By Mark Vester
First it was Oscar De La Hoya, now his Golden Boy Promotions partner Bernard Hopkins is also siding with Ricky Hatton to upset Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Dec. 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Hopkins told BBC Sport that Hatton is the more focused fighter, busier and more aggressive. He says Mayweather is underestimating Hatton's level as an A-level fighter.
"I see something in Hatton, I think he's the more focused fighter," Hopkins said. "Hatton is going to throw more punches than Mayweather ever did. The busier, more aggressive fighter, will win. I don't believe Floyd thinks Ricky has what Oscar de la Hoya had or Zab Judah had. Floyd is considered to be the best fighter in the world, and I echo that. We all know he can fight. But can he still fight like a hungry man?"
Hopkins says the first few rounds will be exciting, but in the end he predicts Hatton will outhustle Mayweather for the twelve-round decision.
"But what Ricky has that neither of those fighters had is constant energy, punching and pressure - and he's got good whiskers. Ricky is willing to be a slugger, but to throw punches in bunches, and that's rare in boxing today, and that's a dangerous guy because you can't keep him off you. That will be the difference in this fight. There will be some exciting moments early on, but at the end of the day, Ricky Hatton out-hustles Floyd Mayweather to a 12-round unanimous decision."
Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingscene@hotmail.com
