[FONT=Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif] By Craig Watt Following the second round knockout of Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday by Manny Pacquiao there has been much speculation as to whether the former two weight champion from Manchester will return to the boxing ring or will retire from the sport. Today, Brendon Smith, manager and trainer of Australian lightweight contender Michael Katsidis confirmed to Fightnews that a fight with Hatton was originally pencilled in for November in the UK as a homecoming fight for the former two weight world champion, prior to the Pacquiao fight. With the loss to Pacquiao however, this fight may be in question, as many people have called on Ricky Hatton to retire, although Team Katsidis are still positive about the possibility. Smith stated, We had on-going discussions with Golden Boy Promotions well before the Manny Pacquiao fight and the fight was pencilled in for November in the UK. He continued, This was a fight that was in the works for over 18 months and given both their exciting styles would be a superb spectacle for the fans in England. There is no loss of respect for Ricky due to his defeat by Pacquiao and he was caught by a devastating punch from a fantastic fighter. We have the utmost respect for Ricky and he has had a fantastic career and we would be happy to be involved in a home coming fight for Ricky. Brendon Smith was keen to emphasise this was not a new challenge to Hatton due to the loss he received last weekend. He confirmed, I must stress that we are not calling out Ricky Hatton because of his knockout loss this potential fight was in discussions for many months and we would like that fight to happen. I am sure after such a great career Ricky would not want to go out on such a devastating loss and Michael is improving all the time. His win over Jesus Chavez was an indication of how well he has performed. When Ricky beat Kostya Tszyu in 2005 not many people know that Team Tszyu used Michael as his main sparring partner and the talk in the gym and nickname for Michael was Mini Ricky due to his all action style being so similar to Ricky Hatton. The Tszyu fight showed how good Ricky was and a match up with Michael would be such a great spectacle for the fans and I fight that could be suitable finale for such an exciting and popular fighter that Ricky has been. We have the greatest respect for Ricky and he has been a credit to the sport of boxing and the spectacle of a fight between Katsidis and Hatton could be a superb contest. Former WBO interim lightweight champion Katsidis is well know to the UK fans and has been involved in some exciting fights in recent years with Graham Earl when he won the championship and his fight in 2008 versus Joel Casamayor was a contender to Fight of the Year. His win over Jesus Chavez was impressive last month and has pushed Katsidis to WBO#2 ranked at lightweight. [/FONT]
I hope the fight gets made.....it would be a great payday for Rocky. The fight would be a war and wont go 10 rounds with someone getting stopped. Hatton would get 40,000 fans to his goodbye fight in the UK and good PPV but he would have a plan to go out a winner....rocky may be on the wrong side of that safety plan. I think Hatton has more game than Rocky and is a level above but Rocky has a good fighters chance.
Agreed.. Its always a shock to see a bloke like Hatton finish his career on a sad note. Thing is, he never had a place in the Pac fight, meaning it was over before HE began. Hattons a typical Brit Champ, tough as hell, rough and willing. He got beaten in a shut down very quickly. Being KO'd to that extent will do nothing for his big time pay days in the states.. No one has mentioned a "SHOCK KO" and demanded a rematch. To be honest, I don't even know who's belt/s were on the line. Being IBO.. Hatton's the most likely loser of his belt. That how important belts are I guess. "No return clause".. If this was Hattons IBO, I doubt anyone would take time to see a more serious hiding anyway. IMO, Hatton should retire and **** his squillions against the wall, shag every tart available and retain his dignity.. If a Kats bout does occur, it'll be great to see.. but what's the damage left over???? Should Hatton beat Kats, the credibility of Kats may be done serious harm. Hatton wont be thought of in the same mould of Casamoyer etc in the coming months anyway. So, Kats would HAVE to win to make it worth while. The Pay day will be fantastic, but there could be a career destroying risk. That having been said, BRING IT ON. Kats/Hatton would be a great spectacle of similar styles.. But the Britts might lose a little more respect for Ricky, should he lose again.
Michael Spinks retired straight after his KO loss to Tyson and the former 175lb and Heavyweight champs legacy was not tarnished too much. He like Hatton ran into a bloke who was not to be denied on the night and would have beaten anyone put in front of them. You might need to open your eyes and ears flame - The bout was announced on the night, advertised on main event, boxing magazines and fightnews.com and secondsout.com as being for the IBO title. Pacman was announced as the new IBO world champion and the belt was placed on him with hundreds of photo's taken with him wearing it. I'm pretty sure it was for our belt LOL
You're not wrong Phil... she's a glamour. It just doesn't add up though. I'm a lover, not a fighter... I got my face from being 'Knocked Back'.
It's the humour angle mate - his brother Matt who is nowhere near as rich and famous punches well above his weight too. As I tell my wife, make em laugh and your already in up to your second knuckle.... she says I'm not that classy :?
Asking her that question is the only thing that leaves her lost for words - it's worth asking for that effect alone!
No way Rocky should fight him over there. It's no coincidence Hatton's career has gone downhill since fighting in America as they uphold the rules of the sport there. Manny caved his head in because everytime he tried to hold and be dirty Bayless broke them up.
Even if Ricky doesn't retire, I doubt this fight gets made. Hatton looks done at 140. I heard he lost 15 pounds in the last three days before the fight. At the weigh in he looked like he had spent a few hours with Dracula. He may have a farewell fight at 147 but that can't be Katsidis.