By James Blears
World Boxing Council President Jose Sulaiman is keenly anticipating the fight between undefeated fighters Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr. on December 8th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, and although five category champion and pound-for-pound number one Floyd is the clear favorite, Sulaiman says DON’T discount Ricky.
Don Jose said: “There is no doubt that Floyd Mayweather is the classiest and the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. He is in a class of his own. But Ricky Hatton has a big heart, and a couple of fists that can beat anybody, so you cannot discount Ricky Hatton. There is no doubt that Floyd will be the favorite, but Ricky Hatton will put on a good fight. I’m sure of it! If there is anyone in the world today that could give Floyd a good competitive fight, it’s Hatton.”
Don Jose suggested that the styles of the both men are very different and could be laced with the poison which might undo either:
“A very good boxer, could be very dangerous for the punching style of Ricky, and the walking forward and punching style of Ricky could also be a damaging style for Floyd.”
Don Jose said that the ability to impose a swarming style, could provide much more than just a puncher’s chance, but he also warned: “Let me tell you, to beat Floyd Mayweather, Ricky Hatton must come with the most courageous heart that he has, and the determination to never give up, even for a single second.
“Without a question Ricky is lion hearted, but for anyone to beat Floyd Mayweather, they have got to come to the ring at their very, very, very best.”
Don Jose allowed himself a smile, at the trash talking tactics which are being voraciously employed by Floyd, as the mind games begin and the pre-fight war gathers pace.
“It’s his absolute self confidence. He tries to make opponents look little. That is a tactic and a technique of dominating his rivals in a psychological manner.”
