Did Hatton waste his peak? Is he 3 years past it already?

[johnswan1]

Amazing how quickly the perception changes.

Yes, just a few weeks ago I was copping flak for calling Hatton over-rated, now everybody's jumping over each other to say he's past his best and never had a chance against Floyd.

Must say I admit I actually gave Hatton a big chance of winning. I thought it would be a case of him smothering Floyd from start to finish, with Mayweather becoming frustrated. I thought he could sneak the fight as a one off by being at his best while Floyd could have an off night. I felt that DLH lost the Mayweather fight by fading rather than Floyd winning by adjusting and taking control, and that was something Ricky could use to his advantage. The outcome of the Hatton fight led me to conclude that Hatton didn't have much of a chance against Mayweather and proved to me that Ricky is only effective at Light Welter where he can bully his opponents and throw them around the ring. Against a bigger or equally sized opponent, he simply does not have the skills and looks very ordinary. It is now much easier for me to see him being beaten by a variety of opponents.

[dr_devious]

Amazing how quickly the perception changes.

Exactly, before the Mayweather fight everyone was saying Ricky was the best British fighter, and the best European fighter ever. This was way OTT, remembering that his 2 best wins are over the hill versions of Tsyzu and Castillo. Also remembering his struggles against Thaxton, Magee, Urango and Collazo, it was logical and predictable that Mayweather would deal with him easily. Ricky's likeability and popularity clouded many peoples judgements. The beating he took on Saturday wont make him a better fighter either, I shudder to think what De la Hoya will do to him if they fight. FFS RETIRE NOW RICKY!!!

[Max Molyneux]

Can Hatton really peak though considering only he only trains for half of the year when he has fights? Otherwise he doesn't train.

[rhino222]

i was concerned about ricky weight, to come in 2lbs under 147 would incinuate that ricky was in no struggle to make the weight and not dry at all, therefore...ricky as a 140lb fighter would have actually entered the ring a good 6-8lb heavier than ricky as a welterweight....quite bizarre really.

[Twinkle Toes]

I expected more from Hatton than he delivered on Saturday - He is/was more capable than what he showed us in that fight.

Thinking on, I do wonder about the sparring Hatton does - He fights like he is training on a body bag, and those 12-15 rounds of body bag training have had a negative effect in my opinion.

I don't know what has happened to the Hatton that was once so good at setting himself up to launch his shots - There appears to be too much focus on getting into shape, with a neglect of his once decent boxing skills.