The Phoenix is Rising Again: Interview with Hatton, Graham - Part 1

[DiegoFuego]

idk what u guys were reading, but he said multiple times that he wants to fight witter sooner or later, and that he really needs that fight. He just doesnt want to give the prick a big payday. sensible, but he says he'll still fight him.

Castillo is the biggest fight that comes to mind for hatton. that would be PPV, so would hatton get a bigger payday with castillo then with gatti??






One last question:
Did they already place a suspension against castillo? cause if that doesnt happen wouldnt the castillo fight have a good chance of happening in december???? Billy said that he isnt sure that they are gonna fight urkal yet. are their other plans on their minds???

that's one of the oldest and worst excuses in boxing, though. that's basically saying he is afraid of Witter, and I don't know why he would be.

[Galindezs]

Why the hell would he want to make Witter a rich man?? Witter is a ****ing little piece of ****, I hate him too. If I was in Ricky's position I'd never give Witter that payday, not with all the **** Witter had been calling me since the 90's, especially when I could fight Mayweather instead.

[Neckodeemus]

Hello guys,

Thank you for the input on my interview.

You asked some insightful questions and I'd like to try and answer them, I'm on dial-up so apologise for not being able to quote you directly!

Ricky is determined to fight the best yet it seems that when you reach the top-level making fights becomes fraught with obstacles, HBO want quality fights to move boxing forwards and unfortunately tune-ups are not in vogue since Morales lost one! HBO want the Mayweather fight by all accounts, both Ricky and Floyd get some stick, but if they fight all the past fights will seem very astute indeed. It is a good fight, in terms of styles and US/UK tribal warfare

As for Witter, they do want him but have to be pragmatic, I'm British and have not forgotten the stinker versus Zab and the N'dou fight was hit and miss. Junior needs to beat Corley and step up to the plate so they both bring something to the dance. Camp Hatton want this fight, but right now Witter is coming off two very poor performances and talk suggests he is underperforming as he feels unjustly done by in terms of a title shot, in which case will he be able to raise his game when he feels he is in a fight befitting of him?

I like Witter and his camp, they must defeat Corley in impressive fashion and then call for the Hatton fight, the public need to see Witter is a decent level fighter who will not choke on the big night.

Thanks for your comments guys, it is much appreciated. Any James Toney fans look out in the next week for a James Toney versus Eddie Futch article with some insights from Eddie himself via his wife plus his tactical plans for some of the fights he took a part in versus James. If it is good enough to go up on this quality site you can look out for it in the next week or so as part of my ongoing fascination with James.

I'll be back at the Phoenix soon for more reaction.

Cheers.

[spinksjinx]

I don't know what interview you guys are reading but when I read this it's an interview with a brutally honest man. There's no 'Yeah, I'd kill him... better than Leonard' bull****. As to future plans, I read on the main page (cause I don't really follow Hatton that much) that there is talk of Castillo and him matching on HBO.
If Mayweather took on Gatti for an easy payday (and noone but a white supremicist or an Italian American would argue that it was even going to be close) then why is it a bad thing for Hatton?
I agree that it's an easier fight than some but when the huge HBO $$$ is there and it's on a plate (ie you're not chasing it and turning down other fights just for a chance at it) then you take it with a smile.

Diegofuego, the Hatton camp seem to be saying that they are sad but that the Gatti fight is out. That's not calling Gatti out.
From this interview alone it sounds like he is discussing Cotto, Castillo and Mayweather as possibilities. He doesn't seem too enthused about Otkay Urkal.

Disclaimer: Not a Hatton nuthugger. Enjoys him as an oldskool throwback fighter. Just fed up with the derogatory statements thrown at Hatton, Mayweather and others without justification.

It was more justifiable to fight Gatti when Mayweather did than if Hatton does. Gatti was coming off of impressive wins and now Gatti is coming off of embarassing losses...Time is of the essence in boxing.

Their would be no payday in a Gatti fight after his debacle against Baldomir. Gatti would still draw in AC but the support for him to fight on wouldnt be their...

[Galindezs]

It was more justifiable to fight Gatti when Mayweather did than if Hatton does. Gatti was coming off of impressive wins and now Gatti is coming off of embarassing losses...Time is of the essence in boxing.

Their would be no payday in a Gatti fight after his debacle against Baldomir. Gatti would still draw in AC but the support for him to fight on wouldnt be their...

The Gatti fight is off