McGuigan: 2005 MUST be the year of Hatton & Calzaghe

lirva33 · Post by **lirva33** » 01 Jan 2005, 19:40

TOP OF my wish list for 2005? Defining fights for Britain's two best boxers.

Ricky Hatton is desperate to test his mettle against the best light-welterweight in the world, Kostya Tszyu, and Joe Calzaghe wants to make his own case for greatness against the light-heavyweight king, Glen Johnson.

Johnson came from nowhere, via our own Clinton Woods, to beat Roy Jones and Antonio Tarver in 2004. That glory might have been Joe's had injury not forced him out of his scheduled date with Johnson before the West Indian got to Jones.

Calzaghe has worn well, but he is probably looking at one more year of peak performance before his powers begin to wane.

The Jones era is over. It was a shame Joe did not get to end it, but he could do no better now than beat the man who beat the man.

Hatton is so close to a date with Tszyu, he can smell the sawdust on the dressing-room floor.

Negotiations are at a delicate stage with Tszyu and manager Matt Ward holding out for top dollar before committing to a deal with Hatton's promoter allegedly. Frank has reached an agreement with Tszyu's promoter Vlad Warton and American cable company Showtime that would make the Australian-Russian a very rich man.

Tszyu is not stupid. He knows he is coming to the end of his career and that Hatton is good enough to precipitate retirement.

He wants silly money - £2.7 million is not silly enough, apparently, to do business. I don't blame him.

Hatton is dangerous. Better even than Tszyu thinks he is.

To prevail, he would probably have to dig deeper than in any fight before.

I hope Warren pulls off the deal, and then secures Johnson for Calzaghe. Both Britons need the challenge of facing the best.

In an American debating chamber I would be happy to stand up and make the case for Hatton and Calzaghe as great fighters. Given the opportunity, they could do that for themselves in the only environment that matters - the ring. Over to you Frank.

AUDLEY HARRISON has become a pet subject for this column. First acclamation of a brilliant gold medal at the Sydney Olympics in 2000, then dismay at the plodding nature of progress since.

How many times can you say 'Get a move on, Audley?' You won't hear it from me again. The template has been set. For all his ability, Harrison has shown over the past four years that he does not have the hunger or desire normally associated with champions.

Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe Harrison will eventually claim the world title that he assures us he is capable of. Lord knows the heavyweight division is lamentable enough. The poorest I have known.

But even if he does, Harrison's Olympic thunder has been stolen by the marvellous teenager from Bolton, Amir Khan.

As we look ahead to what might be in 2005, let us raise a toast to his achievement in 2004. Silver in Athens at just 17 ensured a golden future for him - and for British boxing.

I respect McGuigan but he needs to get realistic.

Why is it that the majority of boxing fans accross the world critisise Hatton and Calzaghe, yet McGuigan never does. In fact, the whole Sky team never do. Thats one of the big problems these days. I remember after the Tackie fight McGuiga said "This will be the most important 18 months of Hattons career". Who does Hatton face? Vilches and Pederson. Ay critisism from Bazzer? None at all.

Don't even get me started on Calzaghe.

McGuigan has been saying this shit for years.

El Brujo · Post by **El Brujo** » 01 Jan 2005, 20:04

Hatton is dangerous. Better even than Tszyu thinks he is.

To prevail, he would probably have to dig deeper than in any fight before.

Regardless of Hatton\'s skills, he can\'t be considered dangerous as long as he displays such an aversion towards competitve matchups. Is he a danger to Cotto? Harris? Mayweather? Hatton needs them a lot more than they need Hatton. With the level of talent at 140, prospects and contenders can afford to look past Hatton on their way to respect and riches.

In an American debating chamber I would be happy to stand up and make the case for Hatton and Calzaghe as great fighters. Given the opportunity, they could do that for themselves in the only environment that matters - the ring. Over to you Frank.

That\'s become the major problem with Hatton - and to a certain extent, Calzaghe - any discussion about them fighting in a big-name bout seems better placed in a \"Mythical Matchups\" thread than a legitimate boxing discussion.

(edited to add: I don't know what's up with the "/" in my post - that's happened once elsewhere, and remained, although I tried to repair it...)

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 01 Jan 2005, 20:06

Livra, Barry cannot say much negative things - it is his job to sell the fight. He cannot exactly say - this guy is awful, Hatton will walk through him.

He never said Vilches / Pedersen were any good and did say after the Vilches fight "it has to be Harris for the title next".

He may have gone OTT in hyping Oliveria though.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 01 Jan 2005, 20:14

bollocks wrote:Always thought BcGuigan told it like it was. Until now

Hatton needs to go to 147 as there's no comp left at 140

Not sure I understand Bollocks, all he says is that Calzaghe must face Johnson and Hatton face Tszyu. Thats what we all want, surely.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 01 Jan 2005, 20:28

bollocks wrote:
stujones wrote:
bollocks wrote:Always thought BcGuigan told it like it was. Until now

Hatton needs to go to 147 as there's no comp left at 140
Not sure I understand Bollocks, all he says is that Calzaghe must face Johnson and Hatton face Tszyu. Thats what we all want, surely.
Had this in mind when making the post:

"In an American debating chamber I would be happy to stand up and make the case for Hatton and Calzaghe as great fighters. Given the opportunity"

Barry makes it sound as if the top fighters are avoiding Hatton and JC. If anything, the opposite is true. Considering they've both had offers and/or contracts of fights by the likes of Glen Johnson/Vivian Harris/Witter and quite a few others, it makes Barry look a bit silly

However, he does add an "over to you Frank" at then end of that quote, which suggests that he thinks its up to Frank to deliver the goods. I didn't read it as Hatton / Calzaghe being avoided myself.

Sweet P · Post by **Sweet P** » 02 Jan 2005, 08:52

McGuigan sounds a lot like our commentator Barry Micheal who continually talks up Mundine at any chance, These blokes are to close to the fighters and need to step back and be realistic, Saying Tszyu will need to fight harder than ever is stupid Tszyu has fought and beat many fighters better than Hatton. And as for Calzaghe if he comes back at 168 there are at least 3 fighters who will be a 50/ 50 fight after all the time he has taken off.

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 02 Jan 2005, 08:56

Just crappy Sky propoganda. I suppose they pay McGuigans wages so we should expect little else....

If you think about it, I've seen Martin Tyler and Andy Gray telling us that a dire Fulham v WBA 0-0 draw is an enthralling and intriguing match. They aren't going to sit there and tell us that their bosses product is boring are they?

Hatton's lack of pop is going to hurt him at the top level, Oliveira was the first opponent anywhere near world class who has failed to see the final bell and even he said (and I believe him) he could have made it but put his health first at his advanced age. When you compare that to the likes of Cotto, Tszyu who have real genuine world class power you have to doubt Ricky's chances of making much of an impact.

Max Baer · Post by **Max Baer** » 02 Jan 2005, 11:41

Goz wrote:Hatton's lack of pop is going to hurt him at the top level, Oliveira was the first opponent anywhere near world class who has failed to see the final bell and even he said (and I believe him) he could have made it but put his health first at his advanced age. When you compare that to the likes of Cotto, Tszyu who have real genuine world class power you have to doubt Ricky's chances of making much of an impact.

I agree. Everytime a Hatton opponent lasts the distance all we hear is "He done a good job of blocking them bodyshots" from either McGuigan or Hatton himself, rather than just admit that those body punches aren't going to stop everyone. :)

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 02 Jan 2005, 12:37

Goz wrote:When you compare that to the likes of Cotto, Tszyu who have real genuine world class power you have to doubt Ricky's chances of making much of an impact.

I don't agree with you in the fact that I believe Hatton has the ability, youth, stamina and workrate to mix with the very best at Light-Welterweight.

Let's all hope he has the chance to prove it.

Smit · Post by **Smit** » 02 Jan 2005, 13:24

Power isn't everything..

#1 Welterweight (In most opinions) - Cory Spinks.. now he's a great puncher aint he ;)

oh and dont forget Chris Byrd

But then again, they use other Skills that Hatton doesn't have? Well from what i've seen

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 02 Jan 2005, 15:08

Smit wrote:Power isn't everything..

#1 Welterweight (In most opinions) - Cory Spinks.. now he's a great puncher aint he ;)

oh and dont forget Chris Byrd

But then again, they use other Skills that Hatton doesn't have? Well from what i've seen

Not quite sure if you are agreeing with me or not there, but yes I would say Spinks and Byrd are entirely different types of fighters to the likes Of Ricky Hatton who is a very agressive offensive fighter. They can get away with not having a real pop in their arsenal because they aren't taking many punches.

You really need to be doing some damage with your arsenal to have a shout at the highest level, Hatton could even turn out to be a Light-Welterweight Wayne Mculloch.

Tszyu and Cotto for example might feel that Hatton simply can't hurt them greatly and just walk straight through him.

BubiScholz · Post by **BubiScholz** » 05 Jan 2005, 11:35

Both have the skills to improve and to do more for european Boxing but not with Mr. Warren. he makes some nice domestic fights and makes some good money. but regarding the international scene he is just a laugh.

compare Hatton with Urkal. Urkal is older and maybe as strong as Hatton who can improve. but Urkal had 3 world title fights for major belts. and Hatton still fights for his alphabet-soup-title. unbelievable.

even if both would go to Universum or Sauerland they would have more money and a real world title. as a european you don´t need Don King or Arum.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 05 Jan 2005, 13:10

Hatton though has probably earned 10 times what Urkal has earned.

I agree with one thing that McGuigan says, Tszyu does see Hatton as a serious opponent, why else would he be looking for so much money.

From what I hear, there are disputes between Tszyu and Wharton, it's to do with the deal Wharton has struck, and it sounds like Tszyu sees too much PPV revenue which he isn't getting his hands on.

I don't blame him, he's at the top of the tree, and no matter how much people here criticise Hatton, he's in with more than a snowball in hell's chance against Tszyu. Hatton will bring a lot more to the table than anyone Tszyu has faced since Judah, and his workrate will force Tszyu to dig deep, sure he has the power to hurt Hatton, but there's a big difference between Hatton and Mitchell.

I think this fight will happen, I think Tszyu is just trying to get his hands on a piece of the PPV pie which Wharton may have his eye on.

BubiScholz · Post by **BubiScholz** » 05 Jan 2005, 13:20

wow, james, so Hatton earns more money than Vitali Klitschko, 10 million euros. you can tell that your neighbours dog.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 05 Jan 2005, 13:30

What has this got to do with Vitali? My point was that whilst Urkal may have had three shots, he is now pretty much at the end of his career, and will never get another shot in all liklihood. He hasn't ever been a major player in the division. Hatton on the other hand is still young, and if he fights and loses to Tszyu, can come again, and must already be a millionnaire.

I am just pointing out that the reason fighters sign with allegedly, is there is major earning potential.

Despite his critics, allegedly puts on the most successful shows in the country, by quite some way too. Whilst Matchroom and Fight Academy may have

I am not saying that I admire one more than the other. I am just stating it as a fact of life. If you were a fighter in this country, with ambition for success and money, who would you sign with?

At the moment, allegedly is the only person with a cast iron TV deal in the UK.

KOJOE90 · Post by **KOJOE90** » 05 Jan 2005, 13:48

On an interview on Radio 5, Saturday morning Jay Larkin seem very keen and optimistic about a Tszyu V Hatton fight this spring/summer.

BubiScholz · Post by **BubiScholz** » 05 Jan 2005, 14:12

jamesmcdonnell wrote:What has this got to do with Vitali? My point was that whilst Urkal may have had three shots, he is now pretty much at the end of his career, and will never get another shot in all liklihood. He hasn't ever been a major player in the division. Hatton on the other hand is still young, and if he fights and loses to Tszyu, can come again, and must already be a millionnaire.

I am just pointing out that the reason fighters sign with allegedly allegedly, is there is major earning potential.

Despite his critics, allegedly allegedly puts on the most successful shows in the country, by quite some way too. Whilst Matchroom and Fight Academy may have

I am not saying that I admire one more than the other. I am just stating it as a fact of life. If you were a fighter in this country, with ambition for success and money, who would you sign with?

At the moment, allegedly allegedly is the only person with a cast iron TV deal in the UK.

i just wanted to say that Sauerland or Kohl don´t waste time in fighting for alphabet-soup-title as for e.g. english fighters (Harrison, Hatton etc.) they watch out to box for a real title even for young fighters (Sturm, Schenk, Klitschko etc.) even when they risk too much (Urkal vs Tszyu, Veit vs Calzaghe, May vs Nelson etc.). A Zsolt Erdei,under contract at allegedly Warren would box for the WBF- or WBU- title and would not be one of the best in this division........ no risk no success. look 20 years bach. there was just little Rocky i Germany and Rene Weller. Kohl and Sauerland made the 2nd biggest market of the world in Germany. this is the reason that all talented boxers in Europe except the British and Danish guys are looking for a contract in Germany. The Promoters are regarding the english speaking world fair and the coaches are very good. why has Corrie Sanders signed with Kohl and not with allegedly Warren?

I only brought Vitali in because the money. 10 times a million are 10 millions. more than Vitali got.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 05 Jan 2005, 14:43

McGuigan has sold out bigtime. I realise Sky pay his wages but his failure to criticise some of the matches and fighters is beyong a joke.

lirva33 · Post by **lirva33** » 05 Jan 2005, 15:01

007 wrote:McGuigan has sold out bigtime. I realise Sky pay his wages but his failure to criticise some of the matches and fighters is beyong a joke.

Bigtime.

Plain and simple.

Barry McGuigan has sold out. Since Sky pay his wages, he doesn't critisise the fighters. You can't take McGuigan seriously. his hyping of Hatton opponents is a complete shambles and I lost all respect for him over the past few years of that garbage he's been spewing on Sky.

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 06 Jan 2005, 06:55

I think this thread should be locked, that last comment is asking for trouble.