Benn: Hatton an improved fighter

STP · Post by **STP** » 05 Aug 2007, 10:26

NIGEL Benn has stated that Manchester Hitman Ricky Hatton is an improved fighter going into the biggest fight of his life.

The Ilford-born former WBO middleweight and WBC super-middleweight champ captured the imagination of the London public like no other during his 22-fight knock-out streak, and for his two fights with arch rival Chris Eubank and the clash with the highly feared American Gerald McClellan.

The chimes of Big Ben, followed by a great tear-up, were customary every time out. The 'Dark Destroyer' feels Hyde's Hatton has restored some of the Nineties buzz to British boxing and that a win against 'Pretty Boy' Floyd Mayweather would be 'the ultimate' for British boxing.

He also feels Hatton has improved in recent years, despite critics writing him off between the Kostya Tszyu and Luis Castillo fights.

"He looked sensational in his last two fights, better than he did against Ben Tackie in Manchester," said the 43-year-old warrior. "The fight against the gangly guy (Carlos Maussa) showed what an improved technician he was, (by) taking his time and picking his shots, like me against Henry Wharton."

Benn feels Hatton won't fight a 'crazy' fight against Mayweather because Mayweather is simply too fast, too fluid and too good. He doesn't see Mayweather as a 'scarey' fight like Tszyu.

"Doug DeWitt, Iran Barkley and Eubank the second time all put the fear of God up me. I knew I had to get off first or I could die!

"Gerald McClellan scared the living daylights out of me," said Benn. "He really did.

"But I don't see Mayweather as a scarey fight like that or like Tszyu, there'll be pressure (from Hatton) but steady pressure, and I reckon more head movement, slipping leads, then maybe turning up the volume after six rounds.

"We'll have to wait and see."

After Mayweather?

"Win or lose against Mayweather, I'd love to see Ricky fight Miguel Cotto in Manchester or New York. That would be a war!

"Cotto's chin is dentable. I reckon Hatton can take him out."

Benn has no doubt that a win against the 'Pretty Boy' would propel Hatton into the legendary realms.

"When I fought McClellan, he was universally known as the world's hardest pound-for-pound puncher.

"But Mayweather is universally known as the world's best pound-for-pound boxer, so if Ricky could 'do' him it would be literally end of the rainbow stuff for a British fighter and for British boxing."

Manc_Red · Post by **Manc_Red** » 05 Aug 2007, 13:29

Benn done nothing truely amazing in his career so what he says for me is total shite....

Guy cant talk for fcuk sake lol

the patriot · Post by **the patriot** » 05 Aug 2007, 13:47

Manc_Red wrote:Benn done nothing truely amazing in his career so what he says for me is total shite....

Guy cant talk for fcuk sake lol

You cant be serious, can you ?

SticknMove · Post by **SticknMove** » 05 Aug 2007, 15:46

the patriot wrote:
Manc_Red wrote:Benn done nothing truely amazing in his career so what he says for me is total shite....

Guy cant talk for fcuk sake lol
You cant be serious, can you ?

Of course he isn't.

Too much adrenaline fueled football in a pub when a beer translates to a valid opinion can fvck up your brain. Especially when you leave the grey matter at home.

Greg Nicholas · Post by **Greg Nicholas** » 05 Aug 2007, 20:03

Manc_Red wrote:Benn done nothing truely amazing in his career so what he says for me is total shite....

Guy cant talk for fcuk sake lol

The Collins fights did fornicate Nigel's legacy in all honesty, seeing Him quit on his stool like that brought tears to alot of peoples eyes.. and yes, he clearly faked the ankle inj in the 1st fight and clearly nodded/winked at the corner Don Curry-style in the 2nd fight for them to call it off.. and it fucked his legacy up to some extent..

But lets not forget the memories Nigel gave us..! The most spectacular, brutal early KOs of all time and the most spectacular, brutal fights of all time!! And every time he fought, there would be shouts of "Come on, Nige! Go on Nige!" from every single pub in England..

His career was just one big rollercoaster ride and it was just great to board that ride on ITV from Nieuwenhuizen to McClennan.. he was certainly the most sparkling fighter in the world in 89/90..

Greg Nicholas · Post by **Greg Nicholas** » 05 Aug 2007, 20:06

And the Yanks respected him..

boxingchat · Post by **boxingchat** » 06 Aug 2007, 06:25

Manc_Red wrote:Benn done nothing truely amazing in his career so what he says for me is total shite....

Guy cant talk for fcuk sake lol

What, the McClellan fight wasn't amzing enough for you? Jesus, the guy could have been killed and yet went back for more in the name of entertainment and sport. fornicate that, you must be hard to please.

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 06 Aug 2007, 06:57

Benn had an exceptional career. He made up his ankle injury my arse! Collins fights meant nothing, because Benn was fighting on fumes after McClellan and everyone knows it.

I'll be honest - I never liked Benn growing up in the '90s. But I respect his achievements and his bravery and he's grown on me, in spite of that absolutely awful book. He did some excellent things. He overcame KO losses to win world titles. How many ppl can do that these days?

Crew2 · Post by **Crew2** » 06 Aug 2007, 07:37

Manc_Red wrote:Benn done nothing truely amazing in his career so what he says for me is total shite....

Guy cant talk for fcuk sake lol

The Barkley and McClelland fights were truly amazing, the first Eubank scrap was truly amazing, most of his knockouts were truly amazing. Very, v.few fighters do 'truly amazing' things -Nigel Benn is one of that select few!

Twinkle Toes · Post by **Twinkle Toes** » 06 Aug 2007, 08:03

The Doug DeWitt fight was pretty good too.

Phenomenal-Nutrition · Post by **Phenomenal-Nutrition** » 06 Aug 2007, 08:15

Autobarn wrote: He overcame KO losses to win world titles. How many ppl can do that these days?

Wlad, S Briggs, Glen Johnson, Clinton Woods, Barrera, Julio Diaz, Mundine....

Benn was a great fighter though no doubt

jamesmcdonnell · Post by **jamesmcdonnell** » 06 Aug 2007, 09:07

Funny thing is, I disliked Benn as a character back in his heyday, I thought of him as being a bit of an animal, and by his own admission he wasn't a happy bunny back then. He seemed to really want to inflict pain on his opponents, rather than just win.

However, he had the heart of a lion, and I don't think I can think of another fighter who was as dangerous when hurt as Benn. It was almost as if he liked being hurt in the ring, it seemed to spur him on to new heights of aggression.

Rocky Balboa · Post by **Rocky Balboa** » 06 Aug 2007, 09:26

It's good to see a retired boxer still in touch with the sport. You would think all fighters, particularly those woh made it (like Benn did), would no doubt follow the sport when they retire, but there are many that choose not to.

I bet Benn has still got some nice slick moves, & even though Nigel has matured & mellowed over the years, I bet you still wouldn't want to upset him outside. I like Benn a lot. He was around when it was a good era for British boxing, & Nigel gave his all & entertained the fans.

I'm please Nigel appears to have be content, found peace in his life & is happy with himself & the family.

We all know how patriotic Nigel is, so I wonder if he'll be going to Vegas to support Ricky?