Open Letter from Ricky Hatton

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 16 Jan 2007, 17:56

Found this on Eastside.

By Ricky Hatton: One week before the fight and training couldn't have gone any better. Saturday finished my usual grueling 15 rounds on the body belt, so this hard slog is now done. One more week now to wind down and then its just getting in there to do the job and hopefully bring back to Britain world title belts five and six, the IBF and IBO. Just one or two rumours I need to squash before I go into action on Saturday.

It has been rumoured that I have had elbow injuries and have missed several sparring sessions. It is true I that have been having work on my elbows, but not due to injury. They have been getting manipulated to straighten them through years of boxing, which has left my arms slightly shorter than normal..

Billy and I were happy with what we have gotten from the sparring we had done and were satisfied; we did not see a reason for anymore sessions. Ricky Hatton will be 100% in shape and come January 20, I hope to do the country proud again.

One more note; I see that my old mate Junior Witter is up to his old tricks again, trying to get publicity for himself off Ricky Hatton's back.

I can't say I am surprised, although to his credit he has won a world title. Junior has spent his career getting publicity off my back and all of a sudden, because he won a world title, he thinks he's the man and I need him more than ever.

I have vacated three times as many belts as junior has won, won world titles in two weight divisions, won The Ring Magazine belt, became the first British fighter ever to win The Ring Fighter of the Year award and in the same year, was voted by the Boxing Writers Association of America as their Fighter of the Year.

Come January 20, I will have topped the bill in the USA in both Boston and the fighting capital of the world, Las Vegas. But strangely enough, Junior still thinks HE'S the man and I still need him more than ever. Somehow, I don't think so. Do you?

He also mentioned that he thinks I am on the slide due to injuries and lifestyle. I just wish to point out my and Junior's last three fights;

Witter's last three fights:
Defeated DeMarcus Corley 12 round points decision WBC World Light Welterweight Championship.
Defeated Colin Lynes 12 round points decision European Light Welterweight Championship.
Defeated Andreas Kotelnik 12 round points decision European Light Welterweight Championship.

My last three fights:
Defeated Luis Collazo 12 round points decision WBA World Welterweights Championship.
Defeated Carlos Maussa KO9 WBA World Light Welterweight Championship.
Defeated Kostya Tszyu TKO11 rounds IBF Light Welterweight Championship.

Compare the two records and on recent form and with Junior's age at 33 years old, it looks to me that if anybody is on the slide, it's Junior.

It looks to me that Junior needs to get a move on and up his performances, not me. I give Junior credit for capping off a great career by winning his world title, but he needs to realise that he is so far off my radar, it is unreal.

I wish Junior well in his first title defence and on fighting on the same night as me, I hope AGAIN I have helped in raising Junior's profile.

Hopefully Junior and I can defend our world titles and make it a huge night for British boxing.

Ricky Hatton

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 16 Jan 2007, 17:57

Why not just fornicating fight Witter and put it to bed once and for all. Are Witter's last 3 that much worse than Hatton's? Tszyu aside hardly.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 16 Jan 2007, 18:07

Suprising move that hes actually speaking of Witter. Does anyone think Ricky actually wrote this though? Ity could be promoters or even a bored fan.

Also what does this mean? Does this mean Hatton is telling the fans he doesn't need the fight. He could have said he has bigger better plans and it would have sounded a better argument. Instead it sounds like someone whos upset at the comments made about him that is possibly considering making the fight.........

states · Post by **states** » 16 Jan 2007, 18:48

Well, it was first posted on Hatton's own site, under his name, so I'm guessing it's his words.

Still think he's not in any rush to fight Witter, but maybe he's finally getting pissed-off enough to make the fight we all want to see. I know that if I was in Hatton's shoes I'd like nothing better than to hammer Witter, sod the money or anything else. Wishful thinking on my part, I'm sure.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:13

states wrote:Well, it was first posted on Hatton's own site, under his name, so I'm guessing it's his words.

Still think he's not in any rush to fight Witter, but maybe he's finally getting pissed-off enough to make the fight we all want to see. I know that if I was in Hatton's shoes I'd like nothing better than to hammer Witter, sod the money or anything else. Wishful thinking on my part, I'm sure.

HE could make more fighting Witter this weekend instead of Urango.

states · Post by **states** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:34

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:
states wrote:Well, it was first posted on Hatton's own site, under his name, so I'm guessing it's his words.

Still think he's not in any rush to fight Witter, but maybe he's finally getting pissed-off enough to make the fight we all want to see. I know that if I was in Hatton's shoes I'd like nothing better than to hammer Witter, sod the money or anything else. Wishful thinking on my part, I'm sure.
HE could make more fighting Witter this weekend instead of Urango.

How? By upping UK PPV figures? Surely Hatton would argue that would be offset by HBO not paying for it?

I know there's a huge demand for the fight over here, and that represents a bigger live gate, if nothing else. But I'm not convinced Hatton would be paid more for fighting Witter in the UK than he (allegedly) received for fighting, say, Collazo in the States.

states · Post by **states** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:37

Don't get me wrong, though. I really, really want to see the two of them fight.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:40

Makes me laugh they claim HBO wont stump up for a unification fight against Witter yet they approve Urango. HBO would show Hatton v Witter if the match was made.

Hatton doesn't fancy the job in my opinion.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:44

Well, it seems Ricky is getting spiteful as the fight nears. Normally happens, as he readies for combat. He had a dig at Castillo, for being rated above him in pound for pound lists.

I will take issue with the "radar" bit. Witter was on the radar for God knows how many years.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:50

Hatton himself once had it written into his contract yet Witter is not on his radar. MAKE THE fornicating FIGHT.

states · Post by **states** » 16 Jan 2007, 19:57

nickd wrote:Makes me laugh they claim HBO wont stump up for a unification fight against Witter yet they approve Urango. HBO would show Hatton v Witter if the match was made.

Hatton doesn't fancy the job in my opinion.

Yes, when you consider some of the shite HBO show, you do have to be very dubious about claims that they wouldn't show what could be a world-title unification.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 16 Jan 2007, 20:05

states wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:
states wrote:Well, it was first posted on Hatton's own site, under his name, so I'm guessing it's his words.

Still think he's not in any rush to fight Witter, but maybe he's finally getting pissed-off enough to make the fight we all want to see. I know that if I was in Hatton's shoes I'd like nothing better than to hammer Witter, sod the money or anything else. Wishful thinking on my part, I'm sure.
HE could make more fighting Witter this weekend instead of Urango.
How? By upping UK PPV figures? Surely Hatton would argue that would be offset by HBO not paying for it?

I know there's a huge demand for the fight over here, and that represents a bigger live gate, if nothing else. But I'm not convinced Hatton would be paid more for fighting Witter in the UK than he (allegedly) received for fighting, say, Collazo in the States.

HBO/SHOWCASE not wanting Witter is a fabrication of Warren/Team Hatton. They want Maussa/Urango/Collazo more than Witter - bullshit.

HBO would accept Witter as an opponent no matter what Team Hatton tell you

Witter-Hatton would give a Huge British Gate and a big British PPV.

states · Post by **states** » 16 Jan 2007, 20:21

I was merely playing devil's advocate. As I said above, I think it's dubious that HBO wouldn't accept a Hatton-Witter fight, especially as a unification bout, given some of the stuff they do show. And if they're interested in Hatton, it shouldn't really matter too much who he's fighting. These are the people who were happy to make De La Hoya-Campas a PPV, after all.

However, I doubt there's much of a clamour to get Witter on US TV screens. He can be dull, you have to admit that. That wouldn't be so much of a problem if he was American. But he's not, so he's got two hurdles to clear.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Judah fight is still the last time Witter was shown on US TV, yes? The N'Dou fight was on before the live broadcast began, and the Corley fight wasn't shown in the states.

nickd · Post by **nickd** » 16 Jan 2007, 20:35

HBO are all about building their stars regardless of who they fight. Mayweather and Jones Jr being the best examples. I find it hard to believe a network who showed Mayweather against the likes of Bruselles wont show Hatton v Witter.

GET IT DONE!

states · Post by **states** » 16 Jan 2007, 20:45

Exactly. Sure, Witter was shite against Judah. YEARS AGO. If they want to build up Hatton, surely this won't take much explaining as a real grudge match to an audience?

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 17 Jan 2007, 04:52

states wrote:Exactly. Sure, Witter was shite against Judah. YEARS AGO. If they want to build up Hatton, surely this won't take much explaining as a real grudge match to an audience?

good point. Judah was never short for chances after some of his poor efforts, also. & there ahve bene a few afterhe did a chicken walk vs Tszyu

boxingchat · Post by **boxingchat** » 17 Jan 2007, 06:27

Arrogance has been the downfall of many a better man and many a better fighter. If he wanted to he could fight fight Witter in front of 30k people at MCFC and get the same money and a bigger crowd than he will get this weekend. Providing he actually get paid. Face it, a 4k seater theatre in the Paris is hardly Ceasars car park, the MGM of Mandalay Bay is it?

Bottom line is he is one arrogant, deluded and ultimately scared fighter.

he won't take Witter in the same way Eubank wouldn't take Herol Graham but at least he had the balls to admit why.

DG. · Post by **DG.** » 17 Jan 2007, 06:30

nickd wrote:Why not just fornicating fight Witter and put it to bed once and for all. Are Witter's last 3 that much worse than Hatton's? Tszyu aside hardly.

Hatton is just a pudendum.

DG. · Post by **DG.** » 17 Jan 2007, 06:34

nickd wrote:Found this on Eastside.

By Ricky Hatton: One week before the fight and training couldn't have gone any better. Saturday finished my usual grueling 15 rounds on the body belt, so this hard slog is now done. One more week now to wind down and then its just getting in there to do the job and hopefully bring back to Britain world title belts five and six, the IBF and IBO. Just one or two rumours I need to squash before I go into action on Saturday.

It has been rumoured that I have had elbow injuries and have missed several sparring sessions. It is true I that have been having work on my elbows, but not due to injury. They have been getting manipulated to straighten them through years of boxing, which has left my arms slightly shorter than normal..

Billy and I were happy with what we have gotten from the sparring we had done and were satisfied; we did not see a reason for anymore sessions. Ricky Hatton will be 100% in shape and come January 20, I hope to do the country proud again.

One more note; I see that my old mate Junior Witter is up to his old tricks again, trying to get publicity for himself off Ricky Hatton's back.

I can't say I am surprised, although to his credit he has won a world title. Junior has spent his career getting publicity off my back and all of a sudden, because he won a world title, he thinks he's the man and I need him more than ever.

I have vacated three times as many belts as junior has won, won world titles in two weight divisions, won The Ring Magazine belt, became the first British fighter ever to win The Ring Fighter of the Year award and in the same year, was voted by the Boxing Writers Association of America as their Fighter of the Year.

Come January 20, I will have topped the bill in the USA in both Boston and the fighting capital of the world, Las Vegas. But strangely enough, Junior still thinks HE'S the man and I still need him more than ever. Somehow, I don't think so. Do you?

He also mentioned that he thinks I am on the slide due to injuries and lifestyle. I just wish to point out my and Junior's last three fights;

Witter's last three fights:
Defeated DeMarcus Corley 12 round points decision WBC World Light Welterweight Championship.
Defeated Colin Lynes 12 round points decision European Light Welterweight Championship.
Defeated Andreas Kotelnik 12 round points decision European Light Welterweight Championship.

My last three fights:
Defeated Luis Collazo 12 round points decision WBA World Welterweights Championship.
Defeated Carlos Maussa KO9 WBA World Light Welterweight Championship.
Defeated Kostya Tszyu TKO11 rounds IBF Light Welterweight Championship.

Compare the two records and on recent form and with Junior's age at 33 years old, it looks to me that if anybody is on the slide, it's Junior.

It looks to me that Junior needs to get a move on and up his performances, not me. I give Junior credit for capping off a great career by winning his world title, but he needs to realise that he is so far off my radar, it is unreal.

I wish Junior well in his first title defence and on fighting on the same night as me, I hope AGAIN I have helped in raising Junior's profile.

Hopefully Junior and I can defend our world titles and make it a huge night for British boxing.

Ricky Hatton

Shut up.

G-man · Post by **G-man** » 17 Jan 2007, 07:56

To be fair, even though Juniors fighting this weekend, the only press he's had is about Hatton so does Ricky not have a point?

boxingchat · Post by **boxingchat** » 17 Jan 2007, 10:57

G-man wrote:To be fair, even though Juniors fighting this weekend, the only press he's had is about Hatton so does Ricky not have a point?

The Hacks love a trip to Vegas and have to justify their expenses and cost by column inches. Also, Sky (News Corp - who own most the papers) are trying to sell the PPV part of the show so that would be two reasons why the WBC Champion, Witter is being overlooked in favour of Hatton's challenge.

Witter, IMO, should have refused the date as this was alway's going to happen but hey, he'll bank the money and move on and remain a thorn in Hatton's portly side.

Chesney_Chambers · Post by **Chesney_Chambers** » 17 Jan 2007, 12:59

boxingchat wrote:
G-man wrote:To be fair, even though Juniors fighting this weekend, the only press he's had is about Hatton so does Ricky not have a point?

The Hacks love a trip to Vegas and have to justify their expenses and cost by column inches. Also, Sky (News Corp - who own most the papers) are trying to sell the PPV part of the show so that would be two reasons why the WBC Champion, Witter is being overlooked in favour of Hatton's challenge.

Witter, IMO, should have refused the date as this was alway's going to happen but hey, he'll bank the money and move on and remain a thorn in Hatton's portly side.

Having Witter and Hatton on the same nights boxing has got to be good for promoting the (im)possible Junior-Ricky contest IMO

steve689 · Post by **steve689** » 17 Jan 2007, 14:37

HBO basically run Boxing, they would rather see Calzaghe-Manfredo than Calzaghe-Kessler. just goes to show they are money men and know little about the sport.

There (alleged) stance on Witter is pathetic, he put in a negative showing 7 years ago and we are led to believe he is now devil incarnate at HBO towers. I have seen plenty of shit fights and worse fighters getting HBO airtime, they persevered with Calvin Brock time and again even though it was clear the guy was going to be found out sooner rather than later. After televising his fights with Lawrence, Ibragimov etc they never got the hump even though he was conistently lacklustre time and again.

TheRiverCityHippy · Post by **TheRiverCityHippy** » 17 Jan 2007, 14:55

i think the real reason is hatton couldnt bear losing to witter. anyone but witter.
i think hattons pretty confident he could take him but if he had a bad night the consequences would be too much for him to take.
and witters just good enough for that doubt to exist in rickys mind.
considering some of the blown up lightweights and zimmer frame jobs rickys fought i think its a bit much to start saying witter brings nothing to the table.
he almost brings too much to the table. if he wasnt dangerous ricky would have lamped him out years ago in a big domestic dust up.

Razor · Post by **Razor** » 17 Jan 2007, 18:32

Witter needs to step up his preformances in my opinion. The distance wins of Lynes and the other guy were very poor, start impressin then maybe he can realistically call Hatton out with a result

Open Letter from Ricky Hatton

Open Letter from Ricky Hatton

Re: Open Letter from Ricky Hatton