Hatton vs 140-lb lineup

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:09

Okay, we've heard all we need about welters that Hatton should fight. Cotto, Mayweather, Margarito, Cintron, Clottey, Mosley and Paul Williams. Some of these are way too big.

I want to make a light welter thread, which is fair on Ricky because he is a light welter first and foremost. Please restrict your welter comments to zero or else on another thread.

Right, no one has a superfight every time & there is £$ to be made off his own name. So there will be light welter fights in all likeliness. Some of these fights can't be made. Some can, depending on the window of opportunity and promotional changes...

Here are some names in a competent, skilled but unfashionable division. Witter (WBC), M'Baye (WBA), Torres (WBO), Malignaggi (IBF), Demetrius Hopkins, Kendall Holt (challenging Torres, will probably win), Lazcano, Harris, Forbes (former IBF 130 titlist, known from Contender).

Let's have an interesting debate without mentioning glamour fights at 147 or even 135. Chose a name or three, say why, how, when, whatever.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:22

Depends if you want a real fight or gimme as an opponent

Lets have a look:

Witter - no1 for me, like it or not he has beat the best opponents at 140, all of Britain wants it, would be a great intriguing contest

Harris - no2, would be a quality fight, can't complain if hes chosen

Mbaiye - won't happen because hes a Warren fighter

Magilaggi - okay opponent looked hot against Ndou but couldn't break an egg, could be a dull fight and his skills aren't that amazing

Kotelnik - very good but no name and no chance

Torres - really lost last time, will lose to Holt, a limited waste of space/time

Ngoudjo - decent young fighter but hardly a great name, won't happen

Holt - green

DHOPs - gift against Forbes, easy fight for any top 10 fighter

Then the lightweights:

Casamaya - just called out Hatton, no one at 135 wants him, great fighter, huge name, very small, OLD, past prime and inactive in comparison to Hatton and hence shouldn't be a big threat. Sounds like a recipe for a Hatton opponent, Mayweather got flack for mentioning his name after Gatti

Juan Diaz - top lightweight but not much pop, will get outmusced by Hatton

Freitas - a name I suppose, past prime, will probably quit again

Pacman - very unlikely, but would be an interesting contest

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:25

My choices would be - 1. Witter 2. Harris 3. Malignaggi

MAYWEATHER COULD STILL MAKE 140 THOUGH SO PUT HIM AT NO1

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:27

all of Britain wants it, would be a great intriguing contest

Even Americans on boxing forums have shown Interest!

They said HBO wouldn't accept Witter but Callazo wasn't a name either before Hatton and HBO accepted some crap opponents for Mayweather.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:28

Say Hatton signs for GBP - these guys like to keep it in-house, reducing a lot of fight-making problems.

Demetrius Hopkins:

Pros - good, long boxer. Probably did a bit better vs crafty Forbes than credited for. Will pose a few technical problems - qualifying it as a decent fight.

Cons - looks like there's a limit to the pressure he can cope with and hasn't perfected using his size and reach yet.

Juan Lazcano:

Pros - arguably beat Vivian Harris. Strong pressure fighter. In fact, no way did Harris do enough. Another easy to make fight, seemingly. Would be a fight as long as it lasts.

Cons - lack of confidence and finesse. Lost to a Castillo who had trouble getting down to 135 following several 147-pound time fillers.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:29

Terry D wrote:Paul Malignaggi at the Garden in the Autumn. Fans will come, the atmosphere will be good but it is a match that makes me want to sit-out the next build-up.

Witter needs to convince Harris he is worth the effort first.

Again the Witter fans need to log-off and drag their arses out to watch the guy. Why not open a 'Why I love Witter but do not bother going and watch him fight' strand? It is a valid question.

Tell us what makes Malignaggi above Witter at 140? Is it fighting Witter left overs?

I'll go and see Witter-Harris when the fight comes off

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:31

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:Depends if you want a real fight or gimme as an opponent

Lets have a look:

Witter - no1 for me, like it or not he has beat the best opponents at 140, all of Britain wants it, would be a great intriguing contest

Harris - no2, would be a quality fight, can't complain if hes chosen

Mbaiye - won't happen because hes a Warren fighter

Magilaggi - okay opponent looked hot against Ndou but couldn't break an egg, could be a dull fight and his skills aren't that amazing

Kotelnik - very good but no name and no chance

Torres - really lost last time, will lose to Holt, a limited waste of space/time

Ngoudjo - decent young fighter but hardly a great name, won't happen

Holt - green

DHOPs - gift against Forbes, easy fight for any top 10 fighter

Then the lightweights:

Casamaya - just called out Hatton, no one at 135 wants him, great fighter, huge name, very small, OLD, past prime and inactive in comparison to Hatton and hence shouldn't be a big threat. Sounds like a recipe for a Hatton opponent, Mayweather got flack for mentioning his name after Gatti

Juan Diaz - top lightweight but not much pop, will get outmusced by Hatton

Freitas - a name I suppose, past prime, will probably quit again

Pacman - very unlikely, but would be an interesting contest

Pacman! The guys not even a lightweight, he's at 130!
Freitas is finished.
Cassmayor, don't know why anyone is talking about this guy, poor opponent choice, would get completely overwhelmed by Hatton.

Malignaggi sounds a good choice to me.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:32

Katon! wrote:
all of Britain wants it, would be a great intriguing contest
Even Americans on boxing forums have shown Interest!

They said HBO wouldn't accept Witter but Callazo wasn't a name either before Hatton and HBO accepted some crap opponents for Mayweather.

The HBO talk is a red herring, Witter is bigger than Urango/Maussa/Collazo and would give a much better fight

The truth is no one else at 140 brings the same challenge as Witter to Hatton except maybe Harris

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:33

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:Depends if you want a real fight or gimme as an opponent

Lets have a look:

Witter - no1 for me, like it or not he has beat the best opponents at 140, all of Britain wants it, would be a great intriguing contest

Harris - no2, would be a quality fight, can't complain if hes chosen

Mbaiye - won't happen because hes a Warren fighter

Magilaggi - okay opponent looked hot against Ndou but couldn't break an egg, could be a dull fight and his skills aren't that amazing

Kotelnik - very good but no name and no chance

Torres - really lost last time, will lose to Holt, a limited waste of space/time

Ngoudjo - decent young fighter but hardly a great name, won't happen

Holt - green

DHOPs - gift against Forbes, easy fight for any top 10 fighter

Then the lightweights:

Casamaya - just called out Hatton, no one at 135 wants him, great fighter, huge name, very small, OLD, past prime and inactive in comparison to Hatton and hence shouldn't be a big threat. Sounds like a recipe for a Hatton opponent, Mayweather got flack for mentioning his name after Gatti

Juan Diaz - top lightweight but not much pop, will get outmusced by Hatton

Freitas - a name I suppose, past prime, will probably quit again

Pacman - very unlikely, but would be an interesting contest
Pacman! The guys not even a lightweight, he's at 130!
Freitas is finished.
Cassmayor, don't know why anyone is talking about this guy, poor opponent choice, would get completely overwhelmed by Hatton.

Malignaggi sounds a good choice to me.

Yes but they are all big names, thats the only reason I mentioned them, not fights I'd want to see other than Pacman. Remember Pacman come fight night weighs 144 (against Morales 2). Hes the same height as Ricky and is a beast in his prime.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:36

Witter needs to convince Harris he is worth the effort first.

Is this why theres no date?

fried bread · Post by **fried bread** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:37

Malignaggi. It's a hard style to beat, and therefore good practise. It would be a match of two big personalities as well, so you'd think there would be interest in it. Malignaggi showed he can put in an entertaining, fast paced showing vs the hardy N'dou.

Malignaggi could be a better fight than Witter because PM can fight @ a tempo.

Would Paulie want this fight so soon after winning the IBF belt?

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:49

I said no lightweights and I'm seeing ex SUPER FEATHERS on here. Please put a stop to it!

I think Malignaggi wants it. He went in against Cotto. Paulie has a new trainer in McGirt and feels he'saking it to the next level.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 26 Jun 2007, 06:59

Should I have put in a 'Be Real About Witter' disclaimer, before starting such a thread?

Witter is below Hatton, considerably. OK, it's bad that he can't get the breaks but boxing is unforgiving and it's because his style rubs ppl up the wrong way and he doesn't take chances.

Witter doesn't happen until Hatton takes a beating off, say, a big welterweight or suffers an unexpected loss, and is in need for some way back...

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 26 Jun 2007, 08:25

Kendall Holt. On a good winning run - battered Isaac Hlatshwayo in a fight between promising contenders, outpointed Mike Arnaoutis, and will - IMO - beat Ricardo Torres to take the WBO belt in August.

Good long range boxer. On better form than D Hopkins for sure.

I think this proves that there are good fights at 140 and that Hatton can cement himself as an exciting name/personality with regular (one hopes) fights and make the rise in weight when it's time to cash in.

I mean, in a coupe of years, Hatton and Cotto COULD be huge. Cotto has not yet caught on yet outside NY/PR.

Interestingly, Ricky has apprently said that he'd fight Mayweather at CATCHWEIGHT. This will annoy many but I want to see top notch Ricky and for the moment that means 140.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 08:36

Autobarn wrote:Should I have put in a 'Be Real About Witter' disclaimer, before starting such a thread?

Witter is below Hatton, considerably. OK, it's bad that he can't get the breaks but boxing is unforgiving and it's because his style rubs ppl up the wrong way and he doesn't take chances.

Witter doesn't happen until Hatton takes a beating off, say, a big welterweight or suffers an unexpected loss, and is in need for some way back...

But whats the point at staying at 140lbs if he isn't going to fight Witter - to go after homosexual Magliaggi and shot lightweights? 140lbs is pretty dead, Hatton should be happy Witter/Harris are there

The question was asked in 2000 if Hatton could beat Witter to prove himself the best in the country, now Hattons linear and Witters no1 contender and WBC champ and we still have no answer

If Hatton fights Mayweather/Cotto/Mosley or if Witter loses then fine, but fighting anyone else is yet again avoiding (I wont say ducking) a real fight. As fans we should demand the best fights, and not demand anything less

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 26 Jun 2007, 08:41

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:
Autobarn wrote:Should I have put in a 'Be Real About Witter' disclaimer, before starting such a thread?

Witter is below Hatton, considerably. OK, it's bad that he can't get the breaks but boxing is unforgiving and it's because his style rubs ppl up the wrong way and he doesn't take chances.

Witter doesn't happen until Hatton takes a beating off, say, a big welterweight or suffers an unexpected loss, and is in need for some way back...
But whats the point at staying at 140lbs if he isn't going to fight Witter - to go after homosexual Magliaggi and shot lightweights? 140lbs is pretty dead, Hatton should be happy Witter/Harris are there

The question was asked in 2000 if Hatton could beat Witter to prove himself the best in the country, now Hattons linear and Witters no1 contender and WBC champ and we still have no answer

If Hatton fights Mayweather/Cotto/Mosley or if Witter loses then fine, but fighting anyone else is yet again avoiding (I wont say ducking) a real fight. As fans we should demand the best fights, and not demand anything less

But there are good fights at 140 - Holt & Malignaggi are blooming, D Hopkins came of age last time (& I don't have a prob with him beating Forbes), Harris can bang, Lazcano is aggressive.

Do it on your own terms, I say. Like Billy Graham says, we should enjoy Hatton while we have him. The welters are where the great fights are, and it'll happen one day. Cotto has iminent business to sort out anyway. Why not, say, challenge Cotto when he's killing himself to make 147?

Ultimately, it does seem to narrow down to Hatton v Cotto.

Mayweather, btw, could well be tempted by the return of Trinidad next Jan (possibly).

Strategy.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 09:08

Autobarn wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:
Autobarn wrote:Should I have put in a 'Be Real About Witter' disclaimer, before starting such a thread?

Witter is below Hatton, considerably. OK, it's bad that he can't get the breaks but boxing is unforgiving and it's because his style rubs ppl up the wrong way and he doesn't take chances.

Witter doesn't happen until Hatton takes a beating off, say, a big welterweight or suffers an unexpected loss, and is in need for some way back...
But whats the point at staying at 140lbs if he isn't going to fight Witter - to go after homosexual Magliaggi and shot lightweights? 140lbs is pretty dead, Hatton should be happy Witter/Harris are there

The question was asked in 2000 if Hatton could beat Witter to prove himself the best in the country, now Hattons linear and Witters no1 contender and WBC champ and we still have no answer

If Hatton fights Mayweather/Cotto/Mosley or if Witter loses then fine, but fighting anyone else is yet again avoiding (I wont say ducking) a real fight. As fans we should demand the best fights, and not demand anything less
But there are good fights at 140 - Holt & Malignaggi are blooming, D Hopkins came of age last time (& I don't have a prob with him beating Forbes), Harris can bang, Lazcano is aggressive.

Do it on your own terms, I say. Like Billy Graham says, we should enjoy Hatton while we have him. The welters are where the great fights are, and it'll happen one day. Cotto has iminent business to sort out anyway. Why not, say, challenge Cotto when he's killing himself to make 147?

Ultimately, it does seem to narrow down to Hatton v Cotto.

Mayweather, btw, could well be tempted by the return of Trinidad next Jan (possibly).

Strategy.

Again theres no point calling yourself the MAN at 140 and avoiding the 2 best challengers (Witter and Harris) at the weight. Fighting a few green challangers that wouldn't have been top10 3 years ago is not the stuff legends are made of.

If you think DHOPs beat Forbes your deluded, Forbes won 8 rounds clearly, it was blatant Golden Boy favouratism. Pretty much every fan who saw that fight was outraged. It was a clear Forbes win who schooled DHOPs. DHOPs only business currently should be to avenge that loss. That decision severely pissed me off.

The Mayweather fight is on the table, as is the Mosley fight, I'm sure the Cotto fight would be too if he wanted it. Hatton can literally fight anyone he chooses in his next fight, if he fights an average green 140lber everyone should be very critical about the situation

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 26 Jun 2007, 09:12

Like Billy Graham says, we should enjoy Hatton while we have him.

Before Castillo a couple weeks back you were saying how you were fed up with Hatton too.

m1kee50 · Post by **m1kee50** » 26 Jun 2007, 09:12

Lazcano loses to Hatton. He got a gift against Garnica before Harris, so thats the Karma sorted.

Lazcano just is not at the same level as Hatton

states · Post by **states** » 26 Jun 2007, 09:25

If Hatton's next fight is going to be against a 140lb'er, I'd like it to be against one of 3: Harris, Witter or Malignaggi. They're probably the 3 best after him, although I suppose you could include any of M'Baye, Torres or a few others. 140 is a bit of a grey area at the moment.

Harris and Witter need to sort their fight out first, so that's them out of the way. However, I'd say the winner of that stands out as the genuine top contender.

I guess that leaves Malignaggi. He's not everyone's cup of tea, but that performance against N'Dou has made him the man of the moment, and crucially, from a Hatton point of view, he'll bring some TV interest, and the money that comes with it, to the table.

fried bread · Post by **fried bread** » 26 Jun 2007, 11:15

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:
Autobarn wrote:
Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote: But whats the point at staying at 140lbs if he isn't going to fight Witter - to go after homosexual Magliaggi and shot lightweights? 140lbs is pretty dead, Hatton should be happy Witter/Harris are there

The question was asked in 2000 if Hatton could beat Witter to prove himself the best in the country, now Hattons linear and Witters no1 contender and WBC champ and we still have no answer

If Hatton fights Mayweather/Cotto/Mosley or if Witter loses then fine, but fighting anyone else is yet again avoiding (I wont say ducking) a real fight. As fans we should demand the best fights, and not demand anything less
But there are good fights at 140 - Holt & Malignaggi are blooming, D Hopkins came of age last time (& I don't have a prob with him beating Forbes), Harris can bang, Lazcano is aggressive.

Do it on your own terms, I say. Like Billy Graham says, we should enjoy Hatton while we have him. The welters are where the great fights are, and it'll happen one day. Cotto has iminent business to sort out anyway. Why not, say, challenge Cotto when he's killing himself to make 147?

Ultimately, it does seem to narrow down to Hatton v Cotto.

Mayweather, btw, could well be tempted by the return of Trinidad next Jan (possibly).

Strategy.
Again theres no point calling yourself the MAN at 140 and avoiding the 2 best challengers (Witter and Harris) at the weight. Fighting a few green challangers that wouldn't have been top10 3 years ago is not the stuff legends are made of.

If you think DHOPs beat Forbes your deluded, Forbes won 8 rounds clearly, it was blatant Golden Boy favouratism. Pretty much every fan who saw that fight was outraged. It was a clear Forbes win who schooled DHOPs. DHOPs only business currently should be to avenge that loss. That decision severely pissed me off.

The Mayweather fight is on the table, as is the Mosley fight, I'm sure the Cotto fight would be too if he wanted it. Hatton can literally fight anyone he chooses in his next fight, if he fights an average green 140lber everyone should be very critical about the situation

BN agreed with the decision.

Max Molyneux · Post by **Max Molyneux** » 26 Jun 2007, 11:30

Boxing News said If D-hop has a chin like his uncle, that D-hop will become a force!

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 26 Jun 2007, 12:05

BN are full of shit then (at least whoever reported on the DHOPS fight was)

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 26 Jun 2007, 13:35

Phenomenal-Nutrition wrote:BN are full of shit then (at least whoever reported on the DHOPS fight was)

I only watched bits of it and was underwhelmed by my first sighting of D-Hopkins. But it looked fairly even, though I did keep falling asleep to 'save' myself for the Barrera-Marquez main event.

However, I don't think I;m the only person to think, "that experience may be the making of him."

Holt is a better choice than Hopkins. Just looked at his record - he not only beat Hlatshwayo and Arnaoutis, but also stopped David Diaz and if he beats Torres he's due a shot at something.

Re Witter - it isn't fair that he gets frozen out but sadly ppl don't really want to watch him, and opponents aren't bothered about fighting him. God knows what Harris is doing. But if he doesn't want to fight someone he'll be awkward or uncooperative. He's like that but shouldn't act that way as it's not like he's a major name or anything.

glahn · Post by **glahn** » 26 Jun 2007, 13:56

There is no one for Hatton to fight at 140, imo.