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Yesterday at the Woolcombe vs. Portman British Light Middleweight title weigh-in, there were wildly different opinions on just who would win tonight’s greatly anticipated Ricky Hatton vs. Floyd Mayweather WBC Welterweight title showdown.
Glenn McCrory, former world champion boxer and current Sky Sport Commentator: “I’m pretty much convinced that Hatton is going to pull it off in a sensational win. I think that he totally believes in himself and that he can do it.”
Adam Smith: Sky Sports Commentator: “I think that this is a head vs. heart fight. When the fight was first announced, I was convinced that Mayweather would win on points. He’s too big, probably too classy and Ricky cuts. Ricky isn’t a welterweight, he’s away from home…
“There’s just so much against Ricky but over the last 12 weeks, I think that he has won the psychological war. I think he looks in terrific condition and if anyone can do it, it’s Ricky. I think that he’s got a bigger chance now than when the fight was first announced but I’ll still go with Mayweather on points.”
Frank Maloney, Boxing Promoter: “Mayweather all night long. I think that he’ll give Hatton a boxing lesson and probably stop him in the later rounds. Most of the Brits are being ruled by their hearts, the same as it is with the football and we always come up losers in that.”
John Rushton, Boxing Promoter: “I’d really love Ricky Hatton to win but he’s had his successes at light welterweight where he’s enjoyed the privledge of coming in massively heavier than his opponent on the night.
“But on this occasion, he won’t have that advantage and he’s doing it against probably the best fighter in the world. It must be great to be recognized as the best in the world but Hatton is hoping to do it by beating the best in the world but unfortunately, I don’t think that he will.”
Matt Edmonds: Welsh bantamweight: “Hatton is relentless but Mayweather is so unique as a fighter; I don’t think that Hatton can overcome that.”
Jamie McDonnel, British super flyweight: “I reckon Hatton’s going to win it. It’s going to be a close fight but Hatton on points.”
Jason Rushton, British light middleweight: “I’m tippin’ Mayweather, to be honest. I’d love to see Hatton do it, but it’s over there and Mayweather seems too confident. It looks like it’s his time and I think he’ll beat Hatton on points because I don’t think that anybody can stop Hatton.”
Steve Wood, Boxing Promoter: “It’s a 50-50 fight, but I’d have to swing to Mayweather on points. But, I do hope that Ricky gets Mayweather and if he does get to him early, he could stop Mayweather by the ninth round or so. But common sense; Mayweather on points.”
Bob Shannon: Boxing Trainer: “I think that if Ricky wins it, it will be an early stoppage and if it gets stopped late, it’ll be Mayweather winning. With the agility of Mayweather, Ricky has to jump on him straight away and I would say that it could be a stoppage for Ricky with Mayweather staying on his stool because of his hands are sore and he doesn’t want to come out for more. But if it goes the distance, it’ll be Mayweather.”
Jimmy Gill: Boxing Trainer, Matchmaker: “Ricky Hatton to stop Mayweather, rounds 7 to 11.”
Jason Booth: British bantamweight: “I’m going for the draw but I want Ricky Hatton to win it because he’s British. I think he can do it and the whole nation is behind him.”
