Boxing Preview: Ricky Hatton – Juan Urango

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Ricky Is Happy Living The Dream, But Will Juan Urango Spoil The Party? At the age of twenty-eight, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton is certainly living the dream he had as a child. Boxing on the top of the bill in fabulous Las Vegas next year, Ricky will see the ambition he has had since first putting on boxing gloves come true.

Indeed, appearing on a big bill in Vegas is as much as any fighter can hope for in many ways.

“Fight Town”, as Vegas is known, is THE place for professional prize fighting these days, as it has been since the late 1970’s. And for Ricky Hatton, a tough kid from the streets of Manchester, to be the top of the bill there is something that will perhaps mean more to him than becoming world champion did.

Vegas is the place where legends are made and Hatton wants to become one. He is definitely going the right way about it. With a mega fight with Mexican warrior Jose Luis Castillo scheduled to follow the Urango bout, “The Hitman” is looking to fight the best opposition available. The thought of a Hatton-Castillo fight, a match-up that potentially has fight of the year/decade all over it, is absolutely mouth watering. First though, Ricky must take care of the unbeaten Columbian – the man who currently holds his old IBF world title.

The fight will be held at The Paris Hotel on the famous Strip, and as both men will enter the ring undefeated someone’s “0” will have to go. Does Juan have a chance at making it Ricky’s? There are a number of other questions going into this fight. For example, Ricky will be coming off the longest idle spell of his entire career, therefore will the possibility of ring-rust raise its head?

Also, how much weight did the two-time world champ put on during his inactive spell and will shedding it be any sort of a problem? As for the twenty-six year old Urango, will the size of the occasion get to him? Hatton will certainly be by far the most formidable opponent yet in his career. This and the glitzy venue the fight is being fought at may phase Juan somewhat.

Actually, with Ricky coming off the worst showing of his career to date – against the slick southpaw, Luis Collazo – and Juan coming off a decision win that raised more than a few eyebrows – against Naoufel Ben Rabah – the match-up is a fascinating one. Both men will be brimming with determination to improve on their last showing.

Back down at his natural weight of light-welterweight, Hatton will look to regain his old menace and self belief – belief that he is the very best fighter in his weight class. If he convincingly defeats the well muscled Urango he will be heading in the right direction; X2 if he wins by KO.

The Columbian doesn’t figure to go easily though. Despite the controversial aspect of his win over Rabah, his biggest victory to date, Juan is a strong and capable fighter. Yes, he probably did deserve to lose the points verdict to the Australian back in June, but to judge him off this performance alone would be a mistake. One I seriously doubt Ricky will make.

With thirteen KO’s amongst his seventeen wins, Urango’s power must be respected. And in the draw he has on his record he boxed one Mike Arnaoutis, the man who has just fought the lethal punching Ricardo Torres in a close split decision loss. Add to this the fact that the reigning IBF 140 pound champion has both a height and reach advantage over “The Hitman” – Hatton stands at five feet and six inches and has a reach of only 65 inches, while Urango stands at five feet and eight inches and has a wingspan of 71 inches – and it’s clear to see that Ricky has a very real fight on his hands.

There is no doubt about it, Juan Urango is a world class fighter. One who Ricky Hatton must not let ruin his plans of becoming a boxing legend. If for no other reason than the admittedly selfish one that we fans are desperate to see Britain’s best fighter get it on with Castillo!