Is Hatton shot? Should he retire?

I personally don't think so.

He was out of his depth against the two elite fighters of the decade, which is essentially no shame. To get KOd by Floyd was quite embarrassing though, bearing in mind Floyd was not even looking for a KO, but anyone in the ring with Pacquiao is in danger of being knocked out in any round. Anyone who knew anything about boxing wouldn't have given Hatton a chance against those two fighters.

However, other people say that Hatton's demise has been very apparent, and is coming at the end his career. Basically, although he was up against class opponents, he failed to land decent punches on either Floyd or Pac, and was TOTALLY out of his depth. Is this the result of years of boozing and poor diet...and is his chin shot and vulnerable?? Given the comments from his parents, and the absence of any strong backroom staff now, is it a good time to retire?

I still think Hatton has plenty to give both British and world boxing. The fight with Khan would sell out stadiums up and down Britain, there's still the Witter question etc. Then there's Timothy Bradley who embarrassed Witter, holds two belts, and the only challenge for Hatton at 140lbs.

Hatton can still be a world champion, and still has at least three more fights left in him (IMHO). Outside of Pacquiao and PBF, Hatton is the best there is, and can still go on ruling the division whilst knowing he is no match for Mayweather and Pacquiao, who have their own business to get down to. For Hatton to finish with any kind of legacy, he has to win a (British) 'superfight' versus Amir Khan, and then win the belts off Tim Bradley. Then he can retire a great champion, who was simply dominated by two ATGs - if he retires now he will forever be remembered as a Naz style loser who couldn't cut it with the big boys - and it's up to Hatton now to prove that he still can.

 

I agree mostly.

But he got KOd against a feather fisted Floyd, punching on the backfoot. He got KOd by Pacquiao faster than it took him to KO his 120lb opponents, infact faster than most of any of his opponents.

Many fans predicted the end would hit Hatton like a juggernaught, that his pub lifestyle would do him no favours at the business end of his career. He didn't just get beat by Pac and Floyd, he was totally exposed by them - he didn't even land punches on them. His chin caved in quicker than any of their other opponents - Floyd got his first KO since Gatti years before, and Pacquiao got his first KO in 3 rounds since Morales three yrs ago. When you add the factor that Pacquiao was stepping up a division, it is even more incredible.

It could just be that Hatton's demise as a boxer is coinciding with his venture against the world elites. Beating Malignaggi convincingly was enough to assuage the doubts following Floyd, but he needs to do it again now after what Pac did to him.

Is he the same fighter that battered Kostya Tszyu, is he still capable of that? Or is he suffering from his diet, does he lack the capacity for twelve round onslaughts and is his chin shot?? He still has goals to achieve and questions to answer if he is up to the challenge.

 

Pacquiao is a lot better than most boxers. He is a lot better than David Diaz, but didn't KO him in two rounds. He didn't KO Marquez in two whole fights.

Dont forget Hatton was knocked down twice prior to the KO - it s was an ass whoopin of the higest level. Hatton had no chance in hell of lasting the distance with Pac, where other (lighter) fighters can and have done - why is that?

Would Pac have simply done the same to the Hatton who fought out of his skin against Tszyu that night?

And Tszyu was no fanny - how did Hatton take his shots for 11 rounds, and then fall on the floor v Floyd's light slaps, and get put on his back three times in two rounds v Pac??

Chin? Diet? Age? General decline? They are no doubt superb fighters, but their fights with Hatton were far easier than their fights with other opponents - and why is that?

Malignaggi has no power. There is a very real danger that Khan could KO Hatton if his chin is vulnerable. If Hatton is not on the decline, he has to prove it - they were indeed two ATG opponents, but they beat him too bad to not have any suspicions.

 

I don't really get the point.

Hatton still took several extremely hard punches to the head v Tszyu, but didn't take many v Pacquiao. Mayweather's punches were basic jabs and hooks and he found himself sprawled on the floor.

He took powerful punches against Tszyu, but somehow can't anymore.