Hatton wants no part of Junior Witter

big lennox · Post by **big lennox** » 18 Dec 2007, 08:26

Early indications in the direction of Ricky Hatton's career were revealed by his lawyer Gareth Williams to the London Telegraph. According to Williams, "The Hitman" will likely defend his IBO belt in the UK then face IBF junior welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden later in the year. Williams also stated that Hatton will not face hated rival WBC super lightweight champion Junior Witter. "Ricky will never fight Junior Witter, as long as he keeps attacking him in public," he is quoted as saying.

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Wax On · Post by **Wax On** » 18 Dec 2007, 08:48

Think it's a shame that the general feeling seems to be that RH won't fight Witter, because of the disrespect he has shown when calling him out in the media over the years.

Lets not forget, that this is the exact same tactic that RH used to get his fight with Mayweather. Floyd took the bait and the spirit in which it was intended (shown post fight rather than pre obviuosly) and gave Ricky his shot at the big time.

Now Ricky has lost his 0 and in the eyes of many needs to reassert his credentials in the LW division, I feel it's time he gave Junior HIS chance to step up a level. It's the fight most UK fans would like to see most and, would either cement Hatton's UK legacy whilst acting as a warm up / confidence booster ahead of another big US based fight with the likes of Malignani, OR if he lost show him that the time is right to retire whilst passing on the batton to another Brit to have a go at some of the top Yanks.

I personally feel Hatton would beat Witter, but that depends on what the Mayweather fight has taken out of him in terms of belief and physically.

bridportboxer · Post by **bridportboxer** » 18 Dec 2007, 08:59

I would much rather not see Hatton vs Witter just yet.
Let Hatton get his confidence back and win another big fight, let Witter move a little further into the limelight then have them fight in a year or 2. The public perception of boxing seems to be changing and if Witter can put in a couple of good performances the general public would start to know who he is, then the fight could be worth much more money and the general public would actually care about and invest in the fight.
Mind you I am just a newbie so my opinion doesn't count yet!

n1ebf · Post by **n1ebf** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:03

Wax On wrote:Think it's a shame that the general feeling seems to be that RH won't fight Witter, because of the disrespect he has shown when calling him out in the media over the years.

Lets not forget, that this is the exact same tactic that RH used to get his fight with Mayweather. Floyd took the bait and the spirit in which it was intended (shown post fight rather than pre obviuosly) and gave Ricky his shot at the big time.

Now Ricky has lost his 0 and in the eyes of many needs to reassert his credentials in the LW division, I feel it's time he gave Junior HIS chance to step up a level. It's the fight most UK fans would like to see most and, would either cement Hatton's UK legacy whilst acting as a warm up / confidence booster ahead of another big US based fight with the likes of Malignani, OR if he lost show him that the time is right to retire whilst passing on the batton to another Brit to have a go at some of the top Yanks.

I personally feel Hatton would beat Witter, but that depends on what the Mayweather fight has taken out of him in terms of belief and physically.

Hatton won't ever fight Witter IMO and the trash talking is just an excuse I think. And the point you make above is correct - Mayweather didn't turn around and say he wouldn't box Hatton so Hatton is being a hypocrite if that's what his reason is.
If he boxed Witter, which I don't believe will happen unless Witter's 42 yr old, then Hatton would get what some idiots on current scene like to call KTFO. What a vulgar expression !

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:07

shame on Hatton. us Brits have PPV'd him since Tszyu. We deserve something back, especially after those dreadful showings vs Urango and Collazo.

Wales · Post by **Wales** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:09

bridportboxer wrote:I would much rather not see Hatton vs Witter just yet.
Let Hatton get his confidence back and win another big fight, let Witter move a little further into the limelight then have them fight in a year or 2. !

I dont think Witter (maybe even ricky for that matter) has 2 years left in the tank. Its now or never, basically.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:10

Autobarn wrote:shame on Hatton. us Brits have PPV'd him since Tszyu. We deserve something back, especially after those dreadful showings vs Urango and Collazo.

Cmon Mr Barn, you know I respect your opinions but Hatton did beat Two world champs, both of which he fought when he wasnt in prime phtsical condition(Cold and weight)

Ricky has never let us down. he doesnt OWE us anything

Autobarn · Post by **Autobarn** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:13

this has been going on long enough, Mr Rocket

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:19

Autobarn wrote:this has been going on long enough, Mr Rocket

Mr Barn, I completely agree, I would love to see the fight happen, just to shut the Witter fan club up...BUT...im getting sick of everyone calling Ricky a pussy ect, I, Like Ricky find it funny that he gets insulted so much by Witter and his 30 fans, yet he faces Mayweather in Vegas and Witter fights at the Doncaster dome!!!

Still, Mr Barn, maybe the time for bitterness is over....maybe we should just get it done...

Plus Ricky can dominate the purse if he so wishes.....he doesnt have to make Witter THAT rich

Poncey · Post by **Poncey** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:34

I'm a big Hatton fan, but this really does take the pss for an excuse.

Mayweather has been saying bad things about Hatton for years, and he still fought him.

Hatton is concerned that Witter's style is too awkward for him. I'm starting to think that too.

Depends what he's like in the ring after the KO.

Personally I'd prefer a Rees fight first to gain confidence, then Witter, then Malinaggi.

Then eat chips for eternity.

Wax On · Post by **Wax On** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:42

Autobarn wrote:shame on Hatton. us Brits have PPV'd him since Tszyu. We deserve something back, especially after those dreadful showings vs Urango and Collazo.

A fight with Witter works on a couple of levels.....(sadly I don't think PPV is going to be one of them)

1) Boxing exposure in the UK media and general population is really on the up over the last few years as a result of Khan at the Olympics and recent Hatton, Calz and Haye exploits........therefore in this type of climate could a Witter / Hatton match up generate the kind of attendance (at City of Manchester say) / Media buzz that the Benn v Eubank match ups had?? Would ITV or BBC back such a fight??

2) If Hatton was concerned about his legacy, how could he explain never facing such a deserving domestic rival. When people talk about Eubank's career, who talks about the 20 or so defences he made against Top / Good Europeans etc. No one. His career defining fights were with Benn and Watson, and even in his loss to Calzaghe (who still gives him his due for being one tough mofo).

I think the fight would be a good move for Ricky.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:47

Wax On wrote:
Autobarn wrote:shame on Hatton. us Brits have PPV'd him since Tszyu. We deserve something back, especially after those dreadful showings vs Urango and Collazo.
A fight with Witter works on a couple of levels.....(sadly I don't think PPV is going to be one of them)

1) Boxing exposure in the UK media and general population is really on the up over the last few years as a result of Khan at the Olympics and recent Hatton, Calz and Haye exploits........therefore in this type of climate could a Witter / Hatton match up generate the kind of attendance (at City of Manchester say) / Media buzz that the Benn v Eubank match ups had?? Would ITV or BBC back such a fight??

2) If Hatton was concerned about his legacy, how could he explain never facing such a deserving domestic rival. When people talk about Eubank's career, who talks about the 20 or so defences he made against Top / Good Europeans etc. No one. His career defining fights were with Benn and Watson, and even in his loss to Calzaghe (who still gives him his due for being one tough mofo).

I think the fight would be a good move for Ricky.

Are you for real??? Hatton has fought KT, JLC and PBF, If he doesnt fight Witter I wont give a fook and neither will those guys at the Hall of Fame!!!!!

It would be nice for him to fight Witter, but if he chooses Malinaggi then so be it

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:49

I know there has been mermers and hints on here from people in the know that have always been saying the Hatton is scared of Witter, first time I believed the stories at the Setanta interview.

Contary to what Paul Dempsey said - he was trying his best to squirm himself out of it.... Was a little dissapointed, really.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:51

stujones wrote:I know there has been mermers and hints on here from people in the know that have always been saying the Hatton is scared of Witter, first time I believed the stories at the Setanta interview.

Contary to what Paul Dempsey said - he was trying his best to squirm himself out of it.... Was a little dissapointed, really.

Cmon, Stu, he has fought those 3 I mentioned, why would he be scared of Witter???

He squirmed cos he sounded like a bitter and possibly arrogant individual who wanted to make Witter suffer, thats not the public image he has manufactured

silkov · Post by **silkov** » 18 Dec 2007, 09:59

Its nothing short of pathetic to say that he doesnt want to fight Witter because of Witters 'disrespect'.... why doesnt Hatton get Witter in the ring and teach him a lesson that way??. What about the insults that passed back and forth between Hatton and Mayweather!. The truth is that Ricky knows Witter would beat him and thats why he wont fight him. Its very disapointing, I'd have far more respect for the man if he fought and lost to Witter rather than ducking him and coming up with these pathetic 'he insulted me!' excuses.
Hatton doesnt seem to be the man that he tries to paint himself as in public...

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:05

silkov wrote:Its nothing short of pathetic to say that he doesnt want to fight Witter because of Witters 'disrespect'.... why doesnt Hatton get Witter in the ring and teach him a lesson that way??. What about the insults that passed back and forth between Hatton and Mayweather!. The truth is that Ricky knows Witter would beat him and thats why he wont fight him. Its very disapointing, I'd have far more respect for the man if he fought and lost to Witter rather than ducking him and coming up with these pathetic 'he insulted me!' excuses.
Hatton doesnt seem to be the man that he tries to paint himself as in public...

No, thats just plain wrong...he wouldnt have fought PBF if he knew he was gonna lose, he wouldnt have fought Castillo and he wouldnt have fought KT...

Now Witter is this freaking Monster that Hattons scared shitless of, give me a break..its about public image and Hatton thinks witter is a scrote who shouldnt be saying things about him..is that a good attitude?? Thats the debate...

Hatton is not scared of a man who arguably lost to Kotelnik

John Dillinger · Post by **John Dillinger** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:11

Hatton has been saying for years that he'll never give Witter a payday. He genuinely can't stand him. This isn't just a recent comment made after Saturdays loss. I can't believe some people think he's scared of Witter when he's taken on Tzsyu, Castillo and Mayweather.

Wax On · Post by **Wax On** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:14

thepocketrocket wrote:
Wax On wrote:
Autobarn wrote:shame on Hatton. us Brits have PPV'd him since Tszyu. We deserve something back, especially after those dreadful showings vs Urango and Collazo.
A fight with Witter works on a couple of levels.....(sadly I don't think PPV is going to be one of them)

1) Boxing exposure in the UK media and general population is really on the up over the last few years as a result of Khan at the Olympics and recent Hatton, Calz and Haye exploits........therefore in this type of climate could a Witter / Hatton match up generate the kind of attendance (at City of Manchester say) / Media buzz that the Benn v Eubank match ups had?? Would ITV or BBC back such a fight??

2) If Hatton was concerned about his legacy, how could he explain never facing such a deserving domestic rival. When people talk about Eubank's career, who talks about the 20 or so defences he made against Top / Good Europeans etc. No one. His career defining fights were with Benn and Watson, and even in his loss to Calzaghe (who still gives him his due for being one tough mofo).

I think the fight would be a good move for Ricky.
Are you for real??? Hatton has fought KT, JLC and PBF, If he doesnt fight Witter I wont give a fook and neither will those guys at the Hall of Fame!!!!!

It would be nice for him to fight Witter, but if he chooses Malinaggi then so be it

True pocket, maybe the Eubank comparison was not the most appropriate to Hatton, and I'm not disputing that in recent years he has significantly upped the class of boxers that he has fought (although people will still claim KT and JLC were shadows of their former selves when he met them), but IMO I think there would be some justification for people asking serious questions about his motivations if he were'nt to try and unify the LW division with fights against the likes of Rees and Witter.

I think it's fair enough if he wants to chase the $$$ for a couple more fights in the US and retire, who could blame him, he's earnt that right, but that's not the type of guys he's portayed himself as throughout his career.

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:23

Wax On wrote:
thepocketrocket wrote:
Wax On wrote: A fight with Witter works on a couple of levels.....(sadly I don't think PPV is going to be one of them)

1) Boxing exposure in the UK media and general population is really on the up over the last few years as a result of Khan at the Olympics and recent Hatton, Calz and Haye exploits........therefore in this type of climate could a Witter / Hatton match up generate the kind of attendance (at City of Manchester say) / Media buzz that the Benn v Eubank match ups had?? Would ITV or BBC back such a fight??

2) If Hatton was concerned about his legacy, how could he explain never facing such a deserving domestic rival. When people talk about Eubank's career, who talks about the 20 or so defences he made against Top / Good Europeans etc. No one. His career defining fights were with Benn and Watson, and even in his loss to Calzaghe (who still gives him his due for being one tough mofo).

I think the fight would be a good move for Ricky.
Are you for real??? Hatton has fought KT, JLC and PBF, If he doesnt fight Witter I wont give a fook and neither will those guys at the Hall of Fame!!!!!

It would be nice for him to fight Witter, but if he chooses Malinaggi then so be it
True pocket, maybe the Eubank comparison was not the most appropriate to Hatton, and I'm not disputing that in recent years he has significantly upped the class of boxers that he has fought (although people will still claim KT and JLC were shadows of their former selves when he met them), but IMO I think there would be some justification for people asking serious questions about his motivations if he were'nt to try and unify the LW division with fights against the likes of Rees and Witter.

I think it's fair enough if he wants to chase the $$$ for a couple more fights in the US and retire, who could blame him, he's earnt that right, but that's not the type of guys he's portayed himself as throughout his career.

Apologies for the tone, it wasnt meant to be so condescening...

But IMO Hatton doesnt need to unify, he is the UNDISPUTED LW champ, beating a few belt holders for the sake of doing it isnt required...

The reason that the GOBSHITEINAGGI(I love that, it could stick!) fight is interesting is cos its taking on the Yanks top man in the division..but hatton is still the champ

Wax On · Post by **Wax On** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:24

thepocketrocket wrote:
silkov wrote:Its nothing short of pathetic to say that he doesnt want to fight Witter because of Witters 'disrespect'.... why doesnt Hatton get Witter in the ring and teach him a lesson that way??. What about the insults that passed back and forth between Hatton and Mayweather!. The truth is that Ricky knows Witter would beat him and thats why he wont fight him. Its very disapointing, I'd have far more respect for the man if he fought and lost to Witter rather than ducking him and coming up with these pathetic 'he insulted me!' excuses.
Hatton doesnt seem to be the man that he tries to paint himself as in public...
No, thats just plain wrong...he wouldnt have fought PBF if he knew he was gonna lose, he wouldnt have fought Castillo and he wouldnt have fought KT...

What has being a scrote got to do with anything?? I'm from Manc, but to be fair if PBF used being a scrote as his criteria for not fighting people, he wouldn't have been fighting Ricky would he

Now Witter is this freaking Monster that Hattons scared shitless of, give me a break..its about public image and Hatton thinks witter is a scrote who shouldnt be saying things about him..is that a good attitude?? Thats the debate...

Hatton is not scared of a man who arguably lost to Kotelnik

Wax On · Post by **Wax On** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:26

thepocketrocket wrote:
silkov wrote:Its nothing short of pathetic to say that he doesnt want to fight Witter because of Witters 'disrespect'.... why doesnt Hatton get Witter in the ring and teach him a lesson that way??. What about the insults that passed back and forth between Hatton and Mayweather!. The truth is that Ricky knows Witter would beat him and thats why he wont fight him. Its very disapointing, I'd have far more respect for the man if he fought and lost to Witter rather than ducking him and coming up with these pathetic 'he insulted me!' excuses.
Hatton doesnt seem to be the man that he tries to paint himself as in public...
No, thats just plain wrong...he wouldnt have fought PBF if he knew he was gonna lose, he wouldnt have fought Castillo and he wouldnt have fought KT...

Now Witter is this freaking Monster that Hattons scared shitless of, give me a break..its about public image and Hatton thinks witter is a scrote who shouldnt be saying things about him..is that a good attitude?? Thats the debate...

Hatton is not scared of a man who arguably lost to Kotelnik

What has being a scrote got to do with anything?? I'm from Manc, but to be fair if PBF used being a scrote as his criteria for not fighting people, he wouldn't have been fighting Ricky would he!!

stujones · Post by **stujones** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:28

thepocketrocket wrote:
stujones wrote:I know there has been mermers and hints on here from people in the know that have always been saying the Hatton is scared of Witter, first time I believed the stories at the Setanta interview.

Contary to what Paul Dempsey said - he was trying his best to squirm himself out of it.... Was a little dissapointed, really.
Cmon, Stu, he has fought those 3 I mentioned, why would he be scared of Witter???

He squirmed cos he sounded like a bitter and possibly arrogant individual who wanted to make Witter suffer, thats not the public image he has manufactured

Sorry, scared wasn't the correct word - but still thinking risk/reward ratio is too great - but seemed like the first time he wasn't as convincing as normal when saying it.

I agree, a man who has fought Kostya, Castillo, and Mayweather shouldn't be scared of Witter - and I still say he smashes him.

Lenny · Post by **Lenny** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:28

What did Witter say that was really that bad?

Since the Thaxton fight interview (how long ago??) i've only ever heard Junior say Ricky should fight him and prove himself the best in the UK. What's wrong with that? Hatton's attitude on this subject stinks and I am a fan

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:28

Wax On wrote:
thepocketrocket wrote:
silkov wrote:Its nothing short of pathetic to say that he doesnt want to fight Witter because of Witters 'disrespect'.... why doesnt Hatton get Witter in the ring and teach him a lesson that way??. What about the insults that passed back and forth between Hatton and Mayweather!. The truth is that Ricky knows Witter would beat him and thats why he wont fight him. Its very disapointing, I'd have far more respect for the man if he fought and lost to Witter rather than ducking him and coming up with these pathetic 'he insulted me!' excuses.
Hatton doesnt seem to be the man that he tries to paint himself as in public...
No, thats just plain wrong...he wouldnt have fought PBF if he knew he was gonna lose, he wouldnt have fought Castillo and he wouldnt have fought KT...

What has being a scrote got to do with anything?? I'm from Manc, but to be fair if PBF used being a scrote as his criteria for not fighting people, he wouldn't have been fighting Ricky would he

Now Witter is this freaking Monster that Hattons scared shitless of, give me a break..its about public image and Hatton thinks witter is a scrote who shouldnt be saying things about him..is that a good attitude?? Thats the debate...

Hatton is not scared of a man who arguably lost to Kotelnik

Edit the post mate!!

But Hatton and PBF were in the top 10 P4P rankings(tho I hate them) Hatton sees Witter as a worm who gatecrashes his post fight press conferances..slightly differant IMO

Witter should move up, concentrate on his own career..hes spent too long waiting for Hatton! and at his age time isnt on his side

thepocketrocket · Post by **thepocketrocket** » 18 Dec 2007, 10:31

Lenny wrote:What did Witter say that was really that bad?

Since the Thaxton fight interview (how long ago??) i've only ever heard Junior say Ricky should fight him and prove himself the best in the UK. What's wrong with that? Hatton's attitude on this subject stinks and I am a fan

Witter has spent the last 6 years running down every achievement Hatton has ever made, Kostya, Castillo..everything, total lack of class, hes never even given Hatton a thumbs up...

They both hate each other, but on this one Hatton is holding all the aces