Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton sees his upcoming June 4th mega bout with Kostya Tszyu as giving the British boxing scene the proper boost it needs. Hatton sees the Tszyu bout as something that will inspire the British boxing fans and younger British fighters to follow their dreams.

"It's just going to give everyone a boost. I am doing it for myself, but I'm also doing it for the country and all the fight fans. And hopefully this will inspire young boxers coming up through the ranks to think - if Ricky Hatton can do it, why can't I do it?" Hatton said to Sky Sports News.

Although Hatton will be the underdog in this bout, he knows that the British fans will load the arena to support him in his fight with the best junior welterweight in the world.

"He took the pressure to him and that's my game, really - to come out fighting and take it to him. I know I'm up against it and I know I'm the underdog, but I couldn't be more confident to be honest with you."

Hatton has piled up a very impressive 38-0 record with 28 wins by knockout, this includes wins over the always tough Ben Tackie and Tszyu conqueror Vince Phillips. On the other hand, Hatton has not faced any fighter on the level of Kostya Tszyu or even close. Tszyu, after being away from the ring for almost two years, looked like a rejuvenated fighter in his three round destruction of Sharmba Mitchell last year.

Hatton was very close to signing a deal to fight Sharmba Mitchell in 2004 but, the negotiations fell apart when the two sides could not come to terms on money or the fight location. Hatton has been showcased on Showtime Championship Boxing several times but still remains unknown to most fans in the United States. Hatton was almost on the verge of coming down to the United States in order to try and market himself for big money fights.

A win over Kostya Tszyu will skyrocket Hatton's stock in the eyes of the fans and the experts. At the very least a win over Tszyu will land him a spot on Boxing's very respected "pound for pound" list. Then again, a win over Kostya Tszyu is easier said then done. Hatton has relied on a combination of power and boxing skills in order to rack up some of his biggest wins. For the first time in his career, Hatton faces a man who has the edge in experience, skill and power.

Another factor is the facial swelling Hatton suffers in many of his bouts. Hatton's face has swelled up in several of his key bouts and could come into to play if Tszyu starts peppering his face with a stiff jab followed by big powershots.

Hatton is said to be already working on a very tight game plan for the Tszyu bout and will train like he has never trained before. Hatton knows that this may be his only shot against a top level fighter in the 140 pound division. Should he lose, another mega bout may be many years away. Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather and Arturo Gatti, the other top fighters of the junior welterweight division, are all under contract to Showtime rival HBO.

The anticipation for the fight is already building and we are several months away. Regardless of the outcome, the bout should be a very action packed event for however long it lasts.

Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton sees his upcoming June 4th mega bout with Kostya Tszyu as giving the British boxing scene the proper boost it needs. Hatton sees the Tszyu bout as something that will inspire the British boxing fans and younger British fighters to follow their dreams.

"It's just going to give everyone a boost. I am doing it for myself, but I'm also doing it for the country and all the fight fans. And hopefully this will inspire young boxers coming up through the ranks to think - if Ricky Hatton can do it, why can't I do it?" Hatton said to Sky Sports News.

Although Hatton will be the underdog in this bout, he knows that the British fans will load the arena to support him in his fight with the best junior welterweight in the world.

"He took the pressure to him and that's my game, really - to come out fighting and take it to him. I know I'm up against it and I know I'm the underdog, but I couldn't be more confident to be honest with you."

Hatton has piled up a very impressive 38-0 record with 28 wins by knockout, this includes wins over the always tough Ben Tackie and Tszyu conqueror Vince Phillips. On the other hand, Hatton has not faced any fighter on the level of Kostya Tszyu or even close. Tszyu, after being away from the ring for almost two years, looked like a rejuvenated fighter in his three round destruction of Sharmba Mitchell last year.

Hatton was very close to signing a deal to fight Sharmba Mitchell in 2004 but, the negotiations fell apart when the two sides could not come to terms on money or the fight location. Hatton has been showcased on Showtime Championship Boxing several times but still remains unknown to most fans in the United States. Hatton was almost on the verge of coming down to the United States in order to try and market himself for big money fights.

A win over Kostya Tszyu will skyrocket Hatton's stock in the eyes of the fans and the experts. At the very least a win over Tszyu will land him a spot on Boxing's very respected "pound for pound" list. Then again, a win over Kostya Tszyu is easier said then done. Hatton has relied on a combination of power and boxing skills in order to rack up some of his biggest wins. For the first time in his career, Hatton faces a man who has the edge in experience, skill and power.

Another factor is the facial swelling Hatton suffers in many of his bouts. Hatton's face has swelled up in several of his key bouts and could come into to play if Tszyu starts peppering his face with a stiff jab followed by big powershots.

Hatton is said to be already working on a very tight game plan for the Tszyu bout and will train like he has never trained before. Hatton knows that this may be his only shot against a top level fighter in the 140 pound division. Should he lose, another mega bout may be many years away. Miguel Cotto, Floyd Mayweather and Arturo Gatti, the other top fighters of the junior welterweight division, are all under contract to Showtime rival HBO.

The anticipation for the fight is already building and we are several months away. Regardless of the outcome, the bout should be a very action packed event for however long it lasts.

I wish ricky hatton was contracted under HBO so i could enjoy seeing floyd mayweather woop his ass

it's a shame hatton has been brought along in such a **** way. Cotto has had half the fights and fought way better opponents, that is why he is here to stay by this time next year Hatton will be back at domestic level calling out junior witter!

it's a shame hatton has been brought along in such a **** way. Cotto has had half the fights and fought way better opponents, that is why he is here to stay by this time next year Hatton will be back at domestic level calling out junior witter!

Hatton turned pro alot younger. He's actually had roughly the same number of pro + am fights as Cotto so I've been told.

I'd agree his progress has been frustrating but your comment about Cotto's standard of opponent is laughable.

Floyd Mayweather is a great fighter, but I think Ricky would be physically too much for him

it's a shame hatton has been brought along in such a **** way. Cotto has had half the fights and fought way better opponents, that is why he is here to stay by this time next year Hatton will be back at domestic level calling out junior witter!


Cotto's fought way better opponents than Hatton :rolleyes:

Seriously, i really like both fighters but Cotto opponents aint as good as Hattons, anyone who's says otherwise is wrong.

So that makes you wrong.

Hatton turned pro alot younger. He's actually had roughly the same number of pro + am fights as Cotto so I've been told.

I'd agree his progress has been frustrating but your comment about Cotto's standard of opponent is laughable.

Thats right mate, here's there records.

Hatton
Amateur - 76-4
Pro - 38-0

Cotto
Amateur - 95-23
Pro - 22-0

Hatton just turned pro sooner than Cotto, thats why his pro record is more. I would have thought Cotto style is best suited for the ams but obviously not considering he got beat a lot more than Hatton ever did.

Thats right mate, here's there records.

Hatton
Amateur - 76-4
Pro - 38-0

Cotto
Amateur - 95-23
Pro - 22-0

Hatton just turned pro sooner than Cotto, thats why his pro record is more. I would have thought Cotto style is best suited for the ams but obviously not considering he got beat a lot more than Hatton ever did.


He probably fought at a higher level than did Hatton.

Cotto faced both Ricaro Williams & Abdullaev in the amateurs.
That's serious competition.

Hatton has had better opponents than Cotto. I rate Ben Tackie, Vince Philips over any of Cotto`s opponents!

hatton has fought the better competition, so far, in the pros.


Head to head, however....I'd make Cotto the favorite.

I see him cranking that bad ass left hook counter on Hatton repeatedly, as Ricky over-commits on his own left hook to the body.

Ricky Hatton is going to kiss the floor several times, cause he never fought an opponent like the "Thunder from Down-Under". Hattton only fights in his backyard. When does he show some balls to make a trip to the States and face a worthy opponent?

He probably fought at a higher level than did Hatton.

Cotto faced both Ricaro Williams & Abdullaev in the amateurs.
That's serious competition.

Hatton fought at a very good level i'm told, he beat the Cuba champion in cuba which is good considering the fact he was never older than 17 whilst in the ams. He also won bronze in the junior world champs, thats very good considering he doesnt throw his jab.

Cotto probably did fight at a higher amatuer level than Hatton because he didnt turn pro until 21, probably not high enough to be beat 19 times more in the 3 extra years.

My point is Cotto gets praised a lot more than Hatton but his career hasnt been better, IMO Hattons fought better fighters during his pro career. I dont like to knock Cotto because he's done brilliantly upto now, i think he's got a very good career ahead of him.

Ricky Hatton is going to kiss the floor several times, cause he never fought an opponent like the "Thunder from Down-Under". Hattton only fights in his backyard. When does he show some balls to make a trip to the States and face a worthy opponent?

Think about it, Tszyu's never thought anyone like Hatton. Who else has Hatton's style??

Maybe Tszyu will win but if he doesnt your gonna feel like a twat for disrespecting Hatton!

And for your comment about Hatton fighting in the UK you get this pic!!

http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~yuana/stupid.gif

THE RINGS AND RULES ARE THE SAME IN THE UK AS THE US SO WHY THE **** DOES IT MATTER WHERE HE FIGHTS

Hatton will be obliterated by Tszyu. Absolutely obliterated.

Hatton will be obliterated by Tszyu. Absolutely obliterated.


I don't see anything Hatton can do to beat Tszyu.


Kostya Tszyu is not gonna lose because someone "outworked" him.
Not at this stage.

No ****ing way. If Tsyzu wins it`ll be middle to late in the fight. Hatton has a great chin. Just watch the Vince Philips fight. Tsyzu will know he has been in a fight either way!

Hatton will be obliterated by Tszyu. Absolutely obliterated.

Like the little big man :D

It should be Little man big *****, after seeing Mithcell pull out of the first Tszyu fight it was obviously he had no heart.

I don't see anything Hatton can do to beat Tszyu.


Kostya Tszyu is not gonna lose because someone "outworked" him.
Not at this stage.

I think Hatton could chop Tszyu down with his body shots, Tszyu's style could be made for Hatton(who knows) and IMO he's got what it takes to win but i wouldnt bet on it.

I still favour Tszyu at this stage though.

Tszyu does not look vulnerable to a body attack....& I see his always-on (& deadly) right hand bashing Ricky as he cranks up those body shots.

Tszyu does not look vulnerable to a body attack....& I see his always-on (& deadly) right hand bashing Ricky as he cranks up those body shots.

Neither was DLH before the Hopkins fight :D

Hattons body shots would hurt anyone, Tszyu gets hurt a lot in fights so its very possible.

I'd expect the Tsyzu right to be a good shot against Hatton, i wouldnt mind betting Hatton will work on slipping it a lot.

Although i favour Tszyu the styles match is brilliant, i hope their chins hold up because it could be a great fight.

well first of all De La Hoya got stopped by an elbow shot so that is irrelevant.

until you fight in the U.S., you are a nobody. you mean nothing to boxing.

until you fight in the U.S., you are a nobody. you mean nothing to boxing.

:rolleyes:

Until you stop thinking like that your an idiot, infact thats one of the most stupid comments i've ever seen on here.

Dumbass!!

Maybe Tszyu will fake being KO'd by a body shot, just like Oscar ?

Hatton has had better opponents than Cotto. I rate Ben Tackie, Vince Philips over any of Cotto`s opponents!

Tackie never could cut it and Philips was what 39-40 when he fought Hatton? some risk lol

Think about it, Tszyu's never thought anyone like Hatton. Who else has Hatton's style??

Maybe Tszyu will win but if he doesnt your gonna feel like a twat for disrespecting Hatton!

And for your comment about Hatton fighting in the UK you get this pic!!

http://www.cs.toronto.edu/~yuana/stupid.gif

THE RINGS AND RULES ARE THE SAME IN THE UK AS THE US SO WHY THE **** DOES IT MATTER WHERE HE FIGHTS

The quality of opposition is in the US so ya it matters...

Hatton's gonna eat a right hand down the pipe. He should have opted to fight Tszyu in the States that way he doesn't have to get knocked out in front of his home crowd.

I really cannot wait to see that Hatton, that no good hooligan, to kiss the floor and get whacked by a far more exeperienced and clever Tszyu.

Hatton a no good holligan, dont think you know what you are talking about, Hatton is one of the most well manner and down to earth people in boxing - you people really dont know what you are talking about. All I say is come on Ricky, just to shut you guys up for a bit.

I really cannot wait to see that Hatton, that no good hooligan, to kiss the floor and get whacked by a far more exeperienced and clever Tszyu.

Hatton a hooligan WFT?? Is this the dumb comments thread!!

Its a running joke about Hatton being so nice out of the ring but so nasty in it.

The quality of opposition is in the US so ya it matters...

Hatton's gonna eat a right hand down the pipe. He should have opted to fight Tszyu in the States that way he doesn't have to get knocked out in front of his home crowd.

No, the best opposition Hatton could get will be in the UK come June. Its about the fighters not the location.

i'll never understand why so many Americans complain if a fights not in their back yard :confused:

Hey big tits - witters coming to kick some ass ;)

No, the best opposition Hatton could get will be in the UK come June. Its about the fighters not the location.

i'll never understand why so many Americans complain if a fights not in their back yard :confused:

None of the fighters are american and neither am I!

Hey big tits - witters coming to kick some ass ;)

Wake me up when Witter fights someone in the world top 100.

And while your there SUCK MY TITS!! :D

Wake me up when Witter fights someone in the world top 100.

And while your there SUCK MY TITS!! :D

Well you've been awake since June 2000 then big boy, no wonder your rubbing your tits so frantically.......must be lack of sleep.

In all seriousness though this June will produce an excellent fight either way and i'm putting in the overtime now to get those tickets, it's about time we had a big meaningful fight over here.
Junior should try to get Harris, what do you reckon tittylicious, two avoided dangerous fighters

None of the fighters are american and neither am I!

Maybe your not but there is an ego problem with most who think all fights should happen in the US.

The only good reason for a fight in a certain location is money, the invention of TV should have solved this location problem long ago.

Why do you think it should be in the US?

Just to add my 2 penneth I think Witter Harris would be a great fight. Just out of interest seeing as you are from Notts TheIron One, what do you think about the Froch situation at the moment (I'm originally from Derby, now based in San Francisco, but like to see the East Midlands lads doing well)

Well you've been awake since June 2000 then big boy, no wonder your rubbing your tits so frantically.......must be lack of sleep.

In all seriousness though this June will produce an excellent fight either way and i'm putting in the overtime now to get those tickets, it's about time we had a big meaningful fight over here.
Junior should try to get Harris, what do you reckon tittylicious, two avoided dangerous fighters

Should be a good night, i hope Hatton can handle Tszyu's power because it could be a great fight! I'm ordering my tickets ASAP.

Witters a lame ass, i hate him out of the ring but it would cool if he did well in it, shame he wont fight anyone. Whens the Branco fight??

Witter vs Harris - the most avoided boxers around, not by the fighters but the fans! LOL!

http://www.snowcampdrama.com/graphs/seats_empty.jpg

I'd seriously love to see Witter vs Harris, then we could see how good he really is.

Maybe your not but there is an ego problem with most who think all fights should happen in the US.

The only good reason for a fight in a certain location is money, the invention of TV should have solved this location problem long ago.

Why do you think it should be in the US?

Well just my opinion. Like you said the main reason is money, money, money. Now with money comes fame and recognition. The US is where the world's best compete. I also find that's it's neutral territory. I mean Hatton's used to having thousands of cheering fans chanting his name during his bout. How would he handle the jeers? How would he handle the pressure? I'm not saying he can't but I do feel that it's time he left home and try to conquer NA. I'm not saying anything bad about the judging in England but I can symphatize with the fighters who are reluctant to travel and fight Ricky in his backyard. He's gotta leave home at some point right? I mean I hope he doesn't expect to finish the remainder of his career back at home and expect solid competition like Mayweather, Cotto, Gatti, Harris to ALL travel to England whenever he wants to fight a big name fight. People have made sacrifices in the past and he shouln't be an exception.

Taht's only my opinion. How about you? Why do you think it should be in England?

Well just my opinion. Like you said the main reason is money, money, money. Now with money comes fame and recognition. The US is where the world's best compete. I also find that's it's neutral territory. I mean Hatton's used to having thousands of cheering fans chanting his name during his bout. How would he handle the jeers? How would he handle the pressure? I'm not saying he can't but I do feel that it's time he left home and try to conquer NA. I'm not saying anything bad about the judging in England but I can symphatize with the fighters who are reluctant to travel and fight Ricky in his backyard. He's gotta leave home at some point right? I mean I hope he doesn't expect to finish the remainder of his career back at home and expect solid competition like Mayweather, Cotto, Gatti, Harris to ALL travel to England whenever he wants to fight a big name fight. People have made sacrifices in the past and he shouln't be an exception.

Taht's only my opinion. How about you? Why do you think it should be in England?

The way i see it is Hattons just as human as the rest of us, he's got a family to feed and if he can make more money at home then thats what he should do.

I dont know how many fans would watch him in the US(or anywhere outside the UK) but i'd like to please my own fans more than anyone else. Thats my opinion and i'm the type of person who would like beat the home fighter in his back yard, i'd enjoy the hate.

Hattons a weird situation, its not often a fighter can make a lot more by avoiding the US travel, i'm sure he'd love to fight there again but only for the right reason.

Eastmans in the same situation as Hatton, there both fighting the champ but its obvious that Eastman has to travel to the US because thats were the money is. I think Hatton should travel anywhere Tszyu wants the fight but it make more sense to have it in the UK. Tszyu first said no way to the Manchester fight but money talks.

Just to add my 2 penneth I think Witter Harris would be a great fight. Just out of interest seeing as you are from Notts TheIron One, what do you think about the Froch situation at the moment (I'm originally from Derby, now based in San Francisco, but like to see the East Midlands lads doing well)

For big tits : The branco fight is soon, that should show us a bit about Witter then onto Harris with a bit of luck!!

Dunc - Yeh mate from near Notts,I think Frochs good, would kick Magees ass and he (M) knows it thats why he's avoiding him making out he's going for the euro title, he would get alot better money fighting Carl in nottingham for the british and common, prob more respect too if he pulled it off.
Froch will come a cropper soon with that lazy left but not til he steps up alot more. Hope he's got a very good chin. I think he's coming along nicely, couple more defences get the euro, then get two or three good high class international bouts (10 rounders please not tesco belts) over the next couple of years then we'll see what he's made of, hopefully be in a similar position to Eastman now (but not have to wait for a legit shot)

For big tits : The branco fight is soon, that should show us a bit about Witter then onto Harris with a bit of luck!!

Dunc - Yeh mate from near Notts,I think Frochs good, would kick Magees ass and he (M) knows it thats why he's avoiding him making out he's going for the euro title, he would get alot better money fighting Carl in nottingham for the british and common, prob more respect too if he pulled it off.
Froch will come a cropper soon with that lazy left but not til he steps up alot more. Hope he's got a very good chin. I think he's coming along nicely, couple more defences get the euro, then get two or three good high class international bouts (10 rounders please not tesco belts) over the next couple of years then we'll see what he's made of, hopefully be in a similar position to Eastman now (but not have to wait for a legit shot)

I think Witter could destroy Branco, he looked pretty bad against Gatti and if Witter gets this right its a claim to a title shot. I cant believe Witter could get a title shot by beating chumps, whats wrong with boxing :(

Frochs a decent fighter, he was full of **** for asking Calzaghe for a fight but at least he's got balls. I think he could beat Magee and maybe even Reid now, i just hope he learns to hold his hands abit higher because that style suits him better. I have a feeling he's going to be another wasted talent, hopefuly he'll get hungry after spending time with Eastman in the US, Hopefuly he'll become a solid pro.