Mayweather was luring De La Hoya to the ropes, probably aware Oscar felt he had a big advantage there, and it led to him bombarding Mayweather with largely ineffective flurries, bodyshots blocked and headshots evaded and/or countered. Oscars punch output obviously meant he was gassed out by the halfway mark of the bout. I'm pretty sure I recall Mayweathers corner telling him to "take Oscar to the ropes" I hardly think he showed much vulnerability - Anyway, so you're predicting Hatton to win?
Yep, as I said " but a more orthodox fighter with less defensive attributes would have been more vulnerable on the ropes" However, Ive seen other fighters more inferior than him while lying on the ropes. He likes to set traps and counter off them, usually measuring his opponents with single shots, which land more ofrten than not. His opponent on the otherhand misses more often than not. Vulnerable for sure, but far more sneaky over the years.
I'm keeping in mind that with an artist of the caliber of Mayweather these criticisms are relative. Is he inept on the ropes? No. But let's refrain from applauding everything Mayweather does -What I am asserting are ancient pugilistic nuggets: * If you can't keep up with a mobile guy, cut the ring off and put his back on the ropes and then maximize your advantage. * If a man can't hurt you but will outbox you, fight him, don't play pattycakes with him. "Pin down butterflies and dismember them." De La Hoya did better when he did that. How anyone could believe that Mayweather demonstrated mastery with his back on the ropes is beyond me. It was the only chance Oscar had and he failed to implement it.
The source of this complement enhances it's standing in my mind. Thank you. Post more --I look forward to your opinions.
I don't often make predictions on upcoming fights unless I am close to the camp or have reliable inside information. Boxing is the theatre of the unexpected and a hundred unknowable variables can tip the scales. The last I bet on a fight was Holyfield-Tyson (and won thousands). Here is what I am asserting: "...Hatton must take notes on recent history. Pressure fighters are best equipped to beat rythym fighters. However, if they fail to take over, if they basically play Ginger Rogers to Fred Astaire, then forget it. Hatton must be what De La Hoya and Kessler were not--- Hatton must be ferocious. He must be indomitable, disrespectful of Floyd's power, a risk-taker, a body-banger, He must be a disdainful Alexander who is 100% confident in his conditioning." If that is the case, then Hatton can win. If it is not, than Mayweather will win -and with relative ease.
Okay... but I think his defense on the ropes leaves much to be desired. He doesn't strike me as comfortable there- cocky, yes, but not comfortable.
I'll put it this way... if Mayweather were facing Duran, I'd favor Duran to kick his ass from here to eternity. But Hatton ain't Duran. So I favor Mayweather, unless Hatton rises to the occasion in a big way. Ask me after round 1 and I'll tell you!
He's not as comfortable on the ropes as centre ring, but he can be effective both offensively and defensively. But he's restricted how far back he can lean into the ropes to avoid incoming bombs. He went against the ropes after Corley drove him back with a right hand from centre ring. Covering up with a high guard was his next move, then unleashing punches when Corley had nothing but offense on his mind. It worked. I do agree, Mayweather would be making life difficult for himself leaning on the ropes with Hatton. Its a place he likes to wait patiently, and that aint a wise choice to make, especially for long periods.
Another thing. De La Hoya wasn't a particularly physical fighter, never has been over the years. Hatton does like to rough his opponents up. Holding while hitting, and working inside on an opponents chest. De La Hoya liked that bit distance to tee off.