McGuigan says Hatton only has 2 fights left in him

Croydon1 · Post by **Croydon1** » 20 May 2006, 13:32

I have to say that is a pretty crazy thing to say. He is in his prime and not even in his thirties and has been in hardly any wars where he has took a beating.

I know he wants to retire when he reaches thirty but to say he only has 2 fights left in him is silly.

what are your opinions?

ps. I agree he should move back down.

From BBC:

Ricky Hatton has only two fights left in him and should move back to light welterweight, says Barry McGuigan.

Hatton, 27, moved up to welterweight last week to claim the WBA belt from America's Luis Collazo, but looked far from convincing at Boston Garden.

"Ricky has maybe another year left," former featherweight king and ITV commentator McGuigan told BBC Sport.

"His best bet is to fight Floyd Mayweather at light welter. His advantages are at 140lbs, not 147."

Many observers thought Hatton should have lost his breakthrough fight on American soil, and he has hinted himself that he will move back down.

Hatton, who gave up his IBF and WBA light welterweight belts to fight Collazo, wants to fight the winner of next month's WBC lightweight clash between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo.

Ricky is giving up a lot of his advantages going up to 147lbs - his power is at 140

Barry McGuigan

"Some people might ask themselves, 'why the hell did he go up to welterweight?'" said McGuigan.

"But if you look at the bigger picture, it was a fairly obvious decision because (IBF welterweight champion) Mayweather has gone up and (WBO light welterweight champion) Miguel Cotto is going up.

"Maybe (WBC light middleweight champion) Oscar de la Hoya is going back down to welterweight and there's also (former two-weight world champions) Shane Mosley and Arturo Gatti.

Collazo calls for rematch

"But Ricky is giving up a lot of his advantages going up to 147lbs - his power is at 140. He manhandles guys at 140, beats them up.

"By going to 147 he was always going to be taking a risk as these guys are naturally coming down from a bigger weight.

"You're not able to throw them about so much, and when you hit them flat out it doesn't have the same effect.

HBO are not going to pay Ricky big money and give him easy fights

Barry McGuigan

"It was a gamble (taking the fight against Collazo) and it was a gamble worth taking, but I thought he was very lucky to win it.

"It looks as if his resistance is beginning to ebb away. You can't have blood, guts and thunder fights like those and not put huge miles on the clock.

"But HBO (the American broadcaster with which Hatton has a three-fight deal) are not going to pay big money and give him easy fights.

"And Ricky knows there's only a couple of fights left in him and he wants to maximise his purses - that's his pension, his walk-away money."

Hatton keeps options open

If Hatton does choose to stay at 147lbs, McGuigan believes Gatti should be the man he fights next.

"Gatti is an easy fight for him, in relative terms. His resistance is gone and he's a bit shabby in general," said McGuigan, a former WBA featherweight champion.

Canada's Gatti challenges Argentina's Carlos Baldomir for the WBC welterweight crown on 22 July.

Southpaw Stylist · Post by **Southpaw Stylist** » 20 May 2006, 14:08

He's right.

But boxing is a business, and Hatton will make his money. He is however one of the worst champions in terms of skills.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 20 May 2006, 14:24

Southpaw Stylist wrote:He's right.

But boxing is a business, and Hatton will make his money. He is however one of the worst champions in terms of skills.

I think its a bit early to say he is one of the worst champions in terms of skill - lets judge him in a few more defenses... Although it is alarming how easy he is too hit at this new level.

As for Barry's comments on how many fights Hatton has left, I don't think he is that far off the mark.... Maybe a few more. Hatton has a style which means he is likely to faded before the 30 mark.... Tyson, Frazier, even Roberto Duran were not quite as good when they were 30 - although Duran went on to win 2 world titles past his 30... he was definately his most feriousious best as a young Lightweight.

Hatton has chalked up some 40 fight - most albeit at a lower level, you don't see many fighter go to around the 45-50 fight mark and still be the same fighter he once was.

Also a huge concern the blow up in weight and drinking habbits off training, Wayne McCullough has been a proffesional at ALL times and thats why he is still around the top at 35 - Ricky, by most accounts, hasn't done that.

I would say given some of the protection Hatton had early career, I would say he would have 5-6 top class fights left in him tops.

liamlion · Post by **liamlion** » 20 May 2006, 14:53

stujones wrote:...Although it is alarming how easy he is too hit at this new level.

Its not a new thing. Hatton has always been easy to hit. Watch the Kosta Tszyu fight - Hatton got tagged probably more so than he did by Callazo. The difference is that the effects of being tagged by a light-welter arent so obvious as that of a big welter.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 20 May 2006, 14:56

liamlion wrote:
stujones wrote:...Although it is alarming how easy he is too hit at this new level.
Its not a new thing. Hatton has always been easy to hit. Watch the Kosta Tszyu fight - Hatton got tagged probably more so than he did by Callazo. The difference is that the effects of a light-welter arent so obvious as the effects of a big welter.

I meant the Tszyu, Maussa and Collazo fights - his only ones for a proper title. I didn't mean new level as in Welterweight, but world class.

He got slapped around a bit vs Magee, but other than those four fights he has been managing to slip punches fairly well - like vs Phillips, Tackie and Olivera - but these were a lesser level (due to age/ring worn).

liamlion · Post by **liamlion** » 20 May 2006, 14:59

stujones wrote:
liamlion wrote:
stujones wrote:...Although it is alarming how easy he is too hit at this new level.
Its not a new thing. Hatton has always been easy to hit. Watch the Kosta Tszyu fight - Hatton got tagged probably more so than he did by Callazo. The difference is that the effects of a light-welter arent so obvious as the effects of a big welter.
I meant the Tszyu, Maussa and Collazo fights - his only ones for a proper title. I didn't mean new level as in Welterweight, but world class.

He got slapped around a bit vs Magee, but other than those four fights he has been managing to slip punches fairly well - like vs Phillips, Tackie and Olivera - but these were a lesser level (due to age/ring worn).

Yeah, I agree with that.

DIRT SUGAR · Post by **DIRT SUGAR** » 20 May 2006, 15:08

I think all the legal crap flying around hasn't helped Hatto's cause.

His engine was working last weekend but he was so square on and falling in and getting caught up close... he and Billy Graham have to sit down and really think about his defence again. I thought he'd be strong at welter as it's well known how hard he struggles to make 10st.

But like Hatton said, he had 7 weeks to adjust to the weight to fight a southpaw, natural 10st7lb fighter who's been getting better and better in recent fights.

I thought Collazo was a revelation. Tough kid and if he'd put more punches together later on in the fight such as straight one/twos I actually think he could have stopped Hatton. I thought he was a tad unlucky not to get a knockdown over Hatton int he last round.

Don't get me wrong, I'll go as far to say Hatton is one of the finest British boxers I've had the privilege to watch from ringside, but apart from his bravery and sheer will to win, he was really poor from a technical standpoint last weekend.

Maybe he's like Barry McGuigan, who peaked just about the time he won the title and then went downhill... could it be Hatton's batteries are starting to run out?

Scary to think what Floyd Mayweather would have done to him last weekend.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 20 May 2006, 15:15

I'm not even sure Hatton would beat Gatti... Gatti looked ok in his last fight despite breaking his hand again and he's such a warrior I can see him beating Hatton if he gets past Baldomir...

glahn · Post by **glahn** » 20 May 2006, 15:23

With his style I'd say that Hatton has about 4 fights left. He should be looking for Castillo/Corrales, Cotto and Mayweather, then a retirement fight back here against maybe Witter (assuming he's still around and fighting at a decent level.)

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 20 May 2006, 15:33

It depends who he fights and if he wins, ...I have a feeling that once Ricky loses he will disapeare much like Hamed. I think he could be in decline already... the fact that his trainer Graham has mentioned wanting Hatton to retire soon indicates that he has probably seen signs of deterioration himself. Hatton has been yo-yoing in weight for too long and its catching up with him now... he trains now to make the weight rather than improve his skills and its showing....

CrunchTime · Post by **CrunchTime** » 20 May 2006, 19:20

DIRT SUGAR wrote:I think all the legal crap flying around hasn't helped Hatto's cause.

His engine was working last weekend but he was so square on and falling in and getting caught up close... he and Billy Graham have to sit down and really think about his defence again. I thought he'd be strong at welter as it's well known how hard he struggles to make 10st.

But like Hatton said, he had 7 weeks to adjust to the weight to fight a southpaw, natural 10st7lb fighter who's been getting better and better in recent fights.

I thought Collazo was a revelation. Tough kid and if he'd put more punches together later on in the fight such as straight one/twos I actually think he could have stopped Hatton. I thought he was a tad unlucky not to get a knockdown over Hatton int he last round.

Don't get me wrong, I'll go as far to say Hatton is one of the finest British boxers I've had the privilege to watch from ringside, but apart from his bravery and sheer will to win, he was really poor from a technical standpoint last weekend.

Maybe he's like Barry McGuigan, who peaked just about the time he won the title and then went downhill... could it be Hatton's batteries are starting to run out?

Scary to think what Floyd Mayweather would have done to him last weekend.

Although Barry doesnt specify his reasoning, he did recommend fighting Mayweather at 140 and that just might be the reason he only sees 2 more fights for Ricky!! That one could take a lot out of Ricky!!

harrygreb · Post by **harrygreb** » 21 May 2006, 07:46

he'll never get floyd in the ring at 140. not a chance in hell. if you read my posts from after the collazo fight you'll find that i was bang on and i think barry mcguigan must have read them too.
hatto is a world beater at 140 but a good "also ran" at 147lbs
problem is hatton is too tight at that weight these days.
whats the boy to do?
he'd still beat arturo at either weight, though, silkov you boxing expert you!

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 May 2006, 08:11

harrygreb wrote:he'll never get floyd in the ring at 140. not a chance in hell. if you read my posts from after the collazo fight you'll find that i was bang on and i think barry mcguigan must have read them too.
hatto is a world beater at 140 but a good "also ran" at 147lbs
problem is hatton is too tight at that weight these days.
whats the boy to do?
he'd still beat arturo at either weight, though, silkov you boxing expert you!

Duh! I guess everyone else other than you have been saying that Ricky was really impressive at 147 haven't they!!!...

...your arrogance is only matched by your complete stupidity!... well done!...

8)

harrygreb · Post by **harrygreb** » 21 May 2006, 08:34

well i was spouting on and on about mayorga against oscar so i do get it wrong occasionally but not as occasionally as your good self

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 May 2006, 10:11

harrygreb wrote:well i was spouting on and on about mayorga against oscar so i do get it wrong occasionally but not as occasionally as your good self

Why don't you point out some places where I have got it wrong then?... its easy to be right when you state the bleeding obvious like you are doing by saying Hatton is not as good at 147 as he was at 140!... my 6 year old nephew could have told you that... you are probably one of the bright sparks who was saying a while ago that Hatton would have beaten Lloyd Honeyghan...

harrygreb · Post by **harrygreb** » 21 May 2006, 13:40

trouble with you is this; you sense a hatton downfall and you want to be the first to get on that bandwagon, actually ricky won the fight - i know you looked at it again and scored it for collazo - but he won it with major factors against him. its not proven one way or the other just yet if ricky is going to make great waves at 147lbs no matter what your 6 year old nephew says (is he where you normally get your predictions by the way?)
so thats that.
no, ricky wouldnt have done very well against honeyghan. hatton would have been meat and drink to lloyd. so i dont know where you got that information (probably your same source)

a friend of mine, a certain C.Lynes, tells me that witters power is not a thing to fear and is in no doubt about the outcome of hatton and witter should they meet.

can i give you some advice? wait about 15 years before consulting your oracle again on matters of boxing - by then he will be much better qualified.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 21 May 2006, 13:43

Since when the hell does Hatton have 2 fights left in him?

He's only been troubled recently and only had two wars.

liamlion · Post by **liamlion** » 21 May 2006, 13:47

Max Molyneux wrote:Since when the hell does Hatton have 2 fights left in him?

He's only been troubled recently and only had two wars.

I think McGuigan was taking into account the abuse that Hatton's body goes through each time, in order to make weight.

Hardhitters11 · Post by **Hardhitters11** » 21 May 2006, 14:06

McGuigan as usual is talking utter shite.

johnswan1 · Post by **johnswan1** » 21 May 2006, 15:10

Hardhitters11 wrote:McGuigan as usual is talking utter shite.

McGuigan is more knowledgable than most guys who offer their opinion. I think he's one of the best pundits out there and it's a shame to see less of him now he's with ITV.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 May 2006, 16:52

harrygreb wrote:trouble with you is this; you sense a hatton downfall and you want to be the first to get on that bandwagon, actually ricky won the fight - i know you looked at it again and scored it for collazo - but he won it with major factors against him. its not proven one way or the other just yet if ricky is going to make great waves at 147lbs no matter what your 6 year old nephew says (is he where you normally get your predictions by the way?)
so thats that.
no, ricky wouldnt have done very well against honeyghan. hatton would have been meat and drink to lloyd. so i dont know where you got that information (probably your same source)

a friend of mine, a certain C.Lynes, tells me that witters power is not a thing to fear and is in no doubt about the outcome of hatton and witter should they meet.

can i give you some advice? wait about 15 years before consulting your oracle again on matters of boxing - by then he will be much better qualified.

Yawn.

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 May 2006, 18:30

Max Molyneux wrote:Since when the hell does Hatton have 2 fights left in him?

He's only been troubled recently and only had two wars.

But Ricky is going through a war every fight just to make the weight... thats having more of an effect on him than his fights...

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 21 May 2006, 18:33

Hardhitters11 wrote:McGuigan as usual is talking utter shite.

Hatton could have another 10 fights who knows, but Barry means he has 2 fights left in him before he starts a sharp decline... and as Barry has been there and done it, and fought in a simular style to Hatton he knows what he's talking about... it may not be what some people want to hear but watch Rickys last two bouts and the writings on the wall... even Graham has started talking about Ricky retiring!...

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 22 May 2006, 05:02

I think that's why McGuigan is saying it too, Hatton fights a similar high octane style, but lacks McGuigan's head movement and rolling style. McGuigan did get old quick, because he had to expend so much energy in every fight to win, there were few easy victories at top level for him, and the same is true of Hatton who has been clouted by big shots by Tszyu, Maussa and Collazo repeatedly.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 22 May 2006, 05:16

liamlion wrote:
stujones wrote:...Although it is alarming how easy he is too hit at this new level.
Its not a new thing. Hatton has always been easy to hit. Watch the Kosta Tszyu fight - Hatton got tagged probably more so than he did by Callazo. The difference is that the effects of being tagged by a light-welter arent so obvious as that of a big welter.

i think a big factor is also that he couldn't see Collazo's punches coming. when he throws that left hook to the body, ricky is wide open for a right hook. what ricky could have done with would've been to get his left arm inside Collazo's right, rough him up in clinches and try to fire off some good right handers in Collazo's mouth before getting too tangled up.

Rahman didn't let Toney whack him with right hands at will, by giving Toney the left forearm and putting his left inside Toney's right arm

with that kind of style, you need to be able to roll with shots and have good head movement. tyson and chavez used to have excellent defenses