Now I'll get it out now. I'm a big Ricky Hatton fan, same hometown (Hyde), same age and have watched his career progress. I even went to the same louvalite gym for 4 weeks when I was about 12, but stopped as soon as I was hit in sparring p). I would however, despite my allegiances, like to think I am unbiased in assessing Hatton's chances v Mayweather. I think Mayweather is a huge favourite going into the fight no doubt, but the fight is 'live' and not a forgone conlusion in any way shape or form. What I have been seeing is the 'Collazo' analogy from a lot of fight fans indicating that if Ricky struggled against Collazo at 147lbs then Floyd will dispatch Hatton rather easily and embarrassingly. My view is that too much emphasis has been placed on Ricky's one forray into the Welters. Sure he didn't look good, and he was holding on for dear life at the end, and the decision could have gone either way (I thought it was a draw or if not Collazo may have done enough being the champ) but there are mitigating circumstances often ignored, and to say PBF will beat Hatton because of this is short sighted. Hatton struggles against Southpaws and often gets caught on the counter easily, he acknowledges it, his trainer knows it (and by all accounts was very against the Collazo fight), thus there was always a liklihood he could look bad in there. Floyd is obviously an orthodox stance fighter. Hatton took the fight at short notice (6 weeks - my limited understanding is that 12 weeks is usually needed to train properly), having been due to fight at 140lbs initially. Hatton will have a full training camp, and Billy Graham, who is known to be a complete boxing anorak, will ensure he is fully prepared to face Mayweather. Luis Collazo was generally considered a stepping stone for Hatton to move on up to bigger things. To announce his arrival to the 147lb division. By Hatton's own admissions he took this fight too lightly. With Mayweather being many peoples p4p No 1, motivation and desire will not be lacking in Hatton's training camp. Luis Collazo was/is a natural welterweight and his height and general size/reach advantage over Hatton was greater than what Floyd's will be when thaey tee off. Floyd will obviously provide Hatton with severe problems of his own, handspeed, footwork, supreme elusiveness and accuracy of punches. But to think Hatton will struggle because 'Collazo nearly knocked him out in the 12th' is perhaps a little distant from what will happen. In any even we will have a great last portion of '07 to look forward to!
I think you make a lot of excellent points. Collazo doesn't compare to Floyd, and there were mitigating circumstances. As a result, people shouldn't use that fight to predict the outcome of this I fight. I totally agree. At the same time, people shouldn't use the 1st Castillo fight as a way to predict a Hatton victory in this fight. There were mitigating circumstances is that fight, and Floyd did win the rematch without any conrtroversy.
Yeah I'm not generally into the if X fighter beat Y fighter then Z fighter will destroy B fighter predictions etc etc etc. *Cliche* but styles make fights. Also preparation (both will be in tip top shape we can guarantee that), skill, the right fight plan, and attitude. Attitude is key here, I am truly hoping that Floyd does believe his own nonsense when he describes Ricky Hatton as the biggest overrated fighter in boxing, and when he describes Ricky as a 'little fat man'. If he does he may be in for a surprise. My guess here is that it wont be the case and outside of all the preening, prima donna nonsense Floyd's attitude will be 100% and thoroughly professional. If attitude is right for Floyd then I'm hoping that Heart is key. I know Hatton has a lot of that.
Ultimately Collazo took a **** load of risk for reward. He let his hands go none stop. Floyd, generally and especially at 147 and 154, is not like that. He pot shots, looks for clear openings and doesn't want to risk getting hit EVEN if he is standing RIGHT IN FRONT OF YOU! For every Collazo theres a Castillo. Floyds going to **** himself and be too scared to punch. Hatton will maul and brawl his way to a sensational victory!
Questions We all know PBF will shy away from a tear-up..so how will Ricky get to Floyd? Will it be a dirty fight? Can Ricky drop Floyd? Is Floyd past his prime? Will Ricky run out of steam and get KO'd late in the fight? Is 'fighting heart' the key to victory? What is the key punch from Ricky and vice versa Who will win the pre fight psyche-out Is Floyd a little Ring rusty-if yes, will it have any effect on the outcome Is Ricky already over the hill at 28 or is this going to be a Kosta performance I predict a very aggressive start from Ricky- PBF will have no choice but to trade- but are PBFs skills too much for Hatton, even in a war?
If Hatton wants itbadly, hes gna hav to be a monster and train like a mad man. Hes gna hav to push himself to pain hes neva expereienced. With the right training regime he can come in ready and relentless. I fink its too late for him to change his style and i dnt think he can. But regardless, if he wnts to beat Floyd, he has to go to hell and back. Floyd is gna be in tip top condition. Its gna hav to be something special from hatton.
I agree. Hatton took the Collazo fight on short notice and should be better prepared this time @ the weight fo 147. So far Hatton has performed better in the bigger fights. Floyd's not too big or physical of a welter anyway.
It's interesting that you've changed your mind about this fight. Back in 2005, I remember you felt that Mayweather would be Hatton's only loss. Any reasons for your change of heart?
I've had a change of heart but not a change of mind. Work it out In all seriousness though... ...Floyd has become more safety orientated and more of a potshotter. I'd put it down to size and weight. Hatton has also proven he was no fluke and he has been at his best in big fights. Hatton has to push the intangiables i.e. having the crowd on his side, getting to Floyd mentally etc Duran did it!
Hatton does seem to struggle with southpaws...he was dropped HARD by Eamon Magee when he was a prospect...
Hatton's going to sleep in December because he is to slow and to small as for Collazo we saw what he was made of against SSM so i don't give Hatton much of a shot in this one.
