I know there have been countless threads regarding this fight all over the web but now for my take. Remember Hatton v Maussa? The troubles Hatton was having with Frank Warren? Hatton came out like a bull seeing red everywhere and would not stop, relax and box smart - and got cut early. In my opinion, for the fight tonight I think we could see something similar. RH has got demons to exorcise, 55,000 fans to please and doubters to prove wrong. That would lead me to believe that the first round or two will see a rampaging Hatton that will get caught early with a wake up punch. Hence a severe ticking off from Billy Graham. I know he's been working on some new things with Lee Beard but that first round will see Hatton reverting too old I think and not using his head. I think this will be a difficult fight because Hatton will make it one. Yes Lazcano has been in with four world champions but look at his losses. Almost 10 years ago to the day he was downed by Golden Johnson in the third. With the pressure on his shoulders I can see Hatton making life difficult for himself but prevailing - possibly via a cut - and stopping Lazcano late on. I hope I'm wrong and that Hatton is sharp on his feet, shows his good head movement and hand speed and picks his punches - especially to the body. Lazcano's frame is an ideal target for the body shot and will be easier to get to than FMJ. After that and providing Malignaggi beats N'Dou we're of the understanding that the Hitman v Magic Man fight has already been made. We all know that Hatton has trouble with speedy fighters and whilst the New Yorker does not have the power of Tszyu he has a lot of tricks up his sleeve and his in and out style could give Hatton a nightmare. And for me that makes it a 50-50 fight. It would be of no surprise to me if Hatton lost that fight. But even then he will have one more fight, a marquee fight abroad. Possibly Pacquaio, Juan Diaz but please please forget the rematch with FMJ. No Hatton fan, myself included wants to see him get downed the way he did that night in December last year.
After suffering his first loss . . . I'm expecting Hatton to comeback with vengeance. If he shows up with a lack luster performance then he is gonna be degraded and forgotten by boxing fans . . . especially the haters. :yep
I'm expecting Hatton to split Juan in half with a left to the liver sometime between the fourth and the eighth.
Hatton has admitted himself that his head movement has been lacking recently, so he must be aware of the comparison being made between the Hatton who fought Tszyu and the recent more static Hatton. Surely he himself will feel the need to correct his errors and I expect to see the old evasive Hatton tonight.
Can't really pick a winner here, won't be surprised if Hatton loses or wins. He's coming off a brutal KO loss it's only logical to think he's not as he was mentally but the fight could change it of course. Let's wait and see.
i personally dont expect to see a careless, rampaging hatton tonight... i for one think he was embarassed at the uncontrolled agression he showed against mayweather and will return with a more level-headed, cautious approach I got my money on Hatton by late round TKO
Its very hard to get excited about a guy whose big shots came a decade ago while losing to Golden Johnson, this reeks of mediocrity. I also cannot get my pulse racing watching a guy with 5 knockout repeat with a guy he outpointed who I think is a stiff. However, hence I need not give a **** as I live in the USA. However, I do understand this is the only fighter England can ever truly identify with by that I mean the ignorant teaming masses. The kind of Euro goon who drinks beer and throws bannanas onto a football field. I know this is not everyone who roots for Rick, but the knowledgable boxing fan knows what Im getting at. These two meaningless bouts will then give way to the the next meaningless bout between the two victors all neatly packaged for the average sap. The winners are the Pauliephiles who get off on Malianaggis juke and jive and Hatton who doesnt have to face a live body or real threat, while he campaigns to get KTFO again at welter by PBF. This ensures that this **** PBF gets out of haveing to fight a top 5 welter once again.
