21.11.07 – By Kenny Rushby: Ricky Hatton versus Floyd Mayweather. Now from a UK perspective, I’m not sure how ‘big’ a name Hatton is, but from what I’ve read, I don’t think he’s as well respected in the rest of the world as he is here. Obviously we’ve seen him in more fights than you, so let me enlighten you a bit… Ricky may not have the names on his CV, but like Joe Calzaghe, he’s gaining them as quick as he can. It takes a while for us to crack the US market, and in Calzaghe’s case, it’s probably a bit too late for the new guys like Cotto – it’ll be the names he knows now, Roy Jones and Hopkins.
For Hatton, he’s still 28 though he’s also gonna retire after a 2/3 more fights. That’s why they’re after the names.
I’ve seen Hatton fight – I mean BATLLE through fights, using a monster heart, strength belying his frame, and a crushing poundage on his punches. They were recently rated at over half-a-tonne p/s/i by a university in the UK. That’s why Castillo went down, not ‘cos he was too old.
Mayweather is the ultimate boxer – rated alongside some of the best of all time. He has speed in abundance, accurate scoring shots, and decent power too. He’s been in there with some big names, and exudes confidence. And is still undefeated.
But I thought De la Hoya scored at least a draw. I had it one round to Golden Boy. And I wasn’t alone. But there were plenty who also thought Mayweather won it fairly.
I don’t, for one minute, expect this one to reach round 12. I expect to see an aggressive Mayweather, throwing more than usual – I think all the hype has got to him more than usual, he doesn’t understand why so many people are rating this little white man from England who drinks guinness every night until two months before a fight, and I give the opening rounds to Floyd. But he will throw more, and will leave himself slightly open to a few Hatton body shots. This will take it’s toll, and when Hatton has his confidence from round 4 onwards, they will come more often. Floyd will take to running, but Hatton will tie him up, drag him in, it won’t be pretty for Pretty Boy, but it will wear him down.
I see the knock out coming in round seven for Hatton, but Mayweather will rise. The knock out will come two round later. Hatton will win, even if he goes down early, which is a big possibility. But he can FIGHT, which because of Mayweathers style, he never has. Hatton will turn this into a battle of heart, and I know which is bigger.
So, my head says Floyd Mayweather, but my heart sings for Hatton.