Does Ricky Hatton have AMERICAN fans?

[DIOS DOMINICANO]

First, Hatton fans, calm down. This is not a criticism thread.

But Ricky Hatton came to the USA to increase his profile and to build an American fanbase. Three fights later, I think it is fair to evaluate where Hatton stands in the consciousness of the American sports fan.

Did the fights with Luis Collazo (disputed decision), Juan Urango (clear decision), and JL Castillo (knockout) substantially increase Hatton's appeal and fanbase? Did American boxing fans consider these fights as "exciting performances"?

It's great for Ricky that he was able to mobilize so many Mancunians to the Castillo fight. But it merits the question: why wasn't there US interest in this fight?

It has been my observation that Ricky would NOT be able to sustain a commercially successful PPV on his own without another big-name fighter. For example, would Hatton-Clottey be a good PPV?

With Delahoya, Mosley and Mayweather clearly nearing the end of their careers, there is going to be an opportunity for a fighter to seize the spotlight and PPV dates in the middle divisions. Ricky Hatton is a media-friendly, English-speaking, white fighter with an aggressive style. On paper, it would seem a no-brainer that he would be that guy.

But is he?

[THe TRiNiTY]

I'm American.. I like Ricky Hatton.

[Ishmael27]

He has lots of fans in Canada.

[DIOS DOMINICANO]

I'm American.. I like Ricky Hatton.

You are a hardcore boxing fan. We all are. We are the types who join boxing websites and spend time posting. We buy fights anyway.

I am talking about the mainstream - not hardcore - fanbase.

[RockyMarciano]

I am a fan of ricky...I am American.

I am not a fan of Floyd though

[THe TRiNiTY]

My friend doesn't watch much boxing. But when Hatton fights, he's there, regardless. Hell, he took a sickday to watch him fight Castillo.

[deuce_drop]

I'm American, I like Hatton. I enjoy watching "rough and tumble" or "all in" fighters, Hatton fits that bill, at least for me.


I wasn't a Hatton fan to begin with, I'll be the first to admit it, but the more I watched him fight, the more I noticed he's a mean ****er (inside the ring of course) he isnt afraid to get dirty and he isnt afraid to mix it up. his recorded has been padded some what, that you can't deny, but the one thing that you have to give to Hatton is that even though the guys he was in the ring with he was supposed to beat, he did, and the ones that were supposed to beat him, didn't. I respect that. plus he puts on a good show give or take a few fights, but the majority have been exciting.

[SquareCircle]

"Flaco,dont tell me an educated $pi** like yourself is an antisemite."

[Steelhammer86]

Hatton would become very popular in North America if the sports media would give him some positive coverage. He is a world class fighter and a great guy.

I'm Canadian and Hatton is one of my two favorite fighters.

I think it's really ****** how some people in the US are always discrediting him, including some sportswriters. Why does it matter that he's British? Why not stop bashing him and appreciate him for what he is...one of the best boxers of our time!

If you do some careful research, you'll realize his record is not so padded ater all. If you add up the wins and losses of his last 38 opponents, they have a cumulative better record than Mayweather's opponents!

He will likely get some of the respect he deserves if he defeats Mayweather - my concern is that the American judges will score a decision for Mayweather no matter what happens in the fight, so Hatton needs to KTFO PBF.

[DIOS DOMINICANO]

My friend doesn't watch much boxing. But when Hatton fights, he's there, regardless. Hell, he took a sickday to watch him fight Castillo.

Cool. That is good info. Your friend works Saturday nights?

The Hatton-Castillo bout had attendance of 13,000. With 10,000 of them British who flew over.