Graham :weight not a problem

[JJay]

Ricky Hatton's trainer has played down concerns about the Mancunian moving back up to the welterweight division to take on Floyd Mayweather.

Hatton, the world's premier light-welterweight (10st) boxer, has only once moved up to the higher weight division.

On that occasion he laboured to victory over Luis Collazo to win the WBA welterweight title and trainer Billy Graham made no secret of his concerns about his charge competing at 140lbs.

Now, though, Graham believes the weight will be less of an issue.

"The fight's going to be made at 147lbs, welterweight," he told BBC Radio Five Live.

"Ricky is the best light-welterweight in the world.

"I'd prefer it at light-welterweight, where I don't think anyone can touch him.

"I've always said Ricky is not a welterweight and was not interested in going up (in weight) unless it was for Floyd Mayweather.

"I don't think Floyd is any bigger than Ricky, whereas a lot of welterweights are," Graham said.

"We are both over the moon, it really is a dream come true and a massive challenge."

[Orange Sneakers]

As long as Kerry Kayes doesn't bulk him up again where he's coming in at 158lbs of muscle and bulk on a short-limbed frame

[OptimusWolf]

I didn't like the approach of Kerry Kayes for the Collazo fight - he looked like a big fat pile of **** there as you stated at the time juy.

Against Mayweather he would only need to get in the same shape as against Castillo where he looked awesome and perhaps not cut weight as much as usual to keep a bit more stamina. I'd be disappointed if he came in on fight night much above 150, as he'd sacrifice his speed for some extra strength he won't need against Floyd.

[Chipp3r]

You can't blame this on Kerry Kayes. When you are preparing for a 140 fight then have to change your plans with 5 weeks notice to 147 it's very difficult. Also, Hatton has openly admitted to not obeying his diet for that fight anyway. Kayes recently said that Hatton came in at about 150 on fight night against Castillo and he will be doing the same against Mayweather. They will be putting extra muscle on, but maintaining Hatton's stamina and speed. Kerry is a top class nutritionist.

[Technical_Skill]

Hatton weights 170 outside the ring, he can make 147 with ease, he wont have to boil down and drain as much either.

He will most likely be the bigger man in this fight too.

Mayweather weighed 148 for De La Hoya fight at 154 pounds

Hatton weighed 149 pounds for castillo fight at 140 pounds.

[Orange Sneakers]

Kayes recently said that Hatton came in at about 150 on fight night against Castillo and he will be doing the same against Mayweather.

When and where did Kayes say that?

[OptimusWolf]

Well if he was training for 140 surely he'd be a bit small for the 147 limit not the hulking mess he turned up as.....

It sounds like Kayes has learnt a lesson and won't be bulking Hatton up much, otherwise he wouldn't be coming in at the 150 would he? If he's putting more muscle on he won't be replicating the castillo fight.

[Chipp3r]

When and where did Kayes say that?

I'm sure Kayes said it somewhere - but it was also commented on by Ray Hatton, this extract is from Ray Hatton in a response to a thread regarding Hatton possibly wanting the Mayweather fight at 140. This was over at www.rickyhitmanhatton.com on their forums.

" That's what peees me off about giving some interviews, the words you say can be taken completely out of context.

Floyd has made no secret of the fact that he wants to fight at 147lbs, we have already accepted the fight from our end, and we will fight him anywhere in America, Central Park in a telephone box if we have to. We will say this now, and we hope that people understand what we are saying. Ricky Hatton will be fighting at welterweight, but Ricky will come into the fight as a light-welterweight because thats his best fighting weight, and we dont want to compromise his speed. The ball now lies in Mayweather's court, if he wants the fight, we are ready. "


"And a little footnote, does anybody realise Ricky Hatton came in half a stone lighter against Castillo than he ever has ? He usually comes in between 154 to 156lbs, Ricky came in at 149lbs, and thats his weight from now on. At one stage during training Ricky was at 9 stone 13. This was due to the fact he only had 8 weeks out of the gym after the Urango fight, and instead of having to spend the first four weeks cutting weight, he started straight on the weights, and we all saw the results."

"The Collazo fight was a disaster on all counts, we all got it very wrong, it was a suicidal move, that we all hold our hands up to, and something we have learnt alot from. We put the weight on in the wrong way, we had a very turbulent and short training camp, and Ricky won that fight on heart. "


" Ricky is flying out to Tenerife with his girlfriend to meet up with Jamie Moore and his family, then he is off to Barcelona or Marbella for a short break, then he will be back in the gym for 3 days a week to tick over. He will start full training in the first week of August for a fight in November or early December. He will look even sharper and stronger again as he will only have had 8 weeks out of the gym as he did after Urango. " concluded Ray.

[OptimusWolf]

Thanks for the info chipp3r, sounds like they admit mistakes in the Collazo fight - I've never really bought the 5 week preparation excuse.

[McNulty]

As long as Kerry Kayes doesn't bulk him up again where he's coming in at 158lbs of muscle and bulk on a short-limbed frame

Hatton didnt put on muscle weight for Collazo. Its impossible to put on 7/lbs of muscle in 5 weeks. He kept some water prolly and a little fat.

If that was Kayes in that fight, I'm not so sure hes the right guy for Hatton regardless. Hatton has the right amount of time to git the muscle on properly...he should hire Mackie Shilstone. Premiere trainer thats worked w/over 3000 pro athletes. Top dog. If Ricky gits him, I'de be a tad worried.

Mackie worked w/:
RJj to HW
BHop for Tarver
Spinks for Holmes
Bowe in 93'
Chuck Norris
Wesley Snipes