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After Ricky Hatton's loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr., Lennox Lewis came out and was very vocal about the fact that Hatton should possibly consider retirement. At the time I felt the comment was out of sorts and not a very good assessment. After further review, I think that statement, although a bit premature, was a somewhat half decent assessment and may (and i do emphahise the word may) need to be revisited . My reasons for saying this is due to the fact that Hatton's tendencies and habits away from the ring don't support that of a fighter who plans to be on top for a great matter of time, and when he gets in the ring, it can be on show from time to time. This was very evident in his latest fight. I think he did what he had to do to win, and I think he made a huge step in recovery from such a humbling loss by jumping in the ring and battling it out with a very 'game' fighter, but in my observation there still seemed to be something that was not necessarily in place. I just have my questions about his ability to cope with a fighter for 12 full rounds who can make him miss and make him pay. Fortunately, Malignaggi can make him miss but doesn't have the power to necessarily make him pay, so Hatton still has a great chance at winning this fight. (when) he does manage to get past Malignaggi, I just don't know what else there is at the Jr. Welterweight division to keep Hatton hungry enough to compromise the many pints and chicken legs at the local pubs - (no pun intended) as i myself am a sucker for a pub lunch. Timothy Bradley I think would make for a very interesting fight against Hatton,and one which i think hatton would probably win ,but I seriously have my doubts about Hatton EVER being the Hatton that made us all adore him again. That 'vintage' guy I think is still buried somewhere beneath that grief that reared itself on December 8th of 2007. Only time will tell, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Goldenboy Promotions is currently building a U.K. wing somewhere at the GBP Headquarters to accommodate another fighter who seems to be content and motivated to step in the ring only when there's big money involved, otherwise choosing to promote talent in his homeland. Hatton has discussed his intent to begin a promotions gig far too often lately. It's not happening for nothing!
when all is said and done though,i am a fan win or lose..
the guy is a 2 weight world champion,has a record (by modern day standards) as good as most,fought some great fighters been in many boxing wars,unified HIS divsion in a pro career spanning over 10 years,he has proven and done all theres is to prove and do in the sport,he will be a loss to boxing not just for the entertainment value,the fan adoration,his worldwide apeal,his once ferocious style ....
but simply the fact that he IS one of the greatest LWW the sport has ever seen and in my oppinion the biggest star in the sport today...
a lot of fighters would do well to take a few leafs out of the hatton handbook.
FOOTNOTE
ne of the thing that does make me smile about hatton is that once this generation and its many great fighters have faded away into the BHOF and minor obscurity,hatton will no doubt be on our screens in some form or another for years to come....thats why there is only one ricky hatton.
when all is said and done though,i am a fan win or lose..
the guy is a 2 weight world champion,has a record (by modern day standards) as good as most,fought some great fighters been in many boxing wars,unified HIS divsion in a pro career spanning over 10 years,he has proven and done all theres is to prove and do in the sport,he will be a loss to boxing not just for the entertainment value,the fan adoration,his worldwide apeal,his once ferocious style ....
but simply the fact that he IS one of the greatest LWW the sport has ever seen and in my oppinion the biggest star in the sport today...
a lot of fighters would do well to take a few leafs out of the hatton handbook.
FOOTNOTE
ne of the thing that does make me smile about hatton is that once this generation and its many great fighters have faded away into the BHOF and minor obscurity,hatton will no doubt be on our screens in some form or another for years to come....thats why there is only one ricky hatton.
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