Let me just start by saying that I am a massive Ricky Hatton fan both as a man and a fighter and really would have given anything to see him win. However this fight was always going to play out the way it did. I think anyone who had seen the Hatton-Collazo fight would have been able to pick this fight. In that fight Hatton looked impressive early on but tired against a naturally bigger and stronger fighter. Once Hatton slowed, he was picked off coming forward due to limited lateral movement and subsequently seriously rattled late on. Whilst I think Hatton did (just) win this fight he was in serious trouble in the last against a fringe fighter in Collazo. Last night in Mayweather we had a fighter who is faster, stronger and smarter than Collazo, so it was always likely Ricky would be exposed to an even greater extent. Mayweather was superb, proving to everyone what a brave and exciting fighter he can still be, and I for one have been totally won over by him. I am a fan. As for Hatton I believe he did all he could in this fight and may have made it through 12, albeit losing a big UD on the cards, if it were not for Cortez who was abysmal. Once the point was deducted Ricky was chasing the fight and the one thing you can't do is take risks against Floyd Mayweather. Hatton did push Mayweather for the first 6 rounds, and showed what a brave fighter he is, showing good speed and footwork. He is without doubt an elite fighter and belongs at this level. Would this fight have been any different at 140 with a less self promoting referee? Absolutely not, there can be no complaints from Hatton. There is still plenty for Hatton to do, he is still the man 140, and a home coming fight with Witter at Wembley Stadium or Malinaggi at the MSG would cement a superb career as the best Jr Welterweight of his era. In short Hatton has nothing to be ashamed of, and Mayweather has everything to be proud of. He is without doubt the best there is so bring on Cotto.
