Just another one of Wacko's Drunken Round by Rounds! Hatton vs Castillo!!!

Once again my bwoyo's it's on.

This weekend Wacko's Drunken Round by Round is comin atcha live from the lavish interiors of Wacko's Drunken Boxing Theatre as we tune in to another telecast of HBO's World Championship Boxing.

On Saturday, June 23 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada; fan favorite & former IBF junior welterweight champion & current WBA welterweight titleholder Ricky Hatton (42 wins with 30 ko's) will go toe to toe against former two time WBC lightweight kingpin Jose Luis Castillo (63 fights, 55 wins with 47 ko's, 7 losses, & 1 draw) in a 140lb showdown starting at 10:00 p.m.

Depending upon which side of the pond you swim...many quetsions have arisen regarding Hatton over the last few years, especially since many feel his opposition has been on the slide after he forced highly regarded champion Kostya Tszyu to quit on his tool in the 11th round of their championship fire fight.

Although one must admit that Hatton followed up his pummelling of Tszyu in spectacular fashion by knocking out the WBA 140 pound titlist Carlos Maussa inside of nine rounds.

Hatton won in the same bullish & relentless fashion that he pulled against Kostya, as Maussa was pressured backwards for the entire fight unil Hatton cornered Maussa and blasted him with a left hook to the head that sent him crumbling to the canvas. Hatton's place had finally been solidified in the ranks of the 140lb division. The fan's were speechless.

So what does Hatton do next?

What any sensible champion would do...he moves up. What was expected to be another walk in the park for the young Manchester brawler turned out to be a bit of a shock. Hatton came out strong & scored an early knockdown but had his hands full with Brooklyn southpaw Luis Collazo for the reast of the night. While Hatton did score a hard fought 12 round unanimous decision over the WBA welterweight champion...most fans & critics cried foul. The fight was toe to toe for the duration & Hatton was even stunned late in the game.

Hatton was scorned for his performance & was even raked across the coals later for offering a rematch that he would never grant as he bolted down to his prior place of 140lbs.

The next challenge that Hatton would take was a match against the heavy handed IBF champion Juan Urango. Again, Hatton would run the clock to the last of the 12 rounds & bring forth another disappointing but winning decision. While Hatton won all the match there were many rounds that he seemed to be a bit lethargic...almost as if he weren't there heart, mind, body, & soul. Urango checked Hatton's gut & chin several times & instead of Hatton coming alive as usual...he seemed to shell up & back pedal from corner to corner...& that my friends is not Ricky Hatton behavior. Many of Hatton's supporters align this showing with the fact that Hatton was dropping down in weight...thus the terrible performance.

Maybe...maybe not. One thing's for sure...Hatton's going to have to be on his best behavior against the banger Castillo.

That being said...Castillo has been in some hellacious ring wars over the last few years. Especially his bouts against Corrales, Mayweather, Casamayor, & Ngoudjo to name only a few. It's starting to become apparent that Castillo has seen better days & the word veteran is a lable waiting to be stamped alongside his name.

Quite possibley, Hatton has come to match wills with Castillo at just the right time as the aging champ seems to be showing his ring wear more & more with each bout.

What keeps popping into my noggin concerning this match up is the difference in size of the two. Sure they are the same weight & what not...but Castillo will likely have an advantage due to his height & reach...but the question remains...will he be able to establish it against the bullish Hatton?

While Corrales was somewhat effective on the inside against Castillo...he was also a bit lucky. Hatton's a great banger in close tight quarters...but Castillo's jab might keep him from coming in close & if he is able to get in range...it aint like Castillo is some feather fisted peach that has no clue what to do in a slugging match. This could very well turn into the Fight of the Year...but it all depends on what both men have left in the tank.

Both Hatton & Castillo have produced some shreik fests lately & both have been too close for comfort on some questionable decisions.

Although Castillo has defeated some really skilled game combatants...he did it at an early stage & a seemingly fresher point in his career. Besting names like Diaz, Casamayor, Lazcano, and Johnston is a healthy resume to fill...but again...those were different days when Castillo was less scrutinezed & more highly regarded. No one will ever forget Castillo's wars against the late great Corrales for the WBC & WBO lightweight titles & the same will be said if Castillo can dig deep enough to batter Hatton, who is either as much or more respected than Corrales...may he rest in peace.

Both Castillo & Hatton have both dealt & taken their fare share of punishment in the range of 140lbs...but lately each of them seems to have hit a peak or slide in their careers...this weekend will answer all questions if one is even the slightest bit off track.

That being said...I'd like to toss out what I have so fondly dubbed as the Wackster's Factors of the Fight...let's begin shall we.

Factors for & against Hatton:

Factor #1: Power. Honestly...this is a factor that I will have to say goes to Castillo. While Hatton has, in the past, pulled some impressive knockouts in his career...I truly believe that those days might just be a thing of the past. It seems that the constant weight gain that Hatton plays with himself may have finally taken it's toll. The pints & the move up to welter may have compounded on each other to weaken Hatton's punch as well as his spirits. While he does seem to still be able to run the course of 12 rounds...he hasn't produced much excitement in his last three matches & has even been wobbled by some fairly light fisted or inexperienced talent. I aint writing off a TKO...but I'd lean more towards a hard fought decision for Hatton.

Factor #2: Chin. Hatton's got one hell of a noggin. Having never been stopped in 40 some odd fights...I say that this one goes to Hatton in a drop.

Factor #3: Heart. Again...Hatton's favor here too. While I do question his abilities of late...it's hard to question Hatton's heart...more so his drive. I believe that Hatton will rise to the occassion this go around as I do feel that some of his problems have been in the fact that he hasn't garnered the matches or respect that he has wanted in the past. This may be Hatton's finest hour...or it could be his worst. I bank on the first & say that Hatton has the heart to take this one the distance...as long as I aint wrong on Factor #2.

Factor #4: Speed. While I feel that Hatton's no technical wizard...I do believe that he's fast & can put his power into his body work which will be what he needs to slow down Castillo, whom I say is as forceful as Hatton is fast.

Factor #5: Bodywork. This is what Hatton will need to make the dent in this match up. If Hatton can get past Castillo's jab & counter the left hook he can unload his salvo to Castillo's rib cage & pretty much negate Castillo's left hook up top. Hatton's reach is either 4" or 5" short of Castillo's...if he does find a way to climb that...he'll be able to go upstairs & most likely stop Castillo...but he's got to get inside & make those hands to drop...so it'll take body work & then some headshots to end this one. He's got to erase Castillo's jab/left hook combo.

Factor (Honorable mention) #6: Age. Hands down Hatton has this one in the bag. He's young in the ring & out. One has to hope & pray that Castillo has seen too many wars...which I believe that he has.

Factors for & against Castillo:

Factor #1: Power. Castillo's favor hands down. Castillo is brutal up & down from side to side. They don't call him "El Temible" for nothing. Castillo is ranked #1 by the WBC & Ring Magazine at 140lbs. He's a former two time WBC lightweight world champion with five successful defenses...I'd say that makes him somone worthy of fear, as his nickname states. His power is what got him to where he is today...just as Hatton's has his. I truly believe that if Hatton can't negate the left hook of Castillo...he's fwocked!

Factor #2: Age. Surely this one is otally against Castillo. While Hatton is only 28 years old, Castillo is 33...& an old 33 at that. In Wacko's Opinion...he's been in one to many wars for an on point Hatton. Castillo will need to come in hard like he did against Corrales in the first 6 rounds of the first fight...if not...Hatton bulls through him early.

Factor #3: Heart & chin to match! Castillo has heart...no doubt & his chin seems to be as sturdy as his will to survive. It's hard to see Hatton stopping Castillo with just one punch...but if Hatton can unload & Castillo folds...it'll be nighty night for the Mexican mauler.

Factor #4: Endurance. Castillo's a work horse by trade...& he's proven to be durable...very durable...but Hatton is Hatton & if Castillo is but a pinch off...Hatton will again bull through the man in front of him. I don't expect Castillo to gas or wear out early...but the late rounds should be interesting.

Factor #5: Body work, speed, & technique. Hatton is known as one of the best body bangers of his division...but Castillo is no slouch. I think that it's pretty close on the body work...with Hatton just inching a bit. Speed & technique...Hatton get's the speed factor & Castillo the technique. Castillo is very accurate in close & his size will make it more difficult for Hatton to move around the ring as he usually does.

I have to say that this is a close call & all of these factors could be flushed down the crapper swirly style if both men don't come in focused.

As far as my prediction goes...I have to go for a draw...either that or a bullshit decision.

I'm just too undecided over both...& honestly...I aint a fan of either man...but my interests are peaked.

That being said...let's get this party started.

The poll is above in anticipation of the up & coming bout...& as always...come fight night I encourage you to pour up your favorite poison of choice, pop a top on the ole' brewski's & toss the remotes...it's fight night & yet another installment of Wacko's Drunken Round by Round.

Cheers bitches...oh yeah...& koneecheewah.

I'm going for Hatton late stoppage or points. Younger,faster and a natural 140 pounder. JLC does not have the strenght advantge(or not as big of an advantage) as he did at 135.He won't be able to bully Hatton. The wear and tear will show on Castillo,Hatton will win. He should be favourite too.

I want to see a war,NO EXCESS HOLDING! I expect to see lots of blood too,these guys are warriors and have been cut before. Should be a FOTY candidate unless Hatton decides to punch and hold,frustrate JLC.

Oh and how could I forget,CC man.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Gamo

I'm going for Hatton late stoppage or points. Younger,faster and a natural 140 pounder. JLC does not have the strenght advantge(or not as big of an advantage) as he did at 135.He won't be able to bully Hatton. The wear and tear will show on Castillo,Hatton will win. He should be favourite too.

---

:coolclick: Agreed. Age will be a GARGANTUAN sized factor against Castillo.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Gamo

I want to see a war,NO EXCESS HOLDING! I expect to see lots of blood too,these guys are warriors and have been cut before. Should be a FOTY candidate unless Hatton decides to punch and hold,frustrate JLC.

---

Agreed. Although I honestly believe that if Hatton does pull those antics...Jose will make him wish that he hadn't.

How do you think JLC will make him pay for holding? I'm not so sure,I think he'll get frustrated.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Gamo

How do you think JLC will make him pay for holding? I'm not so sure,I think he'll get frustrated.

---

Upper cuts baby!

Watch both Corrales fights again.

He fwocked that melon up when they went shoulder to shoulder. Hatton's gonna be @ just the right place to eat 'em too. ;D

I voted Hatton TKO.

Would prefer it the other way, but this is what I am expecting. Hatton's steamrolling style just seems to nullify so many other things that should be factors.

Hatton's face won't be purty, though, at the end of the fight.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wacko3205

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by El Gamo

How do you think JLC will make him pay for holding? I'm not so sure,I think he'll get frustrated.

---

Upper cuts baby!

Watch both Corrales fights again.

He fwocked that melon up when they went shoulder to shoulder. Hatton's gonna be @ just the right place to eat 'em too. ;D

---

Good point man,but the difference is Hatton may just tie his arms up,hold Castillo until the ref breaks them.

I'm going with Hatton UD. Don't think he will stop Castillo, but he will wear him down and take control somewhere in the second half of the fight.

Wacko you are right on the money when you talk about focus. They both need to bring their A game and be ready or they will get badly hurt by the other.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Rookie Fan

I'm going with Hatton UD. Don't think he will stop Castillo, but he will wear him down and take control somewhere in the second half of the fight.

Wacko you are right on the money when you talk about focus. They both need to bring their A game and be ready or they will get badly hurt by the other.

---

Diego (MHRIP) stopped Castillo ... I think Hatton will as well.

Let's Get it on! Im from Mexicali, Baja California, Mexico, so i'm pulling for Castillo, like him since back in the day when he sparred with Chavez. I like Ricky Hatton's approach to boxing, he seems down to earth Brit not flamboyant just himself doing his works, a bit dirty with his push & shove but thats just his style. Castillo loves the inside fight. Its like world soccer England vs. Mexico. Most of the time England gets closer to the cup than Mexico, but in Boxing i think Mexico has an edge eventhough we havent had top rank heavyweights. The battle will start at the scales friday, JLC gets nervous. After that, he'll be ready to rumble with the Hitman. Any hooligans in Vegas this week?? I fancy Castillo in late rounds, he wont get a decision, he needs the KO. If it is true he's getting 250K vs. 5 mil, that itself should a reason to be hungrier for this. I like the underdog.

I can see the referee stepping in deep in the fight to save Castillo from further punishment. Hatton late TKO

Nuthapug Hattons face wont be purty at any time ;D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by NuthaPug

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by The Rookie Fan

I'm going with Hatton UD. Don't think he will stop Castillo, but he will wear him down and take control somewhere in the second half of the fight.

Wacko you are right on the money when you talk about focus. They both need to bring their A game and be ready or they will get badly hurt by the other.

---

Diego (MHRIP) stopped Castillo ... I think Hatton will as well.

---

I don't think Hatton has the power that Chico had. Though he is moving up so I may be wrong, but I just don't see Hatton stopping him.

Although I have great disdain for the guy, I pick Hatton on points.

Castillo looked like a skeleton warrior from a Sinbad movie during his last fight. It's hard to side with him since Hatton is rough, tumble, and likely to tie up before Castillo can land a good body shot.

Still, I see Castillo beating Hatton to the bunch on the outside and doing well if he can hurt Hatton to the body before getting hemmed up.

Something tells me to go with Hatton this time. I picked Urango over him and got dissapointed and I don't think Castillo has the chance that Urango had.

Good thoughts abound & :coolclick: s to all on board the WDRB Express.

Gotta get the clicks in early because it's hell going back through some 12 or 13 damn pages trying to give everyone props.

Cheers & here's hoping for a great match.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Memphis

Nuthapug Hattons face wont be purty at any time ;D

---

Hatton's face is like the ole' Sprite slogan when it comes to lookin purty...Never had it...never will!

:coolclick: Heh heh heh.

if castillo's biggest advantage is his power.. moving up to 140 at this stage in his career with an avg. chin at 140 might spell deasater for castillo vs. a brutal, hungrier, good chin, almost underrated hatton..

there is no way corrales hits harder at 135 than hatton does at 140

El gamo: great post

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Memphis

Nuthapug Hattons face wont be purty at any time ;D

---

You got a point there, Tennesee. :D

I'm getting the pre-hatton fight jitters like always and the doubts are creeping in, with his last few performances he hasn't been the same Ricky Hatton inside the ropes, but he's definitely had a lot on his plate as well that has led to his disappointing performances.

I think that from this point on it's a blank canvas for Hatton's HBO/USA career, with a fantastic all action performance against Castillo he can set the world on fire, and show that promise he hasn't delivered on quite yet, and that's exciting fights. I think the matchmaking has been horrendous by Banner Promotions and Fight Academy so far and has really damaged his stock. Guys like Collazo and Urango are hard to beat, and even harder to look good against for a fighter with the style of Hatton. Now is Ricky's chance to show he belongs in the P4P rankings against one of the best fighters of the last decade.

:coolclick:, for a quality write up Wacko. Much appreciated.

Im going with Hatton by decision or possible late stoppage. Im hoping we see a relentless Hatton throwing in bunches for as long as need be. Castillo will clock Hatton. There can be little doubt about that. Hopefully Hatton will respond with strength and continued pressure. None of that conservative rubbish we saw against Urango. Lets wait and see. Its sure to be a goody!! ;D

I think Hatton takes it by decision and I don't think it's going to be the knockdown, dragout, phonebooth war that everybody expects it to be. At least not in the early going.

I think Hatton is well enough on his feet as he showed in the early goings against Urango to move inside and out and create angles to score and counterpunch. It was really a side of Hatton we hadn't seen much of and for 6 rounds of that fight he looked spectacular. I blame the fight going south more on Urango not opening up then on Hatton.

Hatton has the abilit to score a lot coasting by on his feet, picking his spots on the inside and then getting outside. He made it look easy versus Urango and Castillo's outside game is virtually nonexistant at this point in his career. Could be a boxing lesson of sorts if Hatton can manage to be effective when he gets inside and instead of holding, move with his feet. I don't think that lasts though.

In the middle rounds I think we might see that shoulder to shoulder action that makes this such an appeasing matchup and in that game it's a tossup. Castillo has historically been a lot more active on the inside but Ngoudjo showed that he can be outworked and we've always known he can be hit. Hatton roughed up one of the toughest boxers in all the game in Tszyu, he was magic that night. If he's anything close to what he was that night, this could be a special performance.

Hatton decision in a fight that really gets good after round 6.

Also, for the second straight week I'm missing a big fight. Last week it was complete bullshit and I regret it to the utmost as I would rather pay 50 bucks to watch my boy Cotto beat the hell out of Cotto then spend half that much money for the movies anyways. However, I did come back and find the RBR in all of it's drunken glory and Youtube even had the bout.

This weekend should be a little better, NASCAR. Camping out next to Infineon here in Sonoma, California from Thursday through the Sunday night. Should be fun, you can bet your drunken ass that I will be FUCKED UP come fight night unless I had to get my stomach pumped the night before. It's not like last weekend where I had a computer to go home to though, I'm going to have to phone somebody to get the results this time around that's not my parents. Anybody on the board in the US up for that? lol

This is a big fight, have to get my results somehow.

Also, no undercard for this one? The Cotto replay has already been shown so I don't imagine we'll be getting that? Maybe a Hopkins - Wright preview? Anyone know what's the deal and if they are going to be airing just one fight?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by amat

Also, no undercard for this one? The Cotto replay has already been shown so I don't imagine we'll be getting that? Maybe a Hopkins - Wright preview? Anyone know what's the deal and if they are going to be airing just one fight?

---

Yes, it's just one fight. I have no idea why.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by SweetPea

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by amat

Also, no undercard for this one? The Cotto replay has already been shown so I don't imagine we'll be getting that? Maybe a Hopkins - Wright preview? Anyone know what's the deal and if they are going to be airing just one fight?

---

Yes, it's just one fight. I have no idea why.

---

Possibly to avoid competing with The Ultimate Fighter 5 finale? I don't know, they've had big fights where they've only shown one bout before like Taylor - Wright but they had a replay for that one. I think it was Tarver - Hopkins replayed that night.

Very odd that they wouldn't have at least one undercard for such a big fight.

I am a massive Hatton fan so I def say a a win for him but I think it will go the full 12 rounds as I think Castillo is a hell of a warrior and has not hit the matt in his career. I too am getting the pre fight jitters and I just hope that Ricky comes out on top form for this one cause he needs a quality performance to silence the doubters after the last few performances and from pics I have seen of him in training he is looking good, alot better than the pre fight Urango pics where he looked really weight drained and withdrawn. I think Ricky really needs to get his vintage body shots going to wear Castillo down which he hasnt seemed to have used in the last few performances, I also dont think Hatton will go toe to toe all the way like he says he is going to I think he will use his boxing skills as well like he did in the Tackie fight. Either way I think it will be a top fight and if it is as good as the Cotto/Judah fight then we are in for another treat.

Cmon Hitman!!!!

I was undecided between Hatton on points or by KO. I went for points in the end. Gunna be real tough to see it go the distance, I just don't think either man will stay down!

Iam going for 12round stoppage for Hatton.

Good points by all thus far... :coolclick: s.

It will also boil down to conditioning on both fighter's parts.

Hey Wackster seems like your rbr's are the only place I ever see you on the board these days!

Anyways onto the fight, it doesn't interest me terribly to be honest. I don't rate Hatton as anything more than a good solid champion and he has in my opinion got the Castillo fight at a very opportune time.

I think Hatton wins this easily outworking Castillo, who I really don't expect a lot from to be honest.

I think Hatton will rise to the occasion and box as well as we've seen him, but I don't think Castillo will really put the effort in to win this fight.

Hatton will tire in the last couple rounds but Castillo won't capitalise prompting people to come on here the next day and say that Castillo didn't try and that he could have stopped Ricky if he would have stepped up the pressure.........

But he won't and Ricky will win a UD victory 116-112, 117-111, 117-111.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bilbo

Hey Wackster seems like your rbr's are the only place I ever see you on the board these days!

---

We must just be on at different times...because I am on this fwockin thing everyday babe.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bilbo

I think Hatton will rise to the occasion and box as well as we've seen him, but I don't think Castillo will really put the effort in to win this fight.

---

Your'e probably right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wacko3205

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bilbo

Hey Wackster seems like your rbr's are the only place I ever see you on the board these days!

---

We must just be on at different times...because I am on this fwockin thing everyday babe.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bilbo

I think Hatton will rise to the occasion and box as well as we've seen him, but I don't think Castillo will really put the effort in to win this fight.

---

Your'e probably right.

---

You just gotta be looking at the porno links threads at the same time as him Bilbo. I see him all the time.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by superheavyrhun

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by wacko3205

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bilbo

Hey Wackster seems like your rbr's are the only place I ever see you on the board these days!

---

We must just be on at different times...because I am on this fwockin thing everyday babe.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bilbo

I think Hatton will rise to the occasion and box as well as we've seen him, but I don't think Castillo will really put the effort in to win this fight.

---

Your'e probably right.

---

You just gotta be looking at the porno links threads at the same time as him Bilbo. I see him all the time.

---

Not just any porn...gay porn. ;D :-X :throwup:

That weren't even a funny joke!

Firstly for anyone who's already got the Setanta tv deal they are showing Castillo v Corrales 1 tonight,fight 2 tommorow and Cotto v Juday after that as well as loads of stuff on Hatton himself.
I think it goes past 10 bloody action packed rounds before Castillo starts to look old and Hatton takes him.
Im convinced this fight will be the pinnacle of Hattons career so far and maybe Castillo's too ;).
Hatton TKO 11th.

Is there really no undercard? Not even on setanta?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ono

Is there really no undercard? Not even on setanta?

---

I assume there will be, cause it's a three (my mistake) FIVE hour bloody show, so if all of that is build up I will be a grumpy ole superheavy by the time it gets on.

I hope Hatton wins in a blistering performance that he used to be capable of - hurtful body shots and relentless action. To me he hasn't been the same since he split with Frank Warren and he had a bit of a shock when he went up a weight. Maybe he is not as confident about his power as he was before.

The good thing is he doesn't have the defensive skills and lack of heart that enabled Mayweather to beat DLH without taking the risk of getting hit. Ricky doesn't mind taking a few to give a few back - he knows its the only way he can win.

This is my second post and once again on the up-coming Hatton Castillo fight, yes... Not that it means something by itself, the IBO junior welterweight title and the pole position at 140 lbs for the Ring Mag, but because I believe there are bigger fights at a heavier weight for the winner of this, possibly Cotto or Margarito, yeah... No, it cannot be fight of the year after Miranda-Pavlik and Cotto-Judah but it can be entertaining cause you have two different styles put against each other and one gat to emerge victorious... Ricky is a hard fighting british pressure fighter and Jose Luis is tough as nails wise mexican warrior... If I was to pick just one of the two styles it would be Castillo's, experienced plus tricky plus a more attractive fighter, but besides the styles, there are the men and I can't see Castillo fighting Hatton the way he fought Ngoudjo and win, Jose Luis is too hitable and can't possibly keep Ricky at bay at this stage so he's going to take a whole lot of fast sharp lefts as Hatton jumps in inside the distance and controls the fight from there... Anyway, I continue to say this fight only means anything for the fans and for the Welterweight who wants to guarantee a win afterwards picking one of these...

Now then, when you compare the two RBR's from this week and last week, do you think that the IBF are proud of their decision to strip Ricky Hatton. Which fight would you want to have associated with the prestigious IBF World title? Ricky Hatton v Jose Luis Castillo, or Lovemore N'dou v Paulie Malignaggie. A slow hand-clap for the IBF please.

Hatton has been jumping up and down to come up with a decision where he feels more comfortable to fight at, at 140 lbs or 147 lbs, not mentioning the fact that he doesn't train for a long time and gained too much weight ( he really looked puffed up and out of condition coming in with Barrera for the Barrera Marquez showdown)... I mean, NDou Malignaggi was a fight that simply happened since Hatton didn't want to fight NDou... Once again, Castillo is nobody at 140 lbs until he beats someone with a meaningful title like the IBF's so why did Ricky go for the mexican ex-lightweight in the first place? That's right, cause he has a name and a win means he'll have somethingin his defense to negotiate with his next opponent at 147 lbs

This one is free on HBO right??? I just read an article that said HBO PPV?!?! I hope to hell not, they have been showing as free in promos...please tell me this article writer is on crack.