Las Vegas Review Journal Harsh On Hatton

[johnswan1]

Don't know why idiots like this write these sort of articles. Of course Floyd would be favourite, but to say Hatton "wouldn't stand a chance" is just plain stupidity.

Mayweather would trounce Hatton

ED GRANEY, Las Vegas Review Journal

So now that we have established Jose Luis Castillo's next fight should be against Uncle Leo over the last serving of tapioca pudding and who gets to escort the widow Jones to the weekly bingo game, it's important to consider more fascinating boxing story lines.

Like a fight between Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A fight Hatton wouldn't have a prayer at winning.

Hatton in a ring as a super lightweight is Rodney Harrison within a few strides of an NFL wide receiver crossing the middle -- exhilarating to watch and memorable for its violent edge.

Hatton in a ring against Mayweather would be a lost, undisciplined, desperate welterweight wondering why all those punches he landed in winning 43 previous bouts were being deflected quicker than he could throw them.

That it took Hatton only until 2:16 of the fourth round to knock Castillo off his 103-year-old legs Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center is of little surprise.

Castillo enjoyed a fine career that spanned a combined 97 amateur and pro fights, meaning the fact he doesn't consume all his meals from a straw is a victory itself.

But if his sluggish, holding, tired approach against Hatton in the IBO title bout -- not to mention getting knocked out by a body shot to the level of those served nightly at The Beach -- isn't message enough he should limp quietly into the retired obscurity of former great champions, something is terribly wrong.

(On this point, a message for Hatton promoter Art Pelullo on those infamous statements last week about Castillo being "close to his prime" and "at the peak of his career": Thanks for checking in, Artie.)

Any fight between Hatton and Mayweather Jr. would be like Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya in May, which is to say the buildup would be far more engaging than what would transpire in the ring. Castillo, who has fought both, said a Mayweather-Hatton fight would be like a cat chasing a mouse.

In this light, the cat would starve.

"Ricky Hatton is a tough, well-conditioned kid," said Bob Arum, former promoter for Mayweather and that of Castillo. "But come on. You're talking about two different leagues. (Hatton) will have never seen anything like that. Take nothing away from Ricky Hatton -- he's a good fighter -- but Floyd Mayweather is in a completely different league."

Hatton never has stood across from an opponent with such exceptional skill as Mayweather, never tried hitting a guy who gets caught with a clean shot about as often as his uncle (Roger) goes a day without swearing, never had to solve the combination of the best defensive fighter of his time and also a guy with one of boxing's sternest chins.

"There was more action in these four rounds," Hatton said, "than Floyd Mayweather has had his entire career."

Exactly, the type of action Mayweather would never allow Hatton to create.

Believe it: For as much as people talk about how defensive Mayweather fights, Hatton's untamed nature would get him hurt. For as much as others concentrate on Mayweather redirecting punches, they forget how many he lands.

English fans follow Hatton with an intense, loyal passion. They would celebrate such an occasion as they might the local club soccer team playing for a Premier League title. One visiting member of the British press here last week estimated a crowd of 60,000 or more should Mayweather agree to fight Hatton abroad in Wembley Stadium. It would be an incredible spectacle and yet a calculated, tedious fight.

Still, the Hatton camp dreams.

"The only fight that interests me with Ricky right now is Floyd Mayweather," said Billy Graham, Hatton's trainer. "Floyd Mayweather isn't retired as he says. He's a man. He'll come back and fight. When will it be, I have no idea. But I want that fight. The boxing world wants that fight. Ricky wants that fight. The only welterweight we would even consider is Mayweather. Now, it's up to Floyd.

"(Mayweather) is no bigger than Ricky, so we could fight him at 147 pounds and it would be a fair fight."

Fair, maybe.

Close, absolutely not.

Ricky Hatton is a joy to watch. His following is wonderful for boxing. He comes to brawl. He is charismatic and amusing and brutally candid. He would definitely hold up his end in promoting any fight against Mayweather Jr. and show up more prepared than ever to compete.

There is just one tiny problem: Once the bell sounded, he wouldn't stand a chance.

The mouse would win going away.

[Autobarn]

yeah it's a very poor piece. he wouldn't stand a chance because he just beat castillo? he wouldn't stand a chance because castillo is finished (who finished him?). he wouldn't stand a chance...exactly why?

is Hatton still supposed to be some glorified clubfighter who happens to hold a title? sigh...I have to say it does take some o' them yanks a while to cotton on about some things.

it seems this person is riled by Hatton's Mayweather comments and going on the defensive.


NOTE - what a shit replacement for Iole.

[lowersmiths]

another yank watching his small world collapsing around the ears and not knowing what to do.

[m1kee50]

fcukin septic by name and nature....


"but Floyd Mayweather is in a completely different league." Someone mention Kostya to him eh? what a wanker

[oliverfennell]

not to mention getting knocked out by a body shot to the level of those served nightly at The Beach

I'd like to see the writer take a punch like that. I don't think anybody could have withstood it. This article is just trolling, pure and simple.

[m1kee50]

not to mention getting knocked out by a body shot to the level of those served nightly at The Beach

I'd like to see the writer take a punch like that. I don't think anybody could have withstood it. This article is just trolling, pure and simple.

too right pal --- if he thought it was a crap KO, let him re-enact it with Hatton

[boxingchat]

The article is written in a certain style I agree but the crux of his argument is absolutely spot on and maybe when this weeks rosy coloured glasses are removed you should all read it again.

Hatton would not stand a chance against Mayweather and, putting Money aside, if he really fancies he could beat Mayweather and his style and not just cash in, why doesn't he warm up on a certain WBC Champion from Bradford?

Perhaps a re-run of Gatti V Mayweather may remind you. same styles, Gatti had heart and Balls, Hatton's got equal if not more heart and bigger balls but bottom line is that this may be the ingrediant to get him hurt, seriously hurt.

If I managed him, I won't even let him attend the press conference.

Steer well clear of Mayweather. There no shame in admitting that he's just too good. Fans, Managers, Yes-men (Which Hatton has in abundance) and even trainers can be brave but bottom line is it's you taking the shots and you must know your limitations.

[m1kee50]

The article is written in a certain style I agree but the crux of his argument is absolutely spot on and maybe when this weeks rosy coloured glasses are removed you should all read it again.

Hatton would not stand a chance against Mayweather and, putting Money aside, if he really fancies he could beat Mayweather and his style and not just cash in, why doesn't he warm up on a certain WBC Champion from Bradford?

Perhaps a re-run of Gatti V Mayweather may remind you. same styles, Gatti had heart and Balls, Hatton's got equal if not more heart and bigger balls but bottom line is that this may be the ingrediant to get him hurt, seriously hurt.

If I managed him, I won't even let him attend the press conference.

Steer well clear of Mayweather. There no shame in admitting that he's just too good. Fans, Managers, Yes-men (Which Hatton has in abundance) and even trainers can be brave but bottom line is it's you taking the shots and you must know your limitations.

Do you not think that if DLH had been fitter he would have beaten Mayweather via his strategy? Ergo... Hatton hopefully being fitter can pressure Mayweather and win more rounds if not wear him down for a late stoppage? Im not saying its easy, but its possible

[jamesmcdonnell]

I disagree, win or lose, Hatton should fight Mayweather.

That article is dross, not because of the opinion, but merely because there is nothing to substantiate the opinion. The writer assisudously fails to mention the fact that Castillo pushed Mayweather very close in the first bout, and made an argument in the second.

Hatton is quicker and stronger than Gatti, by some stretch. Gatti's best days were at lightweight and below, and he entered that ring against Mayweather clearly overawed and frankly, looking quite terrified during hsi ring walk. He tried to outbox mayweather and not surprisingly got himself a new butt-hole opened up.

Pressure is the key, and that is something Hatton has in spades. Of course making that pressure effective is another matter, but if Castillo was able to push Mayweather close, then the bigger, stronger and much quicker Hatton, is certainly in with a shout.

Mayweather is capable of fighting at a pace for 12 full rounds, we know that, but it is quite possible he could lose too many of them.

[The Blade]

Don't know why idiots like this write these sort of articles. Of course Floyd would be favourite, but to say Hatton "wouldn't stand a chance" is just plain stupidity.

Mayweather would trounce Hatton

ED GRANEY, Las Vegas Review Journal

So now that we have established Jose Luis Castillo's next fight should be against Uncle Leo over the last serving of tapioca pudding and who gets to escort the widow Jones to the weekly bingo game, it's important to consider more fascinating boxing story lines.

Like a fight between Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A fight Hatton wouldn't have a prayer at winning.

Hatton in a ring as a super lightweight is Rodney Harrison within a few strides of an NFL wide receiver crossing the middle -- exhilarating to watch and memorable for its violent edge.

Hatton in a ring against Mayweather would be a lost, undisciplined, desperate welterweight wondering why all those punches he landed in winning 43 previous bouts were being deflected quicker than he could throw them.

That it took Hatton only until 2:16 of the fourth round to knock Castillo off his 103-year-old legs Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center is of little surprise.

Castillo enjoyed a fine career that spanned a combined 97 amateur and pro fights, meaning the fact he doesn't consume all his meals from a straw is a victory itself.

But if his sluggish, holding, tired approach against Hatton in the IBO title bout -- not to mention getting knocked out by a body shot to the level of those served nightly at The Beach -- isn't message enough he should limp quietly into the retired obscurity of former great champions, something is terribly wrong.

(On this point, a message for Hatton promoter Art Pelullo on those infamous statements last week about Castillo being "close to his prime" and "at the peak of his career": Thanks for checking in, Artie.)

Any fight between Hatton and Mayweather Jr. would be like Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya in May, which is to say the buildup would be far more engaging than what would transpire in the ring. Castillo, who has fought both, said a Mayweather-Hatton fight would be like a cat chasing a mouse.

In this light, the cat would starve.

"Ricky Hatton is a tough, well-conditioned kid," said Bob Arum, former promoter for Mayweather and that of Castillo. "But come on. You're talking about two different leagues. (Hatton) will have never seen anything like that. Take nothing away from Ricky Hatton -- he's a good fighter -- but Floyd Mayweather is in a completely different league."

Hatton never has stood across from an opponent with such exceptional skill as Mayweather, never tried hitting a guy who gets caught with a clean shot about as often as his uncle (Roger) goes a day without swearing, never had to solve the combination of the best defensive fighter of his time and also a guy with one of boxing's sternest chins.

"There was more action in these four rounds," Hatton said, "than Floyd Mayweather has had his entire career."

Exactly, the type of action Mayweather would never allow Hatton to create.

Believe it: For as much as people talk about how defensive Mayweather fights, Hatton's untamed nature would get him hurt. For as much as others concentrate on Mayweather redirecting punches, they forget how many he lands.

English fans follow Hatton with an intense, loyal passion. They would celebrate such an occasion as they might the local club football team playing for a Premier League title. One visiting member of the British press here last week estimated a crowd of 60,000 or more should Mayweather agree to fight Hatton abroad in Wembley Stadium. It would be an incredible spectacle and yet a calculated, tedious fight.

Still, the Hatton camp dreams.

"The only fight that interests me with Ricky right now is Floyd Mayweather," said Billy Graham, Hatton's trainer. "Floyd Mayweather isn't retired as he says. He's a man. He'll come back and fight. When will it be, I have no idea. But I want that fight. The boxing world wants that fight. Ricky wants that fight. The only welterweight we would even consider is Mayweather. Now, it's up to Floyd.

"(Mayweather) is no bigger than Ricky, so we could fight him at 147 pounds and it would be a fair fight."

Fair, maybe.

Close, absolutely not.

Ricky Hatton is a joy to watch. His following is wonderful for boxing. He comes to brawl. He is charismatic and amusing and brutally candid. He would definitely hold up his end in promoting any fight against Mayweather Jr. and show up more prepared than ever to compete.

There is just one tiny problem: Once the bell sounded, he wouldn't stand a chance.

The mouse would win going away.

Sounds like a piece written by a man with an agenda

[Goz]

With the kind of attitude shown by the writer of that article and boxingchat (both with agendas) we should perhaps abolish sport altogether.

Hatton would be an underdog, that's all. I would put this fight in football terms on par with a match between say Man.Utd and Man.City. United have all the tools to win but every now and then City prevail, the beauty of sport and all that.

Roger Federer will likely pick up his 5th consecutive Wimbledon title next Sunday but should we not make him go out and prove he's worth it?

If PBF is going to fight on - and I don't think anyone seriously believed his 'retirement' - then there aren't many more worthy opponents than Hatton in or around the weight class in which PBF operates.

It might only take PBF to underestimate Hatton, Ricky to come into the ring in cracking shape in front of 2 out of 3 judges who like his style enough to award him 7 out of the 12 rounds. Far far stranger things have happened.

[Autobarn]

The article is written in a certain style I agree but the crux of his argument is absolutely spot on and maybe when this weeks rosy coloured glasses are removed you should all read it again.

Hatton would not stand a chance against Mayweather and, putting Money aside, if he really fancies he could beat Mayweather and his style and not just cash in, why doesn't he warm up on a certain WBC Champion from Bradford?

Perhaps a re-run of Gatti V Mayweather may remind you. same styles, Gatti had heart and Balls, Hatton's got equal if not more heart and bigger balls but bottom line is that this may be the ingrediant to get him hurt, seriously hurt.

If I managed him, I won't even let him attend the press conference.

Steer well clear of Mayweather. There no shame in admitting that he's just too good. Fans, Managers, Yes-men (Which Hatton has in abundance) and even trainers can be brave but bottom line is it's you taking the shots and you must know your limitations.

like the writer of the article, your view is hardly impartial coming in with the agenda that actually brings you on these boards. if Hatton was with Warren, you'd have a totally different viewpoint, so how much does yours really count?

Gatti never stood a chance against Mayweather. Jesus Chavez and Castillo stood a chance and to their credit made things very uncomfortable for Floyd.


The article is written by Kevin Iole's replacement - a poor replacement. To put it in context, Hatton beating Castillo is the 2nd fight in a month that has got ppl saying so and so can beat Floyd, who has just retired with a spotless record and a legacy that isn't watertight. Over 2 weeks ago it was Cotto that ppl said could beat Floyd. The writer is very defensive because he sees Floyd in a tradition of "American legends" who aren't allowed to be questioned.

Hatton's post fight comments about Mayweather probably had more inspiration the article than what happened in the fight.

Right: who is it next? I would say Margarito is next. If he smashes up Williams he will say Floyd is ducking him. Everyone will get hypersensitive and so the next backlash will be against Margarito...

[SticknMove]

I must say at the outset that I think that PBF would be too quick for Hatton if this fight was to come off. That is hardly being controversial though.

But it is utter nonsense to compare Hatton with Gatti in trying to base an argument on why Hatton might get hurt. As James pointed out Hatton is stronger, quicker and has more ring smarts. Add to this, the fact that he has much more momentum in terms of confidence and self-belief than a shopworn Gatti.

It is also nonsense to say the fight should not take place. This is what boxing should be all about: the best fighting the best. Hatton, rightfully, would be an underdog simply because the type of fight he would need to implement is against an exceptionally talented and quick defensive boxer. But if he can get close enough for long enough and make it as physical as possible then he most certainly has a chance of winning.

[caster]

I'm not a Hatton fan (boxing wise) at all really, but this piece is very harsh.

Like I say, I'm not a fan of his style but after watching the documentary about him, I love his positive vibe and sense of humour (too many people take life too serious these days). Good on yer Ricky!

[johnswan1]

The article is written in a certain style I agree but the crux of his argument is absolutely spot on and maybe when this weeks rosy coloured glasses are removed you should all read it again.

Hatton would not stand a chance against Mayweather and, putting Money aside, if he really fancies he could beat Mayweather and his style and not just cash in, why doesn't he warm up on a certain WBC Champion from Bradford?

Perhaps a re-run of Gatti V Mayweather may remind you. same styles, Gatti had heart and Balls, Hatton's got equal if not more heart and bigger balls but bottom line is that this may be the ingrediant to get him hurt, seriously hurt.

If I managed him, I won't even let him attend the press conference.

Steer well clear of Mayweather. There no shame in admitting that he's just too good. Fans, Managers, Yes-men (Which Hatton has in abundance) and even trainers can be brave but bottom line is it's you taking the shots and you must know your limitations.

So BC, do you still stand by this post with one day to go?

[johnswan1]

Another sh1t article from yesterday by the same joker, Ed Graney.

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/12198061.html

[Chambers2]

IF the fight goes the right way his e-mail address should come in useful [email protected]. I'll be quoting his article back to him left, right and centre.

[hitman_hatton1]

I disagree, win or lose, Hatton should fight Mayweather.

yeah hatton has earned this.

he's a p4p top tenner in his own right.

whether hatton's styles falls flat on it's face against a slickster like floyd is the intriguing aspect of this fight.

[Cannibal]

Another sh1t article from yesterday by the same joker, Ed Graney.

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/12198061.html

Apparently Roger Mayweather thinks Hatton is a "club fighter" based in a quote in that.

[Spud]

The article is written in a certain style I agree but the crux of his argument is absolutely spot on and maybe when this weeks rosy coloured glasses are removed you should all read it again.

Hatton would not stand a chance against Mayweather and, putting Money aside, if he really fancies he could beat Mayweather and his style and not just cash in, why doesn't he warm up on a certain WBC Champion from Bradford?

Perhaps a re-run of Gatti V Mayweather may remind you. same styles, Gatti had heart and Balls, Hatton's got equal if not more heart and bigger balls but bottom line is that this may be the ingrediant to get him hurt, seriously hurt.

If I managed him, I won't even let him attend the press conference.

Steer well clear of Mayweather. There no shame in admitting that he's just too good. Fans, Managers, Yes-men (Which Hatton has in abundance) and even trainers can be brave but bottom line is it's you taking the shots and you must know your limitations.

It pains me to this - I agree entirely with the above mentioned post.

[yiddo14]

The article is written in a certain style I agree but the crux of his argument is absolutely spot on and maybe when this weeks rosy coloured glasses are removed you should all read it again.

Hatton would not stand a chance against Mayweather and, putting Money aside, if he really fancies he could beat Mayweather and his style and not just cash in, why doesn't he warm up on a certain WBC Champion from Bradford?

Perhaps a re-run of Gatti V Mayweather may remind you. same styles, Gatti had heart and Balls, Hatton's got equal if not more heart and bigger balls but bottom line is that this may be the ingrediant to get him hurt, seriously hurt.

If I managed him, I won't even let him attend the press conference.

Steer well clear of Mayweather. There no shame in admitting that he's just too good. Fans, Managers, Yes-men (Which Hatton has in abundance) and even trainers can be brave but bottom line is it's you taking the shots and you must know your limitations.

It pains me to this - I agree entirely with the above mentioned post.

So Hatton has the same style as the old, shop worn, Gatti that fought Mayweather?

Pleae, you have zero fvcking clue about the sport if you genuinely think this is true.

[Max Molyneux]

but to say Hatton "wouldn't stand a chance" is just plain stupidity.

Not really If he has his own opinion.

To be honest he doesn't have a chance. Howcome people will give Hatton a chance against a true talent but gave average guys like Kessler and Lacy a chance against a true talent like Calzaghe?

[lvlarc]

Floyd's speed and agility is exceptional, however he is not unbeatable. Hatton has many things going for him in this fight, his sheer workrate and aggression will make rounds close. If Mayweather wins then he'll have earned it the hard way(excluding dodgy officiating) Hatton has a real chance here.

[jammidodger]

yank on yank loving crud.. that really is a shocking article..

if i had to put cold hard cash on this fight now i would put it on split decision mayweather.. to say hatton would have no chance is a joke. mayweathers fought no one in their prime for years, now he's coming up against an animal..

its mugs like this yank idiot that has me praying at night that hatton beats the granny out of mayweather!!!!

[Max Molyneux]

Hatton's workrate will slowdown If he eats too many shots no matter how good his conditioning Is.