Hatton-PBF confirmed?

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 30 Jul 2007, 19:04

The fight hasn't actually been confirmed yet has it?

All I've read is quotes from Ray Hatton stating that 'agreements have reached' etc etc which could be a tactic to force negotiations...

I want to book a flight but until I see an official announcement my card is staying in it my wallet.

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 30 Jul 2007, 19:11

I would imagine that there will be plenty of time before the official confirmation press conference and when you need to book your flights. Usually a company tends to advertise a package in Boxing Monthly, after conformation.

I would except an announcement pretty soon this is a massive event.

Albert · Post by **Albert** » 31 Jul 2007, 11:49

Goz, you and many others know, the fight is not on until those contracts are signed and they are bad mouthing each other at the press conference. I know Hatton is not like that but you can be sure PBF will try to get to him at every opportunity.

So, not until they are facing each other at the first press conference will I finally believe the fight is on.

Kilburn · Post by **Kilburn** » 31 Jul 2007, 12:12

Mayweather will really be giving it the verbal. I think he genuinely feels contempt for the Hitman's record and reputation. The trouble is I feel this mood will only continue into the fight itself, and make for a long sorry affair for British fans if Ricky gets beaten up. Hatton will of course do better than Gatti but he'll still be in too deep as far as I can see.

Hatton has developed a sharp wit over the last couple of years though and I hope he uses it during the build up. If doubts start to creep in, they might as well pull out of the fight altogether.

I wonder what Hatton's reply was when Gatti asked him how to go about beating Mayweather...

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 31 Jul 2007, 14:11

ffs, Hatton isn't fighting a prime Sugar Ray Leonard.

Mayweather's on a pedestal that he doesn't quite deserve. OK so he can turn his shoulder inward and slip shots with the best of them. But if no one's seen the signs that he can be beaten...

Why should Hatton feel he's out of his depth just because some fans do? He's a professional, he's ranked in all p4p lists, and he beat a guy that would have beaten Mayweather, Kostya Tszyu.

This is not mission impossible.

Kilburn · Post by **Kilburn** » 31 Jul 2007, 15:19

Well nobody has managed to beat Mayweather yet. And he's been fighting top boxers / punchers for years.

I'd say Mayweather is far more prepared for Hatton than Hatton is for him.

Goz · Post by **Goz** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:22

Not quite sure you can just definitively state Tszyu would have beaten Mayweather when 90% (at least) of boxing pundits would strongly disagree with you....

But of course Hatton has a chance, weighing up their respective resumes and assets - far bigger upsets have happend in boxing than Hatton finding a way to beat Mayweather - far bigger.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 31 Jul 2007, 16:24

It could be that Hatton is peaking. Sure he has an elusive target to face, but Ricky's faster and more efficient than anyone in the game at closing the distance. He's on you whether he's going to land or not, and IMO he's become quite slick on the inside - did great things early v Urango and showed more vs Castillo.

I think Mayweather will be weighed down by the weight he's been carrying. Marvellously efficient boxer, great defensively, but he's not returining fire with nuclear bombs. I think Ricky has what it takes to rough him up.

Ppl look at Hatton as if he can't quite hack it at world class because of the Collazo and Urango. My opinion is that he's grown into his title, and is starting to do the kind of things he did in Manchester for the WBU, in America, for the Lineal crown.

If Mayweather wins, it's because he's overcome some very uncomfortable pressure. He'll have to work harder for this one than the Jesus Chavez fight. Can he, at this weight/age?

mattyp151 · Post by **mattyp151** » 31 Jul 2007, 22:13

Autobarn wrote:It could be that Hatton is peaking. Sure he has an elusive target to face, but Ricky's faster and more efficient than anyone in the game at closing the distance. He's on you whether he's going to land or not, and IMO he's become quite slick on the inside - did great things early v Urango and showed more vs Castillo.

I think Mayweather will be weighed down by the weight he's been carrying. Marvellously efficient boxer, great defensively, but he's not returining fire with nuclear bombs. I think Ricky has what it takes to rough him up.

Ppl look at Hatton as if he can't quite hack it at world class because of the Collazo and Urango. My opinion is that he's grown into his title, and is starting to do the kind of things he did in Manchester for the WBU, in America, for the Lineal crown.

If Mayweather wins, it's because he's overcome some very uncomfortable pressure. He'll have to work harder for this one than the Jesus Chavez fight. Can he, at this weight/age?

He's only 30 and though he isn't a big puncher, is strong enough to move off DLH who weight 160 plus when they fought.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 01 Aug 2007, 05:57

The Floyd praise is far too overcooked. This guy is as exceptional boxe,r but also a blown up lightweight. The weight would have made a big difference if DLH wasn't an 8-round fighter even in his prime.

Oscar is not even a pressure fighter. Could no one see how ill at ease he was applying pressure? Hatton has better legs than Oscar, and way better pressure.

Pressure can trouble Floyd. Floyd is not unbeatable. He should already have a loss to Castillo. Didn't look such the big man in either of those fights, did he?

I don't see why anyone who disagrees has to be a "Hater."

Before big fights, ppl normally fall under a certain level of hype or preconceived ideas... (Boxing fans can be resistant to change. Floyd has been around at the top since about '98. No one wants to let go.) ...Then afterward, when something totally different has happened, they become "rational" to the extreme, often retreating into revisionism.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 01 Aug 2007, 06:18

I feel that Hatton has learned from the shaky fights and is peaking.

You think there's only 1 fight that exists as evidence that Floyd can lose?

This is as bad as Tyson and Lacy hype - just cos they were destroying ppl, i.e. no one can stand up to them, never mind bully them. With Floyd, it's like, he can make anyone miss, make 'em fight his pace, ease through the 12 rounds.

In Floyd's case, you see him put on good, neat, tidy defensive showings. But even the 'perfect', spotless performances show something. He doesn't want to be roughed up. He wants to fight at his own pace. He wants to pick openings and win rds by not doing too much. He wants to turn his shoulder in, stick out a forearm inside so no one can touch him.

I think Hatton will make things rough inside. And that he'll force a pace that Floyd doesn't like.

When Oscar opened up, Floyd had no answer. He had to tuck up - and wait for Oscar to tire. He even looked trapped by Philip Ndou when ND went all out. Of course, neither of those could keep it up. If Hatton's still as fit as he was for Tszyu, he wins this.

Hatton is also a pretty fast fighter himself.

mattym · Post by **mattym** » 01 Aug 2007, 06:28

Autobarn wrote:The Floyd praise is far too overcooked. This guy is as exceptional boxe,r but also a blown up lightweight. The weight would have made a big difference if DLH wasn't an 8-round fighter even in his prime.

Oscar is not even a pressure fighter. Could no one see how ill at ease he was applying pressure? Hatton has better legs than Oscar, and way better pressure.

Pressure can trouble Floyd. Floyd is not unbeatable. He should already have a loss to Castillo. Didn't look such the big man in either of those fights, did he?

I don't see why anyone who disagrees has to be a "Hater."

Before big fights, ppl normally fall under a certain level of hype or preconceived ideas... (Boxing fans can be resistant to change. Floyd has been around at the top since about '98. No one wants to let go.) ...Then afterward, when something totally different has happened, they become "rational" to the extreme, often retreating into revisionism.

Great post VM

ABA Boxing · Post by **ABA Boxing** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:19

Contracts have been signed for Ricky Hatton's December 8 super-fight against Floyd Mayweather, Hatton's father Ray has confirmed. Hatton will receive a career-best purse for the contest, which is expected to be officially announced by promoters Golden Boy Promotions imminently.

Ray Hatton said: "The contract provided what we wanted and we are officially signed up. Now we are just waiting for the date and venue to be made official.

"Our lawyers have instructed us that the Mayweather camp have also signed at their end. We are delighted with the deal. Ricky's purse is higher than anything he has previous earned."

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is favourite to host the contest.

Christmas Comes Early

Chambers2 · Post by **Chambers2** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:34

ABA Boxing wrote:Contracts have been signed for Ricky Hatton's December 8 super-fight against Floyd Mayweather, Hatton's father Ray has confirmed. Hatton will receive a career-best purse for the contest, which is expected to be officially announced by promoters Golden Boy Promotions imminently.

Ray Hatton said: "The contract provided what we wanted and we are officially signed up. Now we are just waiting for the date and venue to be made official.

"Our lawyers have instructed us that the Mayweather camp have also signed at their end. We are delighted with the deal. Ricky's purse is higher than anything he has previous earned."

The MGM Grand in Las Vegas is favourite to host the contest.

Shit Hot!!!

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 01 Aug 2007, 11:41

Autobarn wrote:I feel that Hatton has learned from the shaky fights and is peaking.

You think there's only 1 fight that exists as evidence that Floyd can lose?

This is as bad as Tyson and Lacy hype - just cos they were destroying ppl, i.e. no one can stand up to them, never mind bully them. With Floyd, it's like, he can make anyone miss, make 'em fight his pace, ease through the 12 rounds.

In Floyd's case, you see him put on good, neat, tidy defensive showings. But even the 'perfect', spotless performances show something. He doesn't want to be roughed up. He wants to fight at his own pace. He wants to pick openings and win rds by not doing too much. He wants to turn his shoulder in, stick out a forearm inside so no one can touch him.

I think Hatton will make things rough inside. And that he'll force a pace that Floyd doesn't like.

When Oscar opened up, Floyd had no answer. He had to tuck up - and wait for Oscar to tire. He even looked trapped by Philip Ndou when ND went all out. Of course, neither of those could keep it up. If Hatton's still as fit as he was for Tszyu, he wins this.

Hatton is also a pretty fast fighter himself.

I spoke with Charlie Magri last night about this fight, and this is what his take was.

"Floyd Mayweathers a great fighter, but he's never faced anyone like Ricky before, anyone as strong and aggressive, and when he sees how many punches Ricky can throw and gets on those ropes, his arse is going to go, and Hatton's going to have him. I'm having money on Ricky, because I think he's going to do him."

Now I know boxers don't always make the best analysts, but they do know something about the business of fighting, and I think, I honestly do, that it could be Floyd who is in for a bit of a shock, when he realised that not only is Hatton stronger than him, but bloody fast as well.

mattyp151 · Post by **mattyp151** » 01 Aug 2007, 12:20

jamesmcdonnell wrote:
Autobarn wrote:I feel that Hatton has learned from the shaky fights and is peaking.

You think there's only 1 fight that exists as evidence that Floyd can lose?

This is as bad as Tyson and Lacy hype - just cos they were destroying ppl, i.e. no one can stand up to them, never mind bully them. With Floyd, it's like, he can make anyone miss, make 'em fight his pace, ease through the 12 rounds.

In Floyd's case, you see him put on good, neat, tidy defensive showings. But even the 'perfect', spotless performances show something. He doesn't want to be roughed up. He wants to fight at his own pace. He wants to pick openings and win rds by not doing too much. He wants to turn his shoulder in, stick out a forearm inside so no one can touch him.

I think Hatton will make things rough inside. And that he'll force a pace that Floyd doesn't like.

When Oscar opened up, Floyd had no answer. He had to tuck up - and wait for Oscar to tire. He even looked trapped by Philip Ndou when ND went all out. Of course, neither of those could keep it up. If Hatton's still as fit as he was for Tszyu, he wins this.

Hatton is also a pretty fast fighter himself.
I spoke with Charlie Magri last night about this fight, and this is what his take was.

"Floyd Mayweathers a great fighter, but he's never faced anyone like Ricky before, anyone as strong and aggressive, and when he sees how many punches Ricky can throw and gets on those ropes, his arse is going to go, and Hatton's going to have him. I'm having money on Ricky, because I think he's going to do him."

Now I know boxers don't always make the best analysts, but they do know something about the business of fighting, and I think, I honestly do, that it could be Floyd who is in for a bit of a shock, when he realised that not only is Hatton stronger than him, but bloody fast as well.

Ricky's punch output is well down from what they were Pre-Tszyu. Not to mention, he has utterly abandoned the jab, which is the biggest asset when trying to match speed. Look at what happened to the Jabless wonder Lacy when he fought one of the fastest, Calzaghe, he was useless.

Hatton ahs thrown a TOTAL of 120ish jabs in 16 rounds, do the math, it's 8-9 a round. That type of work isn't going to get it done. Hatton threw 220 punches in about 3.75 rounds vs Castillo, a guy who stands directly in front of you, which is under 60 a round. He won't be able to maintain the rate that Magri is talking about when he has to chase a guy around the ring.

As you said, they don't make the best analysts, and are right maybe half the time. Could this be that 1 of 2? Maybe. But if he thinks FLoyd is just going to let Ricky toss him around without and recourse, he's sadly mistaken.

HairyBoxe24 · Post by **HairyBoxe24** » 01 Aug 2007, 12:47

Hatton was just looking for the big shots v Castillo, so i'm not sure you can compare his out put.

lvlarc · Post by **lvlarc** » 01 Aug 2007, 12:52

HairyBoxe24 wrote:Hatton was just looking for the big shots v Castillo, so i'm not sure you can compare his out put.

Indeed, it's a dull comparison. Hatton was ready to go 12 hard rounds with Castillo before that brutal bodyshot landed. Mayweather is hardly unbeatable, I only make him slight favourite and as a betting man I wouldn't bet against Hatton.

mattyp151 · Post by **mattyp151** » 01 Aug 2007, 12:53

HairyBoxe24 wrote:Hatton was just looking for the big shots v Castillo, so i'm not sure you can compare his out put.

He threw 755 against Urango, which is 62 a round, and 741 against Collazo, which is relatively close to that.

However, as I said, the jab is how you beat speed, and Ricky has thrown 104, 109ish (can't recall) and 19 in his last three fights. Oscar had his best success behind the jab, and threw about 240, which is about what Hatton has thrown over his last 3.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 01 Aug 2007, 12:56

anyway, what I have a problem with is that a guy can't be beaten.

if that was the truth boxing would be tedious.

The jab is an interesting point - when de la Hoya let it loose he had some success. Though he probably didn't throw too many because he was being frustrated.

I can see why Hatton wasn't throwing so many - 2 of his opponents were southpaws. It's much harder to hit a southpaw with a jab - maybe hence why Lacy didn't vs Calzaghe.

When you jab at a leftie, half the time you know you're not going to land anyway and it does put a strain on the shoulder.

lvlarc · Post by **lvlarc** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:01

Hatton has a solid jab when used. I'm sure Billy and Ricky know exactly what strategy to follow in order to beat Floyd and will be prepared 100%. Hatton has enough things going for him to make this one close or even pull out a win.

mattyp151 · Post by **mattyp151** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:04

Autobarn wrote:anyway, what I have a problem with is that a guy can't be beaten.

if that was the truth boxing would be tedious.

The jab is an interesting point - when de la Hoya let it loose he had some success. Though he probably didn't throw too many because he was being frustrated.

I can see why Hatton wasn't throwing so many - 2 of his opponents were southpaws. It's much harder to hit a southpaw with a jab - maybe hence why Lacy didn't vs Calzaghe.

When you jab at a leftie, half the time you know you're not going to land anyway and it does put a strain on the shoulder.

A jab doesn't have to land to be effective. All it has to do is move your opponents guard for combos. Wlad makes a killing off that, he hooks off a blocked jab like no one's business, and he uses the jab to set up massive straight rights. Oscar's jabs weren't landing either (Compubox had 40 of 246), but they still did their job.

Lacy didn't jab because he doesn't have one. The Lacy/Grant fight was on ESPN Classic at 2 AM this morning, left hook, overhand right, left hook, straight right.

mattyp151 · Post by **mattyp151** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:04

lvlarc wrote:Hatton has a solid jab when used. I'm sure Billy and Ricky know exactly what strategy to follow in order to beat Floyd and will be prepared 100%. Hatton has enough things going for him to make this one close or even pull out a win.

Doesn't matter how good his jab is, he flat out does not use it. That's like being proud you have a Ferrari that stays locked in a garage.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:09

Mattyp151 wrote:
Autobarn wrote:anyway, what I have a problem with is that a guy can't be beaten.

if that was the truth boxing would be tedious.

The jab is an interesting point - when de la Hoya let it loose he had some success. Though he probably didn't throw too many because he was being frustrated.

I can see why Hatton wasn't throwing so many - 2 of his opponents were southpaws. It's much harder to hit a southpaw with a jab - maybe hence why Lacy didn't vs Calzaghe.

When you jab at a leftie, half the time you know you're not going to land anyway and it does put a strain on the shoulder.
A jab doesn't have to land to be effective. All it has to do is move your opponents guard for combos. Wlad makes a killing off that, he hooks off a blocked jab like no one's business, and he uses the jab to set up massive straight rights. Oscar's jabs weren't landing either (Compubox had 40 of 246), but they still did their job.

Lacy didn't jab because he doesn't have one. The Lacy/Grant fight was on ESPN Classic at 2 AM this morning, left hook, overhand right, left hook, straight right.

he had one vs Robin Reid. Someone remarked it was a "shotgun jab".

It's quite possible Jeff hurt his shoulder in the Calzaghe fight.

I agree, a jab can really break an opponent's rhythm, even if it doesn't land. But I'm not sure how much help it'd be for a stumpy-ish guy like Hatton to jab with Mayweather.

mattyp151 · Post by **mattyp151** » 01 Aug 2007, 13:12

Autobarn wrote:
Mattyp151 wrote:
Autobarn wrote:anyway, what I have a problem with is that a guy can't be beaten.

if that was the truth boxing would be tedious.

The jab is an interesting point - when de la Hoya let it loose he had some success. Though he probably didn't throw too many because he was being frustrated.

I can see why Hatton wasn't throwing so many - 2 of his opponents were southpaws. It's much harder to hit a southpaw with a jab - maybe hence why Lacy didn't vs Calzaghe.

When you jab at a leftie, half the time you know you're not going to land anyway and it does put a strain on the shoulder.
A jab doesn't have to land to be effective. All it has to do is move your opponents guard for combos. Wlad makes a killing off that, he hooks off a blocked jab like no one's business, and he uses the jab to set up massive straight rights. Oscar's jabs weren't landing either (Compubox had 40 of 246), but they still did their job.

Lacy didn't jab because he doesn't have one. The Lacy/Grant fight was on ESPN Classic at 2 AM this morning, left hook, overhand right, left hook, straight right.
he had one vs Robin Reid. Someone remarked it was a "shotgun jab".

It's quite possible Jeff hurt his shoulder in the Calzaghe fight.

I agree, a jab can really break an opponent's rhythm, even if it doesn't land. But I'm not sure how much help it'd be for a stumpy-ish guy like Hatton to jab with Mayweather.

Dan Rafael once called it like "a shotgun at 1000 yards", which basically fits Lacy's jab to a T.

As for Hatton, if he uses he jab for effect, not for damage, it will be much easier for him to work his way in. If he comes in trying to hook and uppercut, like Oscar did late, he's going to eat way too many punches. Hatton's reach could kill him however.