flint’s experience shone brightest.

Right from the bell, Flint’s approach was clear. He worked off the jab, kept his guard sharp, and threaded crisp combos, staying a step ahead every time Hatton loaded up for a charge. By round six, the pattern was set: Hatton pushing forward, eager to land, but finding Flint’s accurate straight shots stalling every surge. The scorecards — 97-94, 96-94, and 96-95 — summed it up reasonably: not a runaway, but a clear, confident win for the defending champ.

Hatton’s Streak Broken, Future Uncertain

You could see the frustration on Hatton’s face as rounds ticked by, especially after Flint landed a solid right that left the Manchester man staggering in the final round. Even as swelling closed up above the champ’s left eye, Flint managed distance and timing so well that Hatton’s trademark aggression often worked against him, leaving openings Flint exploited time and again.

I’ve watched enough fights to know that an undefeated record can make a boxer look invincible—until somebody brings them back to earth. That’s exactly what happened to Hatton. His corner, led by Ben Davison, yelled advice and encouragement, but Flint’s craft kept him one move ahead throughout. After the final bell, relief mixed with disappointment settled on both sides: Flint triumphant, Hatton looking suddenly mortal and now facing some uncomfortable questions about his next step.

With his record now at 15-2-2, Flint has added real substance to his reputation, especially after two straight decision wins over Hatton. For Hatton—now 14-1—this was a moment of truth. Adapting to smarter, slicker opponents, and learning how to adjust under pressure, will be crucial if he wants to bounce back. No doubt, fans will wonder if he’ll stick at junior welterweight or search for opportunities higher up the scale. Either way, Saturday’s fight made it clear: there’s work to do.

• Flint excelled at controlling range, particularly during rounds six and seven.
• Hatton’s lack of head movement became a glaring target.
• Despite a late scare, Hatton showed grit in surviving to the final bell.
• The rematch solidifies Flint’s status in a lively junior welterweight scene.

Now, with this chapter closed, both boxers leave Manchester changed. Flint’s next defense will draw extra eyes, while Hatton faces a crossroads in what once looked like a can’t-miss career. Boxing’s always hungry for the next big answer. This fight just gave us a fresh batch of questions.