Mayweather/Hatton = This generation's Leonard/Hagler?

[ßringer]

Before anybody jumps the gun and thinks I'm comparing either Mayweather to Leonard or Hatton to Hagler, I'm not. I'm simply stating that their styles match up well with their legendary counterparts, and that a clash between Mayweather and Hatton could be as eagerly anticipated in this generation as the clash of Leonard and Hagler were.

Also, you have to note the striking similarities between how Mayweather and Hatton interact when talking about one another. Very similar to the way Leonard interacted with Hagler. Also take note of Floyd's "retirement" while he's still in the prime of his career, very similar to Leonards. Mayweather, the flashy technical fighter, Hatton the smothering brawler.

Anticipation for Mayweather/Hatton has been on the rise ever since Hatton beat Tsyzu in 2005, now with Floyd's "retirement" talks are at an all time high, combined with Hatton looking spectactular against Castillo.

This fight will happen, probably this fall if not, by March of next year. Mark my words. Floyd's "retirement" wil only last as long as his money does, and with the way he spends it, that won't be very long at all. He's just waiting for the anticipation for the fight to become so high that he can get the exact deal that suits his needs.

[jack_the_rippuh]

I know you gave a disclaimer at the beginning of your post, but neither of these guys could carry Marvin or Ray's jockstap.

[squealpiggy]

I would say Duran - Leonard is closer to the mark. Hatton and Duran have a lot in common if you think about it. They both like to eat plenty of pudding, they are both real family men, they are both evil evil bastards in the ring, and they are both extremely poplar and always bring a sizeable contingent of travelling fans. And in the public eye Mayweather is similar to Leonard. He's a fast boxer, an olympian, and some would say a spoiled brat of boxing with all the advantages.

Hatton - Mayweather could be the leonard - Duran of today, right down to the overwhelming and raucous support for the brawler drowning out the other sounds in the arena.

[ßringer]

I know you gave a disclaimer at the beginning of your post, but neither of these guys could carry Marvin or Ray's jockstap.

Noted. Marvin Hagler is my favorite fighter ever and I would never even think of comparing Hatton to him, just mere observation especially with the whole "retirement" angle.

[Sin City]

If it does happen it will be a fairly boring fight, a lot of hugging.. I think Mayweather takes a U.D. with both fighters very exhausted after the fight one from getting hugged the other from getting hit to the body.

[-EX-]

Marvin Hagler doesn't hug like Hatton does. Leonard would beat Mayweather but I think Floyd could take some rounds.

[hugh grant]

Yep i thought this was more along the lines of a Duran-Leanourd matchup.
To guys in their proper prime.

[squealpiggy]

Don't get me wrong, Hatton is not as skilled as Duran, and Mayweather doesn't hit as hard as Leonard, but there are sufficient similarities in the way the fighters are percieved to make that observation.

[ßringer]

I would say Duran - Leonard is closer to the mark. Hatton and Duran have a lot in common if you think about it. They both like to eat plenty of pudding, they are both real family men, they are both evil evil bastards in the ring, and they are both extremely poplar and always bring a sizeable contingent of travelling fans. And in the public eye Mayweather is similar to Leonard. He's a fast boxer, an olympian, and some would say a spoiled brat of boxing with all the advantages.

Hatton - Mayweather could be the leonard - Duran of today, right down to the overwhelming and raucous support for the brawler drowning out the other sounds in the arena.

Leonard/Duran is an very accurate comparison of how the fight could go as well. I can see Mayweather's speed baffling Hatton but I don't see Hatton quitting like Duran did. Hatton's support will be overwhelming in the fight with the occasional onslaught of boos for Mayweather in between chants of "There's only one Ricky Hatton! Only one Ricky Hatton!".

[jack_the_rippuh]

Leonard/Duran is an very accurate comparison of how the fight could go as well. I can see Mayweather's speed baffling Hatton but I don't see Hatton quitting like Duran did. Hatton's support will be overwhelming in the fight with the occasional onslaught of boos for Mayweather in between chants of "There's only one Ricky Hatton! Only one Ricky Hatton!".

How about Leonard/Duran III?