Joe Tessitore was on the Max Kellerman radio show today talking some boxing. Tessitore had Bhop a one point victor over Calzaghe. He was talking to Brian Kenny who was sitting in for Max. He thinks De La Hoya has slowed down considerably and that he took a lot of punches in the Forbes fight. He said that Juan Manuel Marquez is a superior fight to Oscar in the last few years and that the fact that Pacman had trouble with him will have little bearing on this fight. He said he will win with speed and will win by a late round stoppage. Kenny was very surprised. Tessitore also said that Hatton's sheer bulk and bulldog like frame should carry him to victory against Mallinaggi. But Hatton has been ballooning to over 200lbs between bouts and his pub lifestyle is starting to catch up to him. He is no longer the sensational Hatton that was hard to hit as he attacked nonstop against Kostya Tsyu. Tessitore said Mallinaggi could pick off Hatton with punches as he comes in the clinch. In his opinion Paulie simply does not have the power to win the fight though. He also said Hatton's stamina is not the same anymore.
Why? That is a very like scenario. Trindad, DLH, Tarver all were supposed to beat BHop too, remember? Pavlik carriers nothing BHop has not yet seen. For one BHop has no problems with stronger opponents (i.e. Tarver, Johnson) and is only really bothered by fast opponents (Jones, Calz) but Pavlik is no speedster.
I listened to the same broadcast (ESPNRadio) and it was actually Kenny who had BHop a one point favorite. I also didn't interpret the Malignaggi/Hatton segment the same way. I think he was saying that Hatton's big frame will work to his advantage early but to his disadvantage late. Both he and Kenny agreed that Malignaggi has the skills to beat Hatton. Whether he will or not is TBD. You're accurate on his take of the Pac/DLH fight and yes Brian Kenny was very surprised to hear Tessitore's take. Made me happy. Max Kellerman is not a big Pacquiao fan. I've debated with him countless times (I'm a frequent caller) and anytime I ask him to pick a fight he always picks against Pacquiao. Did it against Morales 3x, Marquez & Diaz.
