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Undefeated in 41 professional fights, Ricky Hatton has now claimed three world titles in his last three fights. His latest belt was claimed in his toughest fight yet against Luis Collazo, a man who was not given a chance by many people before the fight. Yet Collazo was not cowed by Ricky’s bullying tactics, he stood toe to toe for most of the fight and would not back down. In fact, in the rounds where Collazo decided to box and not let himself get ****** into fighting Hattons fight Collazo was giving Ricky a boxing lesson. As Hatton came lunging forward Collazo would catch him with combinations then swiftly dance out of range again. In these moments Hatton looked crude and boorish whereas Collazo was all skill and movement.
This was the first fight in Hattons attempt to crack America, a campaign which Hatton and his team would like to culminate in a super-fight against the pound for pound number one Floyd Mayweather jnr. Unfortunately for Hatton the fight posed questions which will trouble his loyal horde of fans: Is moving up to welterweight simply one step too far for Hatton? Collazo is not known as a puncher and has a relatively low KO ratio, yet by Ricky’s own acknowledgement he was hurt several times, most notably in the last round when the Manchester fighter looked to be out on his feet. In the junior welterweight division Ricky’s strength and bullying tactics serve him well, but will they be effective against bigger stronger men who will not be pushed around? Men like Margarito for example, who is a big welterweight by any standards.
The question also remains as to whether the American public will warm to Hatton. Undoubtedly he is a genuine and honest man, down to earth in a way that many top earning sportsmen are not. Ultimately however, Hatton will be judged on his performances, and this performance was not one that suggests Hatton will live up to the hype surrounding him, much as the HBO publicity team that is Lampley, Merchant and co give a slant to the fight. In his home town Ricky is a legend and his fights attract huge numbers and fantastic atmospheres. Yet in America Hatton’s brawling style may not be looked upon so favourably, where the clinching that results from Hatton rushing forward is frowned upon.
Finally, the fight that Hatton and the boxing public have been talking about for so long: Hatton vs. Floyd Mayweather jnr... Will this fight ever happen? I personally have doubts. Floyd is looking for a mega fight with Oscar De La Hoya and may move up to 154 to get it, a weight that Hatton has said he would never fight at. If the Hatton – Mayweather fight does come off though, would Hatton even stand a chance? When Collazo boxed and moved the Brooklyn born boxer was clearly getting the better of Hatton...and if the success Collazo had in boxing and moving creates a blueprint as to how to beat Ricky then Mayweather is surely the best man to execute such a plan.
Reflecting on his first fight at Welterweight Hatton and his team will say this is a learning experience and one which he will improve from...but if that is the case then Hatton needs to learn fast if he is to succeed in his campaign in America.
This was the first fight in Hattons attempt to crack America, a campaign which Hatton and his team would like to culminate in a super-fight against the pound for pound number one Floyd Mayweather jnr. Unfortunately for Hatton the fight posed questions which will trouble his loyal horde of fans: Is moving up to welterweight simply one step too far for Hatton? Collazo is not known as a puncher and has a relatively low KO ratio, yet by Ricky’s own acknowledgement he was hurt several times, most notably in the last round when the Manchester fighter looked to be out on his feet. In the junior welterweight division Ricky’s strength and bullying tactics serve him well, but will they be effective against bigger stronger men who will not be pushed around? Men like Margarito for example, who is a big welterweight by any standards.
The question also remains as to whether the American public will warm to Hatton. Undoubtedly he is a genuine and honest man, down to earth in a way that many top earning sportsmen are not. Ultimately however, Hatton will be judged on his performances, and this performance was not one that suggests Hatton will live up to the hype surrounding him, much as the HBO publicity team that is Lampley, Merchant and co give a slant to the fight. In his home town Ricky is a legend and his fights attract huge numbers and fantastic atmospheres. Yet in America Hatton’s brawling style may not be looked upon so favourably, where the clinching that results from Hatton rushing forward is frowned upon.
Finally, the fight that Hatton and the boxing public have been talking about for so long: Hatton vs. Floyd Mayweather jnr... Will this fight ever happen? I personally have doubts. Floyd is looking for a mega fight with Oscar De La Hoya and may move up to 154 to get it, a weight that Hatton has said he would never fight at. If the Hatton – Mayweather fight does come off though, would Hatton even stand a chance? When Collazo boxed and moved the Brooklyn born boxer was clearly getting the better of Hatton...and if the success Collazo had in boxing and moving creates a blueprint as to how to beat Ricky then Mayweather is surely the best man to execute such a plan.
Reflecting on his first fight at Welterweight Hatton and his team will say this is a learning experience and one which he will improve from...but if that is the case then Hatton needs to learn fast if he is to succeed in his campaign in America.