MAYWEATHER-HATTON GO IN DECEMBER! San Mateo, CA- The best jr. welterweight (140 lbs.) in the world is Ricky Hatton of the UK. Of late, he has been called out by some of the biggest names in boxing. Coming off a noteworthy victory in June against former lightweight (135) champion, Jose Luis Castillo, Hatton (43-0, 31 KOs) gave Castillo a taste of his own medicine, stopping the Mexican in the fourth with a single body shot. Since then, Oscar De La Hoya, Floyd Mayweather Jr. , and Shane Mosley, all boxing superstars at welterweight (147) have expressed an interest in fighting the Brit. IS HATTON ORDINARY 7 LBS. HEAVIER? Hatton, unlike fellow British superstar and super middleweight (168) champion, Joe Calzaghe, Ricky made the jump from the confines of Manchester to the United States. Though Hatton had fought in the U.S early in his career, as a world champion and 2005 “Fighter of the Year,” he made his debut at welterweight against Luis Collazo in Boston. After knocking Collazo down in the first round, Hatton struggled to reach the final bell as the bigger Collazo hammered Hatton late. Hatton did come away with a close unanimous decision, but quickly moved back down to his natural weight of 140lbs. FACING OSCAR’S WHERE THE MONEY IS! It is pretty clear by boxing fans that Oscar De La Hoya is still the top draw in boxing. The “Golden Boy” not only attracts all boxing fans when he fights but as well the mainstream public, which boxing fails to attract on a consistent basis. Back in 2004, De La Hoya took a huge risk taking on, at the time, the best pound for pound fighter in middleweight (160) champion Bernard Hopkins. Aware of his own legacy, Oscar tried to have his “Sugar Ray” Leonard-Marvin Hagler” moment in defeating the bigger Hopkins. In that fight, a single Hopkins body shot stopped De La Hoya in the ninth round. In 2007, De La Hoya attempted to reach that goal again, facing Floyd Mayweather. Like Hopkins, Mayweather carried the title as the best fighter in the world. However, Mayweather was much smaller than Hopkins and more people gave Oscar a chance in that fight. De La Hoya would lose a split decision to Mayweather last May. Now enter Ricky Hatton, who is even smaller than Mayweather. Although he is not the pound for pound king, Hatton is a superstar in Europe and has gained a lot of buzz in the U.S. Could Oscar finally have that memorable moment in the ring against Hatton that he has failed to attain against Hopkins and Mayweather? FLOYD IS WHERE THE GLORY IS AT! If Ricky Hatton wants to enter the public as well as become the pound for pound king of boxing, then a showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a must. Hatton and Mayweather’s names have been linked ever since Mayweather entered the 140lbs division. In a heated debate, ESPN Friday Night Fights anchor Brian Kenny pointed out that it was Ricky Hatton, who was the “real” champ at jr. welterweight—a point Mayweather did not take too kindly. Since then, Floyd has picked opponents with a lot of upside ($) with little risk. Guys like Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah (coming off a loss), Carlos Baldomir, and Oscar De La Hoya. Had Mayweather taken the tougher road—fights against Antonio Margarito or Ricky Hatton—he would not have earned the money and publicity as the fights he did take. Mayweather, the businessman understood that a fight with Ricky Hatton is more risk than reward. However, now that Hatton has made his mark in the United States, Mayweather may finally have a monetary reason to fight the rugged Brit. THE MOST EXCITING FIGHTS OUT THERE? For the business of boxing, Hatton should fight either De La Hoya or Mayweather. However, for the pure boxing enthusiast, they look for blood, guts, and glory. It is unlikely boxing will see Hatton in those fights against the two businessmen. There are two fights that could be possible barnburners as well as bring positive attention to the sport. The first fight for Hatton would be against lightweight (135) king Juan Diaz, 32-0 (16 KOs). Both fighters are volume punchers who do not have one punch KO power but never quit, always bringing the fight. The other bout would be against Miguel Cotto, (30-0, 25 KOs). Cotto does have that one punch power that could be the difference in against Hatton. However, Cotto’s chin will always be his Achilles’ heel, so you can bet Hatton will check Cotto’s chin! MAYWEATHER-HATTON IN DECEMBER! A fight with either Cotto or Diaz is one than a year away since both fighters have scheduled bouts in the fall. Oscar De La Hoya pretty much fights once a year in the spring, which means Hatton would have to wait till May ’08. Therefore, the Mayweather fight looks be the best option for Hatton in the fall. Our sources say everyhting has been agreed to and Hatton-Mayweahter is a go! FLOYD’S POSSE THINKS RICKY’S A CHUMP! Many Mayweather supporters feel that Hatton is easy money for Mayweather because Hatton is easy to hit and his punches can be seen from miles away. However, what Hatton does well is take away his opponents best weapon by being super aggressive and rough. Mayweather’s size will not be an advantage over Hatton, who will likely bully the master boxer. If the referee allows excessive infighting or rough housing, Mayweather could be in for a long night. CAN HATTON BE THE MAN VS. FLOYD? Now it’s time to voice your opinion on Ricky Hatton. Does he stand a chance with Floyd Mayweather? Leave your comments below.
