Why did Ricky Hatton………

He was protected by his promoter at the time Frank Warren. Hatton was, and continues to be bellitled over his WBU title reign. and rightfully so.

When you look back at Hattons record and you see the chunk of WBU title defences it leaves a bad taste. you realise that its not only Witter that was avoided back then. Hooligan and Nearly are also on the list.

You have to give props to Sky who put there foot down and said that main events on friday fight night had to be for British/Commonwealth or higher (world title, euro, world title eliminator). Shame sky are allowing his brother to fight for the IBO which is a compelte joke but at least Nortan and Smith will be on the card.

but to be fair to Hatton he went on and fought 3 all time great fighters in Tysuzu, Mayweather and Pacquiao and a handfull of world class fighters in Callazo, Urango, Mausa, Mallignaggi, Castillo, Lazcano.

 

Hattons WBU reign was amazing.

 

Quite a few Warren fighters went down the WBU route back then and in fairness to Hatton his WBU resume wasn't to bad.

 

Andy Holligan trained at the same gym as Hatton I believe - they sparred in the build up to the Neary fight (Hatton's book says so).

 

Did anybody seriously regard it as a title?

I don't think so and it's therefore meaningless

Any criticism of the opponents he did or didn't face in this period is instantly dispelled by the fact he faced the VERY best, at their peak, twice. And a load of other tough fights. Abroad.

So he clearly was up for the challenge. But why didn't the 'challenge' arrive sooner?


Who is to blame for this era? Warren? Hatton / Calzaghe (for similar reasons)? Or the fans who pack the arenas to watch these guys face, on the whole, overmatched opposition ?

Bit of blame all round I'd say. But certainly Hatton and to a point Joe both fought bigger fights, overseas, after they left Warren. Hatton had to force Warren to make the Tszyu fight. But he left him anyway afterwards.

 

At least he defended it against ok fighters... the likes of McAllister defended it against eurobums and journeymen

 

IMO no, I don't know of anyone who thought he was a champion, and the press didn't push him as a champ either.

 

Nothing to do with the title, everything to do with the support a fighter has.

Hatton was a hugely popular fighter from an early stage, the WBU thing means zip. He'd have drawn the same crowds and made the same cash had he gone the traditional route.

 

Frank Warren.

 

Actually pal, I remember you asking about purses and all that was pretty much said was commonwealth purses are smaller.... I'd really like to know as well!

I beleive I read that the purse for Murray - McAllister was 20 grand... not 100% sure tho.