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'The Hitman was a phenomeon. In many ways, too much of a man of the people, in that his unwillingness to ditch the lifestyle of his mates shortened his career'.
People always say that & I don't really buy it. Hatton was a pressure fighter who made up for his lack of really exceptional skills by throwing hundreds of punches every round. That sort of fighter always wears out quickly. McGuigan, who was keen to tell everyone he was a non-smoking teetotaller, retired at 29. The great Fighting Harada retired at 26 & I don't think he drank much. You just can't keep that volume puncher style going for a long time. Even Henry Armstrong or Harry Greb, who in many respects were much more skilful than 'mere' volume punchers didn't keep going for many years. Throwing shots like that just tires a man out!
People always say that & I don't really buy it. Hatton was a pressure fighter who made up for his lack of really exceptional skills by throwing hundreds of punches every round. That sort of fighter always wears out quickly. McGuigan, who was keen to tell everyone he was a non-smoking teetotaller, retired at 29. The great Fighting Harada retired at 26 & I don't think he drank much. You just can't keep that volume puncher style going for a long time. Even Henry Armstrong or Harry Greb, who in many respects were much more skilful than 'mere' volume punchers didn't keep going for many years. Throwing shots like that just tires a man out!
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