Boxing Press Conference: Ricky Hatton vs. Floyd Mayweather In New York
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This past Wednesday, the “Undefeated” press tour made it’s third stop when it landed at Rockefeller Center in New York City to promote the highly anticipated match up between the Pound for Pound Champion Floyd Mayweather, 38-0 (24), and Junior Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton, 43-0 (31), which will take place on December 8, 2007 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Both fighters currently hold a Ring Championship belt, Mayweather at welterweight and Hatton at junior welterweight. This fight will be the biggest match-up of two undefeated welterweights since Oscar De La Hoya and Felix Trinidad met for their record-setting mega-fight back in 1999.
The mega-fight is being promoted by Golden Boy Promotions and Mayweather Promotions. “We have two great fighters fighting each other, two fighters who have never tasted defeat.” said Golden Boy president Oscar De La Hoya. “We know that this fight is going to be a tremendous fight because none of them want to have that first loss on their record.”
Golden Boy East President Bernard Hopkins spoke highly of the British Bulldog, “I have got to respect a guy like Ricky Hatton, a fighter that comes to the United States that had to travel across the water to reach his destiny of being a champion. Trust me, a lot of fighters don’t want any part of that, for Ricky Hatton to leave Manchester England, you can’t get Joe Calzaghe to come anywhere near the states unless he is coming to New York to visit HBO.”
Hopkins continued to praise Hatton for coming to fight in America , “We represent the bigger market, we represent who is on the front cover on every sports boxing magazine and they accomplish greatness like Floyd has, like myself, like Oscar and Ricky Hatton. To come here and say I will take on the best and I’m going to leave it up to my ability and my faith that I am going to win. I respect that person.”
Before Ricky Hatton could be introduced, many of his fans in attendance began to chant and sing their favorite theme song, “There’s only one Ricky Hatton, one Ricky Hatton, walking along, singing a song, walking in a Hatton Wonderland.”
Hatton stepped to the podium, laughing and smiling at his fans and applauded them as they concluded their song.
“I would just like to say that I always knew from day one I had a talent at boxing and maybe that I could do quite well, but I never believed that I could become a world champion and win four titles in two-weight divisions with an opportunity to fight the best Pound for Pound fighter in the world,” commented Hatton on his career. “It’s so far away from my wildest dreams it’s unbelievable but it’s here now and I just can’t wait.”
The Hitman then spoke of the obvious contrasting styles of himself and Mayweather, “I think this fight has everything, as far as styles go, our styles couldn’t be any more different, as far as personalities go I think we’re both light years away.”
I’m looking forward to test my skills and I thank God for being given the opportunity. I never take a backwards steps and I won’t do on December 8. Floyd has disrespected me a fair bit this week so come December 8 I know I am going to get his respect. ”
Hatton had a final closing message for his opponent before leaving the podium, “I only ask one thing from Floyd Mayweather; be as aggressive when the bell rings as you are in the press conferences.”
Floyd “Money” Mayweather, which by the way is now his preferred moniker, was not as flamboyant as usual when he spoke at the podium, perhaps too distraught over not being able to wear his suit which was lost with his luggage in his flight to New York. “It’s been a long road, but it’s been great. I am truly, truly blessed.”
Mayweather spoke about being superior to Hatton, “Ricky Hatton has been in some tough fights and is a pretty competitive fighter, but he hasn’t been in there with a guy like me, Floyd Mayweather. I can adapt and adjust to any style at any weight. Skills pays the bills.”
The traditional pose down between the fighters was interesting as it was difficult to get Mayweather to look forward because he was too busy talking in Hatton’s ear obviously spewing some trash talking that the media was spared when he took the podium.
Although Hatton is not the showman that Mayweather is, he did respond to the trash talking which he failed to do earlier in the week. He put on a pair of headphones, continued to pose and then pointed to the headphones, gesturing to Mayweather, I can’t hear you.
For the time being, Hatton has been able to weather Mayweathers verbal onslaught, but we will have to see if he is as successful in the ring with him on December 8.
Hatton Mayweather fight tickets are still available at RazorGator.com See our tickets guide for more information to get you in.
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