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The magazine Boxing Monthly (www.boxing-monthly.co.uk) this month put the names of the ten opponents they'd most like to see Ricky Hatton and Joe Calzaghe fight.
Here's the ten for Ricky, with some of his comments (copied and pasted from a rival forum):
OKTAY URKAL
I’m a little disillusioned. I lost my light-welter belts because US TV wouldn’t accept my manditories. One was French (Souleymane M’baye), the other Australian (Naoufel Ben Rabah). Yet they’ve accepted Oktay. Baffling.
Oktay’s a light puncher but still very capable and tricky. He took Tszyu the distance and I thought he beat Harris the first time.
But now he’s knocking on a bit and Harris stopped him in the rematch so I’m on a hiding to nothing. Still, I don’t want to vacate this belt as well.
At this stage, I’m more interested in big paydays and the size of the task. I’ve had 41 fights and haven’t worked this hard to let it all slip away.
I know I’ll be expected to flatten him. Anything less, particularly after the Callazo struggle, and people will start pointing fingers. I expect to deal with him.
LUIS COLLAZO
I don’t think there is any value in a rematch. Luis might think he won but he’s the only person who did. The TV and three judges all had me in front. As I’ve not got long left I don’t want to go over old ground. When you’re trying to impress, you don’t need slick southpaws, but the idea of being a two weight world champion got my juices flowing.
Usually you get a few fights to ease your way into a new weight rather than go straight up against a world champion. Collazo was better than generally given credit for, plus the first southpaw I’ve faced in about 4 years.
Basically, he fought a light-welter. With time to grow into the weight, Ill perform better. If we met again, I'd win far easier but I can’t see it happening.
CARLOS BALDOMIR
Now that’s one that defiantly appeals. Floyd Mayweather, quite rightly, is rated best pound-for-pound, but at welter I thin Baldomir’s the man. Still, I saw nothing to fear when he beat Gatti. Arturo was possible in front at the finish.
Baldomir’s a big, big welter. Gattis’s shots just bounced off him. He comes to walk you down. He’s very strong and capable but nothing great. Him and me would be a bit of a war, guaranteed, but I believe I’m superior in every department and I’d prevail on heart and workrate.
I don’t believe I’m a natural welter and carrying the extra weight made me slow and sluggish in the last fight. If I’m at welter again next time, it’ll be a different story.
ANTONIO MARGARITO
Margarito’s been at the top for a while. He’s too good for his own good and, because he’s been avoided, he doesn’t have the name or draw that, say, Mayweather, Cotto or Judah has.
Therefore, he might be the toughest fight with the least gain. Even now, I think more would turn out to see me fight Gatti. If I’m to stay at welter, I need it to be worth my while.
Margarito’s easily the biggest physically and, very, very heavy handed. If it does happen, I’ll need to stay short, stick to his chest and prevent him using his reach. If I stood off, I’d struggle. Margarito’s not one I’m looking for!
ZAB JUDAH
When I started pro, we were led to believe Zab was the new sensation of boxing. So much potential.
But, and I don’t want to sound disrespectful given he’s a two weight world champion, he’s lost his way a little. Underachieved. His chins been found out.
The credit for beating him would be diminished because he’s lost his last two but the fight certainly appeals. I'd love his scalp on my record before I go.
Since Tszyu, Zab’s been a lot less explosive, more negative. His stamina is not great either. Against Baldomir, he threw barely 10 punches a round. He couldn’t have hoped for a better start against Mayweather but then seemed satisfied to go the distance. If he’d taken that fight by the scruff of the neck, second half, he could’ve won.
I think Id beat Judah pretty comfortably now. The one thing you need to beat me is a massive heart and he ain't got one!
ARTURO GATTI
It would always be an honour to fight Arturo. I was praying he’d beat Baldomir. Then it was game on for us and the money would’ve been great.
Arturo’s such a big name, i’m sure people would still turn out but he’s not the scalp he would’ve been since losing to Mayweather and Baldomir.
Will he continue to fight? I don’t think so and who can blame him if he hangs ‘em up. People are starting to worry for his health.
Him and me would’ve been something else excitement-wise. Unfortunately, I think it’ll be the fight that got away.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
That’s the dream because Floyd’s No. 1 pound-for-pound on the planet. Already, I’ve surpassed my wildest dreams. Four world title belts. Fought at Madison Square Garden and Las Vegas. If I could beat him there’d be nothing more for me.
But a fight with Floyd is not part of my current HBO deal which is a blessing. On 2 October, I’m due in court with Frank Warren and I want that concluded. You want to be fighting Floyd Mayweather with a clear head.
It wouldn’t be hard to get up for Mayweather. He’s got a bad attitude. Apparently, he told Sugar Ray Leonard that he’d have knocked him out! When I offered him my hand, away from the fans and the media, he’s refused to shake. Who wants to be considered best, pound-for pound, when everyone thinks you’re a ****head!
That said, I've got respect blowing out my arse for Floyd as a fighter. How’d I beat him? Duran-Leonard 1. Floyds got such a box of tricks so you cant t let him use them. If Zab Judah had shown just a little more guts and workrate down the stretch, he’d have run Mayweather close.
Remember, I get better as the fight goes on. I’ve got the style to beat him.
While I consider myself the best light-welter in the world, I’d fight Floyd at either 140 or 147. When he weighs in at 147, he fights around 149-150. Either division, I’m the stronger man.
MIGUEL COTTO
I'd have that next (9 December). After all his chat, well see if Bob Arum really wants it.
I’m a fan. I love watching Cotto but, though he’s beat some good men, he’s not really been let off the leash against the crème de la crème yet.
Personally, I'd rather do that one at light-welter. I think I do 140 more comfortably than Miguel. Even training at 100-plus degrees over in Puerto Rico, he’s not looked sensational over the last 12 months so he must be tight. Yet, for me, its actually getting easier. Look at the pace I sustained against Tszyu and Maussa.
The fight could go only one way. War!
We both prefer a rumble so don’t expect much jab and moving. He’s a classy, solid puncher himself. There’ll not be much in it.
But he doesn’t like a hot pace. He likes to nick little breathers like Eubank did.
Who’ll fold first? Definitely not me. But I might have to get up off the floor to beat him.
JUNIOR WITTER
Provided Junior beats Corley in style, there’s a strong possibility that fight will be made soon.
Junior will need to be a damn sight better than he’s been in his last two but maybe he just needs a fight he can get up for. I expect him to beat Corley, who’s top 10 but always comes second against the cream.
From a purely personal dimension, he’s the one id like most, more than Floyd Mayweather even.
Juniors been very disrespectful, particularly after I won my British title against Jon Thaxton.
We should’ve fought back then but were told to let the fight brew so we could fight for more money. But, while Frank Warren built me up, because of my fan base, Junior was kept in six-rounders.
Part of me says why grant him the biggest payday of his career when he’s been so disrespectful? But I would like the fight because I genuinely feel ill beat him.
Witter’s gone very quiet regarding me over the past 18 months, hasn’t he? He prays on confidence but, against Judah, as soon as things weren’t going quite right for him, he went all negative.
In a fight with me, I expect him to resort to old habits and cover more ground than Forrest Gump. I'll break his heart.
On the evidence of Junior’s last two fights, ill stop him in six rounds.
JOSE LUIS CASTILLO
Castillo’s certainly a scalp to put my name in lights when I’ve hung my gloves up. He’s an ex-world champion and always in great fights, which is what develops great fighters.
It could only be a toe-to-toe war. Similar to a Cotto fight. I’m sure there’d be times I'd have to suck it up and take my digs.
Castillio, back down at light-welter, would be my next fight of choice.
To a degree, I feel I’m giving my opposition a head start, half a chance, fighting up at welter. But, at light-welter in a tear up, I know I’m too strong for any of them. I’m sharper at 140 and I'm able to bully people.
Here's the ten for Ricky, with some of his comments (copied and pasted from a rival forum):
OKTAY URKAL
I’m a little disillusioned. I lost my light-welter belts because US TV wouldn’t accept my manditories. One was French (Souleymane M’baye), the other Australian (Naoufel Ben Rabah). Yet they’ve accepted Oktay. Baffling.
Oktay’s a light puncher but still very capable and tricky. He took Tszyu the distance and I thought he beat Harris the first time.
But now he’s knocking on a bit and Harris stopped him in the rematch so I’m on a hiding to nothing. Still, I don’t want to vacate this belt as well.
At this stage, I’m more interested in big paydays and the size of the task. I’ve had 41 fights and haven’t worked this hard to let it all slip away.
I know I’ll be expected to flatten him. Anything less, particularly after the Callazo struggle, and people will start pointing fingers. I expect to deal with him.
LUIS COLLAZO
I don’t think there is any value in a rematch. Luis might think he won but he’s the only person who did. The TV and three judges all had me in front. As I’ve not got long left I don’t want to go over old ground. When you’re trying to impress, you don’t need slick southpaws, but the idea of being a two weight world champion got my juices flowing.
Usually you get a few fights to ease your way into a new weight rather than go straight up against a world champion. Collazo was better than generally given credit for, plus the first southpaw I’ve faced in about 4 years.
Basically, he fought a light-welter. With time to grow into the weight, Ill perform better. If we met again, I'd win far easier but I can’t see it happening.
CARLOS BALDOMIR
Now that’s one that defiantly appeals. Floyd Mayweather, quite rightly, is rated best pound-for-pound, but at welter I thin Baldomir’s the man. Still, I saw nothing to fear when he beat Gatti. Arturo was possible in front at the finish.
Baldomir’s a big, big welter. Gattis’s shots just bounced off him. He comes to walk you down. He’s very strong and capable but nothing great. Him and me would be a bit of a war, guaranteed, but I believe I’m superior in every department and I’d prevail on heart and workrate.
I don’t believe I’m a natural welter and carrying the extra weight made me slow and sluggish in the last fight. If I’m at welter again next time, it’ll be a different story.
ANTONIO MARGARITO
Margarito’s been at the top for a while. He’s too good for his own good and, because he’s been avoided, he doesn’t have the name or draw that, say, Mayweather, Cotto or Judah has.
Therefore, he might be the toughest fight with the least gain. Even now, I think more would turn out to see me fight Gatti. If I’m to stay at welter, I need it to be worth my while.
Margarito’s easily the biggest physically and, very, very heavy handed. If it does happen, I’ll need to stay short, stick to his chest and prevent him using his reach. If I stood off, I’d struggle. Margarito’s not one I’m looking for!
ZAB JUDAH
When I started pro, we were led to believe Zab was the new sensation of boxing. So much potential.
But, and I don’t want to sound disrespectful given he’s a two weight world champion, he’s lost his way a little. Underachieved. His chins been found out.
The credit for beating him would be diminished because he’s lost his last two but the fight certainly appeals. I'd love his scalp on my record before I go.
Since Tszyu, Zab’s been a lot less explosive, more negative. His stamina is not great either. Against Baldomir, he threw barely 10 punches a round. He couldn’t have hoped for a better start against Mayweather but then seemed satisfied to go the distance. If he’d taken that fight by the scruff of the neck, second half, he could’ve won.
I think Id beat Judah pretty comfortably now. The one thing you need to beat me is a massive heart and he ain't got one!
ARTURO GATTI
It would always be an honour to fight Arturo. I was praying he’d beat Baldomir. Then it was game on for us and the money would’ve been great.
Arturo’s such a big name, i’m sure people would still turn out but he’s not the scalp he would’ve been since losing to Mayweather and Baldomir.
Will he continue to fight? I don’t think so and who can blame him if he hangs ‘em up. People are starting to worry for his health.
Him and me would’ve been something else excitement-wise. Unfortunately, I think it’ll be the fight that got away.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
That’s the dream because Floyd’s No. 1 pound-for-pound on the planet. Already, I’ve surpassed my wildest dreams. Four world title belts. Fought at Madison Square Garden and Las Vegas. If I could beat him there’d be nothing more for me.
But a fight with Floyd is not part of my current HBO deal which is a blessing. On 2 October, I’m due in court with Frank Warren and I want that concluded. You want to be fighting Floyd Mayweather with a clear head.
It wouldn’t be hard to get up for Mayweather. He’s got a bad attitude. Apparently, he told Sugar Ray Leonard that he’d have knocked him out! When I offered him my hand, away from the fans and the media, he’s refused to shake. Who wants to be considered best, pound-for pound, when everyone thinks you’re a ****head!
That said, I've got respect blowing out my arse for Floyd as a fighter. How’d I beat him? Duran-Leonard 1. Floyds got such a box of tricks so you cant t let him use them. If Zab Judah had shown just a little more guts and workrate down the stretch, he’d have run Mayweather close.
Remember, I get better as the fight goes on. I’ve got the style to beat him.
While I consider myself the best light-welter in the world, I’d fight Floyd at either 140 or 147. When he weighs in at 147, he fights around 149-150. Either division, I’m the stronger man.
MIGUEL COTTO
I'd have that next (9 December). After all his chat, well see if Bob Arum really wants it.
I’m a fan. I love watching Cotto but, though he’s beat some good men, he’s not really been let off the leash against the crème de la crème yet.
Personally, I'd rather do that one at light-welter. I think I do 140 more comfortably than Miguel. Even training at 100-plus degrees over in Puerto Rico, he’s not looked sensational over the last 12 months so he must be tight. Yet, for me, its actually getting easier. Look at the pace I sustained against Tszyu and Maussa.
The fight could go only one way. War!
We both prefer a rumble so don’t expect much jab and moving. He’s a classy, solid puncher himself. There’ll not be much in it.
But he doesn’t like a hot pace. He likes to nick little breathers like Eubank did.
Who’ll fold first? Definitely not me. But I might have to get up off the floor to beat him.
JUNIOR WITTER
Provided Junior beats Corley in style, there’s a strong possibility that fight will be made soon.
Junior will need to be a damn sight better than he’s been in his last two but maybe he just needs a fight he can get up for. I expect him to beat Corley, who’s top 10 but always comes second against the cream.
From a purely personal dimension, he’s the one id like most, more than Floyd Mayweather even.
Juniors been very disrespectful, particularly after I won my British title against Jon Thaxton.
We should’ve fought back then but were told to let the fight brew so we could fight for more money. But, while Frank Warren built me up, because of my fan base, Junior was kept in six-rounders.
Part of me says why grant him the biggest payday of his career when he’s been so disrespectful? But I would like the fight because I genuinely feel ill beat him.
Witter’s gone very quiet regarding me over the past 18 months, hasn’t he? He prays on confidence but, against Judah, as soon as things weren’t going quite right for him, he went all negative.
In a fight with me, I expect him to resort to old habits and cover more ground than Forrest Gump. I'll break his heart.
On the evidence of Junior’s last two fights, ill stop him in six rounds.
JOSE LUIS CASTILLO
Castillo’s certainly a scalp to put my name in lights when I’ve hung my gloves up. He’s an ex-world champion and always in great fights, which is what develops great fighters.
It could only be a toe-to-toe war. Similar to a Cotto fight. I’m sure there’d be times I'd have to suck it up and take my digs.
Castillio, back down at light-welter, would be my next fight of choice.
To a degree, I feel I’m giving my opposition a head start, half a chance, fighting up at welter. But, at light-welter in a tear up, I know I’m too strong for any of them. I’m sharper at 140 and I'm able to bully people.
to your mom..
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