In the prime of his career, after beating Tszyu (who was a huge favorite) and unifying with Maussa, crossed the pond to take on: 1. Beltholder Collazo in his first fight at 147 in Boston, who has given Mosley and Berto problems 2. Then to Las Vegas and back to 140 for a tough challenger with power in Beltholder Urango 3. Castillo albeit past-prime was still dangerous (Vegas) 4. #1 P4P at the time in Mayweather (Vegas) 5. Stripped Beltholder Malignaggi, who he dominated more than Cotto did (Vegas) 6. Now Pacquiao, current #1 P4P (Vegas) All out of the friendly confines of England. In recent times, I can only think of a few fighters who put together a murderer's row of opponents like this: 1. Pacquiao 2. Taylor 3. Morales In other words, you would never hear the words, "carefully matched by their promoter" next to these fighters. Hatton didn't duck anyone. Like his fellow Brit Lennox Lewis and unlike his fellow Brit Joe Calzaghe, we won't have any "what-ifs" or "mystery matchups" about his career. He took the risks, and win or lose, he showed the balls to fight the very best. Despite the loss, Hatton is still going to Canastota having been a three-time world champion (1 lineal), and 6 defenses of his lineal title which spanned four years. Much respect to Hitman II.
