I think that......

[DG.]

Hatton will beat Mayweather!

Just a feeling I have, I think PBF quits due to Hattons dirty tactics ( or perceived dirty tactics) - my mind has been swayed!

[Dirk Kelly]

Do you think Mayweather's corner may also be a factor in this fight? They are a pretty excitable bunch and will they be content to sit back in the face of perceived Hatton dirty tactics??

[chesh]

I think the ref might be a big factor in this fight and, depending on his actions, so will Mayweather's corner. I've noticed Mayweather has a tendency to look appealingly to the ref when he's getting roughed up in close. If he has a ref who calls "break" and maybe warns Hatton when he roughs up Mayweather in close, the fight will be all Mayweather. If we have a Steve Smoger type, who lets them get on with it, Hatton wins either by stoppage, points or DQ when Mayweather's corner enter the ring!

[DavidPayne]

Hatton doesn't want Jay Nady, thats for sure.

Remember Jones v Ruiz.

Not that I'm comparing Ruiz to Hatton, I'm not American. But certainly, Hatton needs a referee who understand boxing on the inside is an accepted part of the sport rather than an unwanted nuisance.

I think the fight is 50-50, though I was moderatley surprised at the height advantage Mayweather had at the press conferences etc.

[DG.]

Do you think Mayweather's corner may also be a factor in this fight? They are a pretty excitable bunch and will they be content to sit back in the face of perceived Hatton dirty tactics??

I think so, they will complain and make a terrible song and dance about it and refuse to fight.

[m1kee50]

Lets hope that the Mayweather crew dont diminish the importance of any Hatton victory by 'losing' the fight in any strange way

[Datsue]

Lets hope that the Mayweather crew dont diminish the importance of any Hatton victory by 'losing' the fight in any strange way

That would actually make my day; Floyd pulling a "No mas"? That'd shut him up forever! Imagine the bullshite-macho, testosterone-laden American sports media (some members of which apparently require that your head be punched clean off your neck before you're allowed to concede that you're in with a better man) after that:

Interviewer: "Floyd, why did you quit?"
FMJ: "I didn't quit, I didn't quit. I was winning the fight. He's a dirty fighter..."
I: "So your corner had to protect you...?"
FMJ: "That's right... Er, I mean, no, uh...."
I: "So you quit like a dawg."
FMJ: "Boo-hoo..."

Although I do understand the desire for a clean, clear, decisive victory, personally any bloody Hatton victory would do...

[m1kee50]

Lets hope that the Mayweather crew dont diminish the importance of any Hatton victory by 'losing' the fight in any strange way

That would actually make my day; Floyd pulling a "No mas"? That'd shut him up forever! Imagine the bullshite-macho, testosterone-laden American sports media (some members of which apparently require that your head be punched clean off your neck before you're allowed to concede that you're in with a better man) after that:

Interviewer: "Floyd, why did you quit?"
FMJ: "I didn't quit, I didn't quit. I was winning the fight. He's a dirty fighter..."
I: "So your corner had to protect you...?"
FMJ: "That's right... Er, I mean, no, uh...."
I: "So you quit like a dawg."
FMJ: "Boo-hoo..."

Although I do understand the desire for a clean, clear, decisive victory, personally any bloody Hatton victory would do...

Highest hope is for Floyd to get pounded for about 5 rounds after 2 rounds of trying to dance, then getting caught flush at the start of the 8th, and the ref jumping in as Hatton goes into GBH mode on him....

Worst nightmare is if Mayweather fakes a low blow and Team Mayweather come into the ring, even if Mayweather is DQ'd, they will say Hatton never really won.... we cant have that

[Floyd]

The Black Mamba vs Billy Graham who wins?

Floyd is alot of things but quitter he is not. What his Uncle does is another story.

[Poncey]

Provided it isn't Jay Nady Hatton's safe. Jay loves Floyd beyond comprehension.

Can't remember the fight, but when he was giving them instructions he wished Floyd good luck. I remember it was a few years ago.

[tonyevs]

This all important in Hattons chances...who the ref is

[WildWaylon]

My worry is Ricky being stopped on a cut, but as long as that doesnt happen Ricky will go rib cracking again and win - I have more confidence in Ricky winning over Mayweather than Joe beating Kessler.

[Phenomenal-Nutrition]

Firstly Floyd isn't about to quit and anyone thinking he would hasn't followed many of his fights.

Secondly I don't think the ref is a factor. Hatton can potentially win but punches win fights not wrestling, hitting and holding and low blowing.

Thirdly are Hatton fans claiming the only way for Hatton to win is to break the rules? Holding and hitting is against the rules, low blowing is too, excessive clinching is also breaking the rules

Fourthly even if the fight is fought at close quarters - Floyd is very good in close. He rarely gets hit clean even in close and lands flush shots in close. Floyd doesn't need to be at range all the time but would be better at range

Fifthly - its whos the better man on the night. How much each man lost? Can Hatton be as fit and fast as he was 2 years ago? He wasn't against Urango thats for sure. Against Castillo he looked good but that doesn't mean you'll look good against Floyd. As Floyd - he looked slower against Delahoya and since moving up to 147 has had a low punch output. Now hes doing Dancing With The Stars - how much will it take from his fight preperations?

BOTTOM LINE - It may be a case of the fittest man will win.

[Captain Hook]

Seen Floyd roughed up before and just get on with it in fairness, like he did against N'Dou and Sosa.....

Ricky will be a different level though, pure pressure.

Can't wait for this.

[Andy Mac]

Firstly Floyd isn't about to quit and anyone thinking he would hasn't followed many of his fights.

Secondly I don't think the ref is a factor. Hatton can potentially win but punches win fights not wrestling, hitting and holding and low blowing.

Thirdly are Hatton fans claiming the only way for Hatton to win is to break the rules? Holding and hitting is against the rules, low blowing is too, excessive clinching is also breaking the rules

Fourthly even if the fight is fought at close quarters - Floyd is very good in close. He rarely gets hit clean even in close and lands flush shots in close. Floyd doesn't need to be at range all the time but would be better at range

Fifthly - its whos the better man on the night. How much each man lost? Can Hatton be as fit and fast as he was 2 years ago? He wasn't against Urango thats for sure. Against Castillo he looked good but that doesn't mean you'll look good against Floyd. As Floyd - he looked slower against Delahoya and since moving up to 147 has had a low punch output. Now hes doing Dancing With The Stars - how much will it take from his fight preperations?

BOTTOM LINE - It may be a case of the fittest man will win.

The highlighted part above is merely American type bias, and therefore worthless drivel. Hatton does not wrestle, but he does fight on the inside. It will not be him that holds, even though the yanks will try to say that he is. It will be Mayweather holding whenever Ricky gets close to try to stop him working his ribs.

[Deserter]

I'd love nothing more than a Hatton victory, but I've yet to be convinced by any of the scenarios put forward that result in that.
Mayweather's the far superior boxer, has more experience at Welter and has been in the bigger fights. I think he boxes Ricky's head off all night long while avoiding everything that comes his way. He's a defensive genius and I just can't see Ricky landing more than the odd punch... :(

[Goz]

I'd love nothing more than a Hatton victory, but I've yet to be convinced by any of the scenarios put forward that result in that.
Mayweather's the far superior boxer, has more experience at Welter and has been in the bigger fights. I think he boxes Ricky's head off all night long while avoiding everything that comes his way. He's a defensive genius and I just can't see Ricky landing more than the odd punch... :(

I'm afraid I agree with almost every word of this.

I think Ricky will win a few rounds while PBF takes a bit of a breather, a Hatton flurry will get the crowd of their seats and create an atmosphere as he pummels away at Mayweathers arms, shoulders and thin air but PBF probably wins a 'closish' but clear unanaimous decision. Scores like 116-113 and 117-112 in the place.

But I'll be screaming my lungs out for Ricky!

[Bard of Boxrec]

Mayweather in gritty but dull UD is the only outcome

[stujones]

I'd love nothing more than a Hatton victory, but I've yet to be convinced by any of the scenarios put forward that result in that.
Mayweather's the far superior boxer, has more experience at Welter and has been in the bigger fights. I think he boxes Ricky's head off all night long while avoiding everything that comes his way. He's a defensive genius and I just can't see Ricky landing more than the odd punch... :(

Yeah, good call... The only hope I give Ricky is if the "odd" punch is a rib cruncher body shot that will do him in.

[Albert]

Hatton will beat Mayweather!

I just cannot see it. Like every single British Sports fan I really want to see Ricky Hatton win - it would be fantastic for British boxing - problem is Mayweather has lightening footwork and equally fast hands to score adequately when Hatton comes storming in.

[WildWaylon]

A lot of people are making out Mayweather is a God like boxer, untouchable and faultless - Obviously trying to outbox Mayweather wouldnt be an ideal tactic but Ricky wont be doing that - Ricky will rough him up, we all know Rickys style - Ricky must also know if it goes to the judges he hasnt got a hope - Ricky has to go to the body and sooner or later he will get one in and end it - I can see the possibility of Mayweather quitting on his stool with busted ribs or staying down on one knee - Ricky has always been a bodypuncher and I think he has developed it into a fine art and his power with it is awesome - It may take Ricky a few rounds but I am certain it will come just when everyone is thinking its Mayweathers fight - I cant see Ricky taking this fight just for the money, win or lose - I am sure he will have the same belief he had when he fought Kostya - I dont expect to see Ricky look good but if he gets the business done, and I think he will, thats all that matters.

[chesh]

A lot of people are making out Mayweather is a God like boxer, untouchable and faultless - Obviously trying to outbox Mayweather wouldnt be an ideal tactic but Ricky wont be doing that - Ricky will rough him up, we all know Rickys style - Ricky must also know if it goes to the judges he hasnt got a hope - Ricky has to go to the body and sooner or later he will get one in and end it - I can see the possibility of Mayweather quitting on his stool with busted ribs or staying down on one knee - Ricky has always been a bodypuncher and I think he has developed it into a fine art and his power with it is awesome - It may take Ricky a few rounds but I am certain it will come just when everyone is thinking its Mayweathers fight - I cant see Ricky taking this fight just for the money, win or lose - I am sure he will have the same belief he had when he fought Kostya - I dont expect to see Ricky look good but if he gets the business done, and I think he will, thats all that matters.

Great post, Waylon. I do, however, think there is a possibility Ricky could take it on points if the judges reward his workrate and come-forward aggression. Floyd's got great skills, but, latterly, as he's moved up in weight, his punch output has dropped significantly.