BoxRec

The other Hatton has something to prove in Matthew Hatton-Saul Alvarez fight

Overshadowed by older brother Ricky Hatton, English fighter Matthew Hatton is also a 14-to-1 underdog against phenom Saul Alvarez. Lighter and older than his Mexican opponent, Matthew Hatton is counting on experience.
Matthew Hatton



Matthew Hatton poses during the official weigh-in for his fight Saturday against Saul Alvarez at Honda Center. (Hae C. Hong / Associated Press / March 4, 2011)

By Lance Pugmire

March 4, 2011,

It's not easy being a pedestrian boxer whose older brother is a world champion, and it's even more painful being a 14-to-1 underdog to a 20-year-old kid projected as the sport's next big thing.

But Matthew Hatton has the same blood lines that his big brother Ricky Hatton used to rally from the beer-and-darts pub crawl in Manchester, England, to claim world titles in two divisions.

So when a promoter asked if Matthew Hatton, 29, would move up a weight class to fight Mexican phenom Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (35-0-1, 26 knockouts) for the vacant World Boxing Council junior-middleweight belt Saturday at Anaheim's Honda Center, the Brit accepted.

Alvarez weighed in twice Friday, both times over the contractually agreed-upon catchweight limit of 150 pounds. In the later weigh-in, Alvarez weighed 151.4 pounds.

But Matthew Hatton did not back out of the fight after agreeing to additional financial payments and Saturday weight-limit stipulations on Alvarez. "My brother bent over backwards to make this fight happen, even after 'Canelo' Alvarez put it in jeopardy," Ricky Hatton said Friday.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said Alvarez will have to pay Matthew Hatton a penalty beyond the $70,000 that Alvarez owes his opponent and the California State Athletic Commission for weighing in over the 150-pound limit.

"To me, the fight was never threatened by cancellation, but [the weight] was a concern to Ricky, and he's looking out for his brother, which you have to respect," De La Hoya said.

Even when the bout was made months ago, Ricky Hatton briefly bemoaned his brother's decision to the fighters' father.

"I know a lot of people see me as underdog," Matthew Hatton said. "But I'm sure I'm going to win that fight."

Matthew Hatton (41-4-2, 16 KOs) is touting newfound career momentum, his experience and his punching speed as the factors for an upset. Alvarez "is a fantastic prospect, but he's only 20, and I believe at this point in my career, I'm the better fighter," Matthew Hatton said. "People are writing me off too, so there's no pressure on me."

Matthew Hatton has long been written off as the other Hatton.

He had a 22-fight amateur career after trying kick-boxing as a youth and was often relegated to solo shadow boxing during the public workouts Ricky Hatton conducted for his super-fights in the U.S. against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and his swan-song knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009.

"I had a slow-burning career," Matthew Hatton says now.

After losing a May 2008 decision to journeyman Craig Watson in Manchester, Matthew Hatton found a new trainer and took a more professional, cerebral approach to the sport.

"He dug deep, worked hard and showed a little sacrifice. I'm certainly proud of him," Ricky Hatton said.

Matthew Hatton is 8-0-1 in his past nine fights.

Ricky Hatton, at age 32, insists he's retired for good, that "there's no fire in my belly, I have no ambition to train again." He still loves the anticipation before a big fight, especially with his kid brother involved.

"People have left him as Ricky Hatton's brother, but something's telling me Alvarez isn't ready yet, that it might be the right fight at the right time for my brother," Ricky Hatton said. "That's what we're hoping."

The HBO-televised portion of the card opens with a super-featherweight bout between unbeaten Adrien Broner (19-0, 16 KOs) and hard-hitting southpaw Daniel Ponce De Leon (41-2, 34 KOs).

The card features the first fight for middleweight James Kirkland (25-0, 22 KOs) since he was imprisoned in Texas on a gun charge. Kirkland faces New York's Ashandi Gibbs (10-2). Saturday is also the first fight under famed trainer Freddie Roach by super-middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs (21-1, 18 KOs), who faces Robert Kliewer (11-12-2).

[email protected]

Rick Farris wrote:Good morning, Frank. Hoe you feel better today.
It's 5am, finishing my coffee and off to work.
Spider Man-4 is more than three weeks behind schedule, which means we'll be working six days a week for awhile.
There are a lot of stunts, large sets and special effects stunt rigs. Combine that with a slow director and that equates to a $300 million+ budget.
This week we've put in nearly 90 hours.

Thanks Rick. Don't know that I am okay, but I woke up this morning, so I think I am ahead of the game...

kikibalt wrote:The other Hatton has something to prove in Matthew Hatton-Saul Alvarez fight

Overshadowed by older brother Ricky Hatton, English fighter Matthew Hatton is also a 14-to-1 underdog against phenom Saul Alvarez. Lighter and older than his Mexican opponent, Matthew Hatton is counting on experience.
Matthew Hatton



Matthew Hatton poses during the official weigh-in for his fight Saturday against Saul Alvarez at Honda Center. (Hae C. Hong / Associated Press / March 4, 2011)

By Lance Pugmire

March 4, 2011,

It's not easy being a pedestrian boxer whose older brother is a world champion, and it's even more painful being a 14-to-1 underdog to a 20-year-old kid projected as the sport's next big thing.

But Matthew Hatton has the same blood lines that his big brother Ricky Hatton used to rally from the beer-and-darts pub crawl in Manchester, England, to claim world titles in two divisions.

So when a promoter asked if Matthew Hatton, 29, would move up a weight class to fight Mexican phenom Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (35-0-1, 26 knockouts) for the vacant World Boxing Council junior-middleweight belt Saturday at Anaheim's Honda Center, the Brit accepted.

Alvarez weighed in twice Friday, both times over the contractually agreed-upon catchweight limit of 150 pounds. In the later weigh-in, Alvarez weighed 151.4 pounds.

But Matthew Hatton did not back out of the fight after agreeing to additional financial payments and Saturday weight-limit stipulations on Alvarez. "My brother bent over backwards to make this fight happen, even after 'Canelo' Alvarez put it in jeopardy," Ricky Hatton said Friday.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said Alvarez will have to pay Matthew Hatton a penalty beyond the $70,000 that Alvarez owes his opponent and the California State Athletic Commission for weighing in over the 150-pound limit.

"To me, the fight was never threatened by cancellation, but [the weight] was a concern to Ricky, and he's looking out for his brother, which you have to respect," De La Hoya said.

Even when the bout was made months ago, Ricky Hatton briefly bemoaned his brother's decision to the fighters' father.

"I know a lot of people see me as underdog," Matthew Hatton said. "But I'm sure I'm going to win that fight."

Matthew Hatton (41-4-2, 16 KOs) is touting newfound career momentum, his experience and his punching speed as the factors for an upset. Alvarez "is a fantastic prospect, but he's only 20, and I believe at this point in my career, I'm the better fighter," Matthew Hatton said. "People are writing me off too, so there's no pressure on me."

Matthew Hatton has long been written off as the other Hatton.

He had a 22-fight amateur career after trying kick-boxing as a youth and was often relegated to solo shadow boxing during the public workouts Ricky Hatton conducted for his super-fights in the U.S. against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and his swan-song knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009.

"I had a slow-burning career," Matthew Hatton says now.

After losing a May 2008 decision to journeyman Craig Watson in Manchester, Matthew Hatton found a new trainer and took a more professional, cerebral approach to the sport.

"He dug deep, worked hard and showed a little sacrifice. I'm certainly proud of him," Ricky Hatton said.

Matthew Hatton is 8-0-1 in his past nine fights.

Ricky Hatton, at age 32, insists he's retired for good, that "there's no fire in my belly, I have no ambition to train again." He still loves the anticipation before a big fight, especially with his kid brother involved.

"People have left him as Ricky Hatton's brother, but something's telling me Alvarez isn't ready yet, that it might be the right fight at the right time for my brother," Ricky Hatton said. "That's what we're hoping."

The HBO-televised portion of the card opens with a super-featherweight bout between unbeaten Adrien Broner (19-0, 16 KOs) and hard-hitting southpaw Daniel Ponce De Leon (41-2, 34 KOs).

The card features the first fight for middleweight James Kirkland (25-0, 22 KOs) since he was imprisoned in Texas on a gun charge. Kirkland faces New York's Ashandi Gibbs (10-2). Saturday is also the first fight under famed trainer Freddie Roach by super-middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs (21-1, 18 KOs), who faces Robert Kliewer (11-12-2).

[email protected]

I am sooooo looking forward to this fight. Either one of them could be done for if they underestimate the other. Frankie, hope you feel better, dude. You're the patriarch of our little sessions here, amigo.

Scartissue

scartissue wrote:

kikibalt wrote:The other Hatton has something to prove in Matthew Hatton-Saul Alvarez fight

Overshadowed by older brother Ricky Hatton, English fighter Matthew Hatton is also a 14-to-1 underdog against phenom Saul Alvarez. Lighter and older than his Mexican opponent, Matthew Hatton is counting on experience.
Matthew Hatton



Matthew Hatton poses during the official weigh-in for his fight Saturday against Saul Alvarez at Honda Center. (Hae C. Hong / Associated Press / March 4, 2011)

By Lance Pugmire

March 4, 2011,

It's not easy being a pedestrian boxer whose older brother is a world champion, and it's even more painful being a 14-to-1 underdog to a 20-year-old kid projected as the sport's next big thing.

But Matthew Hatton has the same blood lines that his big brother Ricky Hatton used to rally from the beer-and-darts pub crawl in Manchester, England, to claim world titles in two divisions.

So when a promoter asked if Matthew Hatton, 29, would move up a weight class to fight Mexican phenom Saul "Canelo" Alvarez (35-0-1, 26 knockouts) for the vacant World Boxing Council junior-middleweight belt Saturday at Anaheim's Honda Center, the Brit accepted.

Alvarez weighed in twice Friday, both times over the contractually agreed-upon catchweight limit of 150 pounds. In the later weigh-in, Alvarez weighed 151.4 pounds.

But Matthew Hatton did not back out of the fight after agreeing to additional financial payments and Saturday weight-limit stipulations on Alvarez. "My brother bent over backwards to make this fight happen, even after 'Canelo' Alvarez put it in jeopardy," Ricky Hatton said Friday.

Promoter Oscar De La Hoya said Alvarez will have to pay Matthew Hatton a penalty beyond the $70,000 that Alvarez owes his opponent and the California State Athletic Commission for weighing in over the 150-pound limit.

"To me, the fight was never threatened by cancellation, but [the weight] was a concern to Ricky, and he's looking out for his brother, which you have to respect," De La Hoya said.

Even when the bout was made months ago, Ricky Hatton briefly bemoaned his brother's decision to the fighters' father.

"I know a lot of people see me as underdog," Matthew Hatton said. "But I'm sure I'm going to win that fight."

Matthew Hatton (41-4-2, 16 KOs) is touting newfound career momentum, his experience and his punching speed as the factors for an upset. Alvarez "is a fantastic prospect, but he's only 20, and I believe at this point in my career, I'm the better fighter," Matthew Hatton said. "People are writing me off too, so there's no pressure on me."

Matthew Hatton has long been written off as the other Hatton.

He had a 22-fight amateur career after trying kick-boxing as a youth and was often relegated to solo shadow boxing during the public workouts Ricky Hatton conducted for his super-fights in the U.S. against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 and his swan-song knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009.

"I had a slow-burning career," Matthew Hatton says now.

After losing a May 2008 decision to journeyman Craig Watson in Manchester, Matthew Hatton found a new trainer and took a more professional, cerebral approach to the sport.

"He dug deep, worked hard and showed a little sacrifice. I'm certainly proud of him," Ricky Hatton said.

Matthew Hatton is 8-0-1 in his past nine fights.

Ricky Hatton, at age 32, insists he's retired for good, that "there's no fire in my belly, I have no ambition to train again." He still loves the anticipation before a big fight, especially with his kid brother involved.

"People have left him as Ricky Hatton's brother, but something's telling me Alvarez isn't ready yet, that it might be the right fight at the right time for my brother," Ricky Hatton said. "That's what we're hoping."

The HBO-televised portion of the card opens with a super-featherweight bout between unbeaten Adrien Broner (19-0, 16 KOs) and hard-hitting southpaw Daniel Ponce De Leon (41-2, 34 KOs).

The card features the first fight for middleweight James Kirkland (25-0, 22 KOs) since he was imprisoned in Texas on a gun charge. Kirkland faces New York's Ashandi Gibbs (10-2). Saturday is also the first fight under famed trainer Freddie Roach by super-middleweight contender Daniel Jacobs (21-1, 18 KOs), who faces Robert Kliewer (11-12-2).

[email protected]

I am sooooo looking forward to this fight. Either one of them could be done for if they underestimate the other. Frankie, hope you feel better, dude. You're the patriarch of our little sessions here, amigo.

Scartissue

Thanks Dan. The ingredients are there for a great fight. I am looking forward to the first fight. Daniel Ponce De Leon has become a better fighter since he started working with Dub Huntley...should be a great nite of boxing....

Good morning all , Got to get the coffee going.

THEHAMMER321 wrote:Good morning all , Got to get the coffee going.

Morning Paul....

"What A Racket!"

When I was a kid in Simons I had a good racket going. In the summer months the brickyard workers would start working in the early AM, 4:00AM to be exacted. At 7:00AM I would get my wagon, a wagon that I had build out of a wooded box, and start out of the house with a breakfast that my mom had made for my pop and I, I would then go to some of the other worker's houses and pick up their breakfast's to be delivered to them, I would drop off the worker's breakfast's first and save my pop's to the last so that I could have breakfast with him.

It was a good little racket that allowed me to make money to go to the movie show and also gave me time to spent with pops at his work at the brickyard.

El Jefe..A.K.A. Charlie

kikibalt wrote:

El Jefe..A.K.A. Charlie

Don't mess with Charlie!

kikibalt wrote:"What A Racket!"

When I was a kid in Simons I had a good racket going. In the summer months the brickyard workers would start working in the early AM, 4:00AM to be exacted. At 7:00AM I would get my wagon, a wagon that I had build out of a wooded box, and start out of the house with a breakfast that my mom had made for my pop and I, I would then go to some of the other worker's houses and pick up their breakfast's to be delivered to them, I would drop off the worker's breakfast's first and save my pop's to the last so that I could have breakfast with him.

It was a good little racket that allowed me to make money to go to the movie show and also gave me time to spent with pops at his work at the brickyard.

My dad used to tell me that the best deal is the one that makes everybody involved happy.
Seems like you had a good deal, Frank.

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

El Jefe..A.K.A. Charlie

Don't mess with Charlie!

The ex-con....

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:"What A Racket!"

When I was a kid in Simons I had a good racket going. In the summer months the brickyard workers would start working in the early AM, 4:00AM to be exacted. At 7:00AM I would get my wagon, a wagon that I had build out of a wooded box, and start out of the house with a breakfast that my mom had made for my pop and I, I would then go to some of the other worker's houses and pick up their breakfast's to be delivered to them, I would drop off the worker's breakfast's first and save my pop's to the last so that I could have breakfast with him.

It was a good little racket that allowed me to make money to go to the movie show and also gave me time to spent with pops at his work at the brickyard.

My dad used to tell me that the best deal is the one that makes everybody involved happy.
Seems like you had a good deal, Frank.

You can say that I had a happy childhood, Rick....

Randyman wrote:

bennie wrote:


Minter is still cut.

I'm glad to read that Hagler, who was a fine champion, was well recievedl when he returned to the UK. He was treated badly that night but I'm not casting stones. We've done the same here too, maybe worse. Sometimes a fight crowd just gets worked up.

That was my favorite of all of Hagler's wins. Marvin went into Minter's hometown, ignored a hostile crowd, and kicked his arse.

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

El Jefe..A.K.A. Charlie

Don't mess with Charlie!

I resemble that remark ! Cute dog-it is a dog right ?

CNorkusJr wrote:

Rick Farris wrote:

kikibalt wrote:

El Jefe..A.K.A. Charlie

Don't mess with Charlie!

I resemble that remark ! Cute dog-it is a dog right ?

Charlie "the Godfather" is a Chihuahua

Alvarez-Hatton

Although it was fairly one-way traffic last night, there were at least 2 points one could glean from this fight. One is the fact that you would have to look far and wide for a heartier nut to crack than Matthew Hatton. It was obvious from the get go that he did not have the kind of fire-power to make a real go of it and that did not impede him one bit. Although well beaten, I loved his post-fight interview. He was completely non-plussed about the fight, acknowledged he was too big and was going back to welter and ended the interview with a, "no problem". One would hardly know he had been eating massive body shots for the last 12 rounds. The 2nd point to make is Alvarez, although a true star in the making, still has a lot to learn. It was apparent to myself and Rick (we always have about 5 or 6 calls back and forth during a fight) that when he couldn't take Hatton out he got a little ragged. He dropped his guard (perhaps because Hatton didn't have the kind of punch that could hurt him, but no excuse for that), he walked in trying to rip a punch rather than set up a punch and was visibly pissed over his inability to deal with this kind of opponent. But this is something his trainers need to deal with, if they are worth their salt.

Scartissue

Imo, Alvarez is a raw talent who is not ready to be a champion, but of course now days everybody is a champion. Kudos to Hatton for hanging in there for 12 rounds against a bigger opponent. From last night performance I don't think that Alvarez is ready for world class opponents, but he is still young and he has lots of time to improve, to learn how to shorten his punches, as he throw too wide right now, that one fault among others that he has at this time...I think the jury is still out on Alvarez....Just my take on Alvarez

Yes, well done to Matthew Hatton, who has never had Ricky's ability but worked hard and improved himself. He was stitched-up beforehand when the fight was made at light-middleweight, which gave him no chance at all, strength-wise, but that's the lovely sport of boxing for you - politics, politics, politics.

bennie wrote:Yes, well done to Matthew Hatton, who has never had Ricky's ability but worked hard and improved himself. He was stitched-up beforehand when the fight was made at light-middleweight, which gave him no chance at all, strength-wise, but that's the lovely sport of boxing for you - politics, politics, politics.

kikibalt wrote:Imo, Alvarez is a raw talent who is not ready to be a champion, but of course now days everybody is a champion. Kudos to Hatton for hanging in there for 12 rounds against a bigger opponent. From last night performance I don't think that Alvarez is ready for world class opponents, but he is still young and he has lots of time to improve, to learn how to shorten his punches, as he throw too wide right now, that one fault among others that he has at this time...I think the jury is still out on Alvarez....Just my take on Alvarez

Frank, I think the same thing. Alvarez, at this stage, is nothing more than a talented prospect, not a true world champion.
He has a lot to learn and all the attention given a champion, the special treatment, etc. may get in the way of his growing as a fighter.
In addition to the points you made regarding his style, be best improve his defense as well. Last night he'd have been in big trouble had he faced a hard puncher.

As for Hatton -
He fought with the courage that I always equate to a true British fighter.
He had everything against him going into the fight and didn't complain, "Let's just get on with it", was his attitude.
I have had high hopes for Alvarez, he has qualities I like. However, if you go back and look at both Frankie Jr. and Tony when they were 20 years old, and of course Mando Ramos at twenty, he just looks like another fighter.

It's really insulting to true boxing people to see world titles handed out for minor victories.

bennie wrote:Yes, well done to Matthew Hatton, who has never had Ricky's ability but worked hard and improved himself. He was stitched-up beforehand when the fight was made at light-middleweight, which gave him no chance at all, strength-wise, but that's the lovely sport of boxing for you - politics, politics, politics.

Sad but true, Bennie.
Hatton can hold his head high, they made it impossible for him to win.

What about the fight before the main event????
How did you like that decision? One of the crooked ringside officials had the Mayweather wanna-be ahead by nine rounds!
I planned to attend last night's fight, but had to work. I'm glad I saw it on TV and din't buy a ticket.
The fights weren't that bad, just crooked, a modern day fix.

Frank, I'll have that Hawkins bio ready for you tonight.

Spder Man-4 . . .



We have five stages at Sony Studios for the Spider Man film. The sets are massive and some are reproductions of the New York City sewer system, where the monster in the film resides. This is one of the sewer sets. Each set is built complete, and the walls are removeable so we can shoot different angles effectivly. In this photo, you can see the set walls hanging above the crane arm that is used for the camera, which is operated from the floor by remote controls. There is a tank below this stage, and we have water flowing thruout the set, lots of water. With all of the electricity needed for our lighting units, etc. we have everything connected using a ground fault system to protect the crew from any chance of being electocuted. I'm sure Charlie is familiar with our use of such safety equipment, having worked on many NYC film sets.

By the way, this set was built on stage-15. The Sony lot used to be MGM Studios, and this stage was one of several used for the "Wizard of Oz."
If you remember the scene in that movie where the Wizard is discovered by Judy contolling things from behind the curtain, it was filmed on stage-15 more than 75 years ago.

Rick Farris wrote:Frank, I'll have that Hawkins bio ready for you tonight.

Great!