To Ricky Hatton: Fight Junior Witter next

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:11

Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.

Cannibal · Post by **Cannibal** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:16

Max Molyneux wrote:Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.

Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.

StepinFetchit · Post by **StepinFetchit** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:17

Max Molyneux wrote:Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.

And Hatton always knew this and thats the reason why he never wanted to fight him, plus the fact Hatton knew deep down Witter hold no fear of him.

I'll tell you now, if Hatton faces Witter now he will get knocked out or stopped, and i am more confident now than ever about this...the mental balance has tipped 70-30 in Witters favour.

The only reason he will take this fight is to try and shut the critics up and not because he belives he can beat him.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:19

Cannibal wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.
Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.

Still disrespected him though even If It was for cameras.

Hatton contradicts himself when It comes to Witter.

StepinFetchit · Post by **StepinFetchit** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:20

Cannibal wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.
Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.

I told a pro boxing trainer last year that PBF would get in Hattons head, Hatton trys to make out everything goes over his head but the educated talk of Hatton being 1 dimentional and only facing over the hill fighters burns him to the core....because deep down he knew it was true.

Cannibal · Post by **Cannibal** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:26

Max Molyneux wrote:
Cannibal wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.
Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.
Still disrespected him though even If It was for cameras.

Hatton contradicts himself when It comes to Witter.

There are different levels of disrespect though.

Day to day everyone probably gets remarks or actions directed at them that would be considered disrespectful, some will get to you and lead to grudges and others will be like water off a ducks back.

Mayweather was almost pantomime at times. It wouldn't of been Mayweather that got into Hatton's head, it would of been the pressure of the occasion and the aura of the P4P #1 status.

Eraserhead · Post by **Eraserhead** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:36

As much as I want to see Hatton against Witter, a fight against Junior Witter is a hell of a step down from fights with Mayweather and Castillo - both in terms of reputation and money. If there are other options out there - for more money - Hatton will definitely consider them over Witter, a guy he's never been keen on meeting.

Although, If Hatton is serious about re-establishing himself at 140, I think he HAS to fight Junior Witter. He'd probably beat him, too. Witter can punch with the best of 'em, but he's looked awful just as much as he's looked great.

states · Post by **states** » 15 Dec 2007, 20:46

Max Molyneux wrote:
Cannibal wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.
Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.
Still disrespected him though even If It was for cameras.

Hatton contradicts himself when It comes to Witter.

It's not really contradictory, even though I feel Hatton should fight Witter. Mayweather didn't need Hatton to make money. Witter does. Also, Hatton had an awful lot to gain by fighting Mayweather. By contrast, he's only got an awful lot to lose by fighting Witter.

Chambers2 · Post by **Chambers2** » 15 Dec 2007, 22:11

Cannibal wrote:
Chambers2 wrote:WELL DONE STEVE BUNCE!! Excellent no nonense questioning regarding Junior Witter, I've wanted to see Ricky answer the 'Junior' question on TV for a long while. Rickys done nothing to change my mind on the situation, not wanting to give Junior the opportunity is a FEEBLE excuse. Surely if he was confident of winning he would want to ram the words down Juniors throat.

I like and admire Ricky, but his stance on the Junior Witter is inexcusable.
That might be what you'd do but it's different strokes for different folks.

Hatton pretty much promised he would never fight Witter a good few years ago and he is sticking by that.

Hatton isn't motivated by hurting people, he's not like that. He takes whatever fight would advance his career and at this stage, the Witter fight would do nothing for him other than give him a belt and a decent live gate in Manchester.

It would be a better fight than the likes of Ree's but Hatton has an intense dislike of Witter and he's smart about it. He knows that fighting and hurting Witter just gives Witter what he wants, his biggest pay day and the high profile of fighting someone like Hatton. Refusing to fight Witter hurts Witter far more than any punch ever could.

I think Hatton exaggerates his dislike for Witter as its a convenient excuse. What exactly has Junior Witter done or said to provoke this hatred? A few comments on TV over half a decade ago as far as I'm aware, I class that as an over-reaction. Is it that team Hatton just don't like the clash of styles, because Junior loves come forward fighters. In saying that if Rickys still in the fight at the halfway mark his workrate could get him the win. Its a fascinating style clash IMO

Hatton tells us he likes the difficult challenges and BIG fights, so why not fight Junior and give the fans what they want/deserve? It'll arguably be the BIGGEST all British clash to take place and it'll take place at 140 Rickys ideal weight. Its now or never

I must add though that Junior has to be realistic in the negotiations if it actually gets that far. As Steve Bunce said there is no way he can be demanding 50/50, but he should be able to get a 7 figure pay check for his efforts. Fcuk HBO, if they don't want it, they don't have to. An outdoor stadium event on PPV over here is gonna generate a fair few bob. I can't see HBO or even Showtime not showing it though.

SticknMove · Post by **SticknMove** » 15 Dec 2007, 22:33

I agree Chambers. I think the net is tightening in and around Hatton to make this fight, especially from the journos and writers. Rawling at the end of the program gave his tuppence worth and said that Hatton/DLH may generate big money but Hatton wouldn't win - I agree with that. But if Witter is presented with a contract where he knows that he will get a big payday he may accept less than 50/50 - I think this would probably be true too.

Hatton/Witter surely must happen and I would be very disappointed in Hatton if he doesn't even consider it using the enmity and lack of respect as an excuse. There are too few genuine challenges (outside of a $ generated one) for Hatton and Witter is the obvious choice.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 Dec 2007, 05:40

StepinFetchit wrote:
Cannibal wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:Floyd disrespected Hatton loads and so do other fighters, what does he have against Witter?

Witter has the timing, power and accuracy to beat Hatton as well.
Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.
I told a pro boxing trainer last year that PBF would get in Hattons head, Hatton trys to make out everything goes over his head but the educated talk of Hatton being 1 dimentional and only facing over the hill fighters burns him to the core....because deep down he knew it was true.

Mayweather said that wasn't true after the fight, i.e. saying he beat Tszyu and "did what I couldn't do to Castillo."

Hatton's excuses were feeble on the subject of Witter, last night.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 Dec 2007, 05:43

Hatton's accomplished nothing career wise that proves fighting Witter is beneath him.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 16 Dec 2007, 07:12

Why did Hatton say he didnt want Witter now? I missed it

StepinFetchit · Post by **StepinFetchit** » 16 Dec 2007, 07:31

Autobarn wrote:
StepinFetchit wrote:
Cannibal wrote: Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.
I told a pro boxing trainer last year that PBF would get in Hattons head, Hatton trys to make out everything goes over his head but the educated talk of Hatton being 1 dimentional and only facing over the hill fighters burns him to the core....because deep down he knew it was true.
Mayweather said that wasn't true after the fight, i.e. saying he beat Tszyu and "did what I couldn't do to Castillo."

Hatton's excuses were feeble on the subject of Witter, last night.

Mayweather was just being respectful to Hatton after the fight because thats the way he is with all his opponants after he beats them down he likes to build them back up a little....the same thing he did with Gatti....Mayweather was right when he was making comments before the fight about Castillo & Zoo being over the hill when Ricky fought them.

Eraserhead · Post by **Eraserhead** » 16 Dec 2007, 07:41

Autobarn wrote:Hatton's accomplished nothing career wise that proves fighting Witter is beneath him.

What about beating Tszyu and Castillo? Hatton's a star on the world scene. Witter's a star in Bradford.

Don't get me wrong, they should definitely meet at 140 now Hatton has lost. But to say they're on an even level in terms of accomplishments, reputation and $$$ is way off the mark.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 Dec 2007, 08:07

StepinFetchit wrote:
Autobarn wrote:
StepinFetchit wrote: I told a pro boxing trainer last year that PBF would get in Hattons head, Hatton trys to make out everything goes over his head but the educated talk of Hatton being 1 dimentional and only facing over the hill fighters burns him to the core....because deep down he knew it was true.
Mayweather said that wasn't true after the fight, i.e. saying he beat Tszyu and "did what I couldn't do to Castillo."

Hatton's excuses were feeble on the subject of Witter, last night.

Mayweather was just being respectful to Hatton after the fight because thats the way he is with all his opponants after he beats them down he likes to build them back up a little....the same thing he did with Gatti....Mayweather was right when he was making comments before the fight about Castillo & Zoo being over the hill when Ricky fought them.

the truth is somewhere in the middle, probably

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 Dec 2007, 08:09

Eraserhead wrote:
Autobarn wrote:Hatton's accomplished nothing career wise that proves fighting Witter is beneath him.
What about beating Tszyu and Castillo? Hatton's a star on the world scene. Witter's a star in Bradford.

Don't get me wrong, they should definitely meet at 140 now Hatton has lost. But to say they're on an even level in terms of accomplishments, reputation and $$$ is way off the mark.

didn't say that. i just said there's nothing to suggest that Witter isn't in his league, as Hatton just got throttled by Mayweather, beat ageing Tszyu/Castillo and WAS WILLING to fight Urango, Collazo, Maussa in the past. Ricky was talking about CHALLENGES last night.

We all know that Hatton will prob be more popular in defeat (ala Bruno, Cooper) making it even harder to make a Witter fight.

Not sure Witter's a star in Bradford.

EDIT - my phrasing of the previous post was a bit suspect

banjo · Post by **banjo** » 16 Dec 2007, 08:51

this fight has to happen now! no more drivel from ricky get in the ring with witter to prove who the undisputed champ is!

another point as well although im not the biggest hatton fan this talk about tszyu being over the hill and shot is a load of bollox. tszyu came into the fight on the back of one of his best performances v mitchell

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 16 Dec 2007, 09:19

states wrote:
Max Molyneux wrote:
Cannibal wrote: Floyd had the advantage of being P4P #1 and that was something Hatton wanted to be but he could only get it by going through Mayweather. A lot of Mayweather's trash talk is all for show as well, think Hatton found it more amusing than insulting.
Still disrespected him though even If It was for cameras.

Hatton contradicts himself when It comes to Witter.
It's not really contradictory, even though I feel Hatton should fight Witter. Mayweather didn't need Hatton to make money. Witter does. Also, Hatton had an awful lot to gain by fighting Mayweather. By contrast, he's only got an awful lot to lose by fighting Witter.

Tis contradictory when Hatton said Witter had to win a world title and then Witter wins one and still doesn't want him. Hatton said that before he was even a champ himself!

And why bother adding Witter Into his contract and not fight him?

Hatton got to his titles the easy way and had a silver spoon In his mouth unlike Witter who got his the hard way and couldn't turn down anyone.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 Dec 2007, 09:49

wouldn't quite agree with that Max, as Hatton did have to get through Tszyu for the title.

Tszyu was coming off a great performance, but ... had looked bad in training (dropped by Emanuel Augustus), struggled to make weight, & apparently went into the fight with some sort of injury (indeed, he'd been inactive the previous couple of yrs and Hatton's wrestling may have aggravated the old shoulder problem).

Witter has definitely had a hard time, sometimes even getting fights. Ppl had even pulled out of WBC elims to avoid Witter. Fantastic dedication to not lose sight of his goals & to put in such a good showing vs Harris last time.

I think Witter knocks him out. If Thaxton troubles him, Magee drops him (indeed, I had Hatton only scraping by vs Magee who countered well despite zero movement all night) and Collazo nearly beats him, Junior Witter will batter Hatton. Especially if he is heartbroken.

Perhaps Setanta are eyeing up Hatton-Witter, a subject they brought up last night, but obviously Ricky is marching to HBO.

beagleboy · Post by **beagleboy** » 16 Dec 2007, 10:45

Matt W wrote:
Ring magazine have Witter at no.1- he has beaten 2 other fighters in the top 10
Hatton hasn't faced anyone in the top 10
Is this a serious point? Where have you been for the last few years????

Yes
Watching boxing
Hatton is a great fighter but if he is not careful his legacy will be bullying lightweights and over-the-hill boxers. He can't claim to be undisputed when he hasn't fought anyone currently in the top 10, and having used countless excuses not to fight the no.1 for over 7 years.

mrbassie · Post by **mrbassie** » 16 Dec 2007, 11:14

banjo wrote:this fight has to happen now! no more drivel from ricky get in the ring with witter to prove who the undisputed champ is!

another point as well although im not the biggest hatton fan this talk about tszyu being over the hill and shot is a load of bollox. tszyu came into the fight on the back of one of his best performances v mitchell

Mitchell was thoroghly shot though

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 16 Dec 2007, 11:21

I think the time has come that Hatton really should fight Witter.

I think staying at Welterweight or fighting Oscar at 150 is a really stupid move. Great financially, but christ, he's already a multi millionnaire, why not do something to build his legacy instead? I can see him losing to both Oscar and Cotto, which would be a poor end to a career.

Of course Witter is a risky proposition, but I still think Hatton beats the man. Perhaps take on Rees first, provided Rees/Warren want that fight, and then a final unification at 140 against Witter.

I'm sure Hatton can still sell tickets in Vegas, but I think this is a route which will ultimately lead to more losses. Malignanggi at the Garden perhaps.

banjo · Post by **banjo** » 16 Dec 2007, 11:42

witter would be a really tough opponent but i think hatton would have too much for junior.
regarding malignaggi i just dont rate him i know he gave cotto a tough fight but cotto was clearly weight drained

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 16 Dec 2007, 12:01

Its Malinaggi next boys MSG for a real fight..

Coming down of the ceiling hatton needs to beat one of the yanks top guys, just to get his rep back up, beating Malinaggi would do that, though the result is in no way a certainty