Next For Hatton: PBF, Paulie Or Pac Man?

Next For Hatton: PBF, Paulie Or Pac Man?
http://www.thesweetscience.com/boxin...aulie-pac-man/

It was around 110 degrees in Las Vegas when Ricky Hatton and Jose Luis Castillo entered the ring for their much-anticipated clash at the Thomas and Mack Center.

Not long after that, Hatton put the real heat on and didn’t let up until he had completely overrun his respected opponent with a fierce inside attack, for a knockout at 2:16 of the fourth frame.

“I’m known for being exciting,” said Hatton. “I was a bit more at me best tonight. The bigger the test, the better I do.”

A screaming swarm of around 14,000 gathered for a first rate, HBO televised showcase. It seemed like over half the crowd had traveled from England to support their Manchester man. The fight may not have been the two way classic most fans hoped for, but it was definitely a big night for Hatton and the 140-pound division.

The main questions coming in concerned whether or not the long-campaigning Mexican hero Castillo had yet another huge effort left in him. He didn’t tonight.

For Hatton, it was a matter of trying to regain the recently lost momentum that had put him at the forefront of the game’s future leaders. He sure as hell regained it.

It was a sign of respect for Castillo’s considerable resume that the younger, undefeated Brit, with far less perceived fistic mileage, was less than a two to one favorite in many sports books. Less conservative, but probably more realistic odds should have favored Hatton around three to one.

Still, based on the fighters’ respective performances during their January co-starring previews, Hatton against Juan Urango and Castillo versus Herman Ngoudjo, each principal had a legitimate shot to win big.

Once the bell rang, Hatton began looking like a 100-1 lock.

They immediately went into mauling mode, without much landing from either man in the opening rounds. Hatton gained a lead based on a few straight uppercuts and increased hooks that didn’t bother Castillo but set a pace that Hatton built upon well.

Castillo found the range better inside and gave his fans some hope with a one-two in the third, but Hatton stayed much busier. The round ended with solid action and roused the arena.

Things went from bad to worse to over for Castillo in the fourth frame. Referee Joe Cortez deducted a point from Castillo for some of the few low blows Hatton complained about. Any debate over subsequent shots became academic as Hatton sank a leather spear beneath the ribs that spun and sank Castillo to a knee.

Castillo remained bent to the Nemiroff sign on the canvas as Cortez tolled the anti-climactic count.

A chagrined Castillo offered Hatton congratulations and no excuses.

Hatton’s face showed some redness, but he was never really stung. He remained diplomatic when asked if he felt Castillo gave a sub-par effort.

“I trained for the best of Castillo and it showed,” said Hatton, now 43-0 (31). “I’d like to think I should get a pat on the back.”

There was speculation that the winner of tonight’s encounter would be in line for consideration regarding Floyd Mayweather Jr’s dance card, should Pretty Boy decide to keep throwing as a pro, currently another pick ‘em bet.

That seemed unlikely with Castillo’s been there, done that baggage with Mayweather, but Hatton may be another matter.

Mayweather may dismiss Hatton as a threat, and the best way for Mayweather to clean up on the risk reward factor would be to fight in England. Perhaps that’s the only type challenge to lure a proud but discontent champion like Mayweather to continue his campaign across the pond.

For now, it was time for the VIPs to down a couple more slugs on the UNLV campus before heading back to the nearby neon.

For the thousands of Hatton’s visiting fans, it was time for more casino playgrounds.

For Castillo’s loyalists, it’s likely the end of an era. Though Castillo (55-8-1 (47) will likely fight again, this may be his last big stage.

Either way, the Strip beckons with whatever yaz needs. Hatton and Castillo added to the regenerating glow. It wasn’t a brawl for the ages, but it was a top-notch butt kicking. And some fools used to say Vegas would be over soon, just like they underestimated boxing.

“We’re two of the best pound for pound fighters in the world,” said Hatton before the fight. “You’d have to expect a great battle, and a great night, wouldn’t you?”

The battle wasn’t great, but Hatton certainly was. So was his latest night in Vegas.

Now that Hatton has successfully re-established himself as one of the game's most pleasing performers, he can attempt to duplicate the type of rumbling run that led to his Fighter of the Year status during 2005.

Actually, Hatton has carried out his plan for ' 07 exactly as he previously spoke about. As the season began he targeted Urango to start the year, with hopes of the Castillo summer smash, then a grand finale against Mayweather, possibly in November.

So far, so jolly good. Right now the doubtful future of Hatton's proposed trifecta may still be in Mayweather's hands, but the goal is not out of reach. Two out of three definitely ain't bad for where Hatton stands right now.

If Mayweather remains unavailable, Hatton still has plenty of potentially lucrative options like Miguel Cotto or Paulie Malignaggi. A newcomer like Demetrius Hopkins could prove interesting.

If an agreeable catch-weight could entice Manny Pacquiao, Hatton could be looking at one of the biggest globally proportioned fights of the decade.

Theres no use in hatton giving away what he has to make a lower weight in order to meet pac..

Pac would likely get stronger and hatton if he in a million years got down to even lightweight would be a dead man walking..

Theres too many opportunities at better weights and in better circumstances for hatton for him to consider a match with pac..

Pac-Hatton @ 135 would be an exciting match up. But I don't think it will happen. Less money and more risk for Ricky.

I'd pick Pac over Hatton at 140. Pac weighed around 147 by the time he got in the ring in his last two fights anyway--there's no need for a catch-weight.

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Originally Posted by Pacstraightleft

Pac-Hatton @ 135 would be an exciting match up. But I don't think it will happen. Less money and more risk for Ricky.

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...how do you propose Hatton lose 5 more pounds???

Hatton vs Pacquiao happens at 140 or it doesn't happen at all.

Pacquiao Vs Hatton at even 140 is an advantage for Hatton and a stupid move on the part of his management team if they ever took such a fight though I do not think it would ever come off...

Win or Lose Hatton loses.....

If he loses he is labeled as overrated and ends up with Jeff Lacey complex as being nothing but Brawn

If he wins he is labeled as a guy who fights smaller men or past their prime fighters......Not good for his career....

Paulie is the next smart step out of the two choices

Paulie is a wise move but doesn't bring the money Pacquiao would.


Manny would be a smart move if Manny came up and did well at 140, then it would be a good move

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Originally Posted by Lyle

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Originally Posted by Pacstraightleft

Pac-Hatton @ 135 would be an exciting match up. But I don't think it will happen. Less money and more risk for Ricky.

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...how do you propose Hatton lose 5 more pounds???

Hatton vs Pacquiao happens at 140 or it doesn't happen at all.

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140 would make it worst for these two to have a match up though. Pac's handlers would not agree.

Pac is very comfortable @ 130. Hatton is very comfy too @ 140.

I'd say for fans satisfaction, they have to meet @ 135.

....Hatton has enough trouble fighting at 140 why kill himself to go down further????

As I said IF Pacquiao moved up and had a good showing at 140 he'd be option #1!


Right now it's Malignaggi or anyone at 147 where Ricky can move up or if anyone from 135 wants to move up like Juan Diaz or Joel Casamayor

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Originally Posted by shza

I'd pick Pac over Hatton at 140. Pac weighed around 147 by the time he got in the ring in his last two fights anyway--there's no need for a catch-weight.

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10 pounds matters. 10 pounds does make a lot of difference.

Eventhough Pac is taller half inch and has longer reach, Hatton is naturally bigger and can match Pac's speed.

Pac would find himself KTFO @ 140. Nah-uh.

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Originally Posted by Lyle

....Hatton has enough trouble fighting at 140 why kill himself to go down further????

As I said IF Pacquiao moved up and had a good showing at 140 he'd be option #1!


Right now it's Malignaggi or anyone at 147 where Ricky can move up or if anyone from 135 wants to move up like Juan Diaz or Joel Casamayor

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I agree.

... that makes more sense to me ^-^

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Originally Posted by Pacstraightleft

Pac-Hatton @ 135 would be an exciting match up. But I don't think it will happen. Less money and more risk for Ricky.

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I don't see how it would be less money. I can't think of any fighters other than Oscar, Floyd and Mosely who could generate more money than Manny Pacquiao, that would be a huge fight in terms of PPV sales.

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Originally Posted by Bilbo

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Originally Posted by Pacstraightleft

Pac-Hatton @ 135 would be an exciting match up. But I don't think it will happen. Less money and more risk for Ricky.

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I don't see how it would be less money. I can't think of any fighters other than Oscar, Floyd and Mosely who could generate more money than Manny Pacquiao, that would be a huge fight in terms of PPV sales.

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Bob Arum is a rich b@stard. He can make it happen anytime he wants.

If PBF were only to have one more fight, i'd vote for it to be against Hatton. Just imagine the energy, what an event it would be. Sorry but Cotto doesn't have enough personality to create as big of an event. Bring on PBF Hatton.

I think Hatton will fight Malignaggi next.
I heard that Casamayor was calling out Hatton & that would be the fight I'd wanna see. Jr. Welter champ Vs Lightweight champ.

WTF=Pac???! Hatton can't move down to 135,it would be impossible! And Manny has too many fights at his own weight. That fight would not happen.

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Originally Posted by El Gamo

WTF=Pac???! Hatton can't move down to 135,it would be impossible! And Manny has too many fights at his own weight. That fight would not happen.

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I agree bro, Pacquiao is not even in the equation

According to Mayweather its gonna be him next, he's really not happy with how Hatton put him on blast, that's the best fight out there.

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Originally Posted by 'Big' Dan McCarthy

According to Mayweather its gonna be him next, he's really not happy with how Hatton put him on blast, that's the best fight out there.

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Truth is ...And I know I am going to get a bunch of Sc's for this and be called a Hatton hater ect...

Hatton can not compete with Floyd....Not strong enough to KO him and Floyd is too fast for the hit and hold....Floyd is definatly not going to lay on the ropes for Hatton to tee off on.....I see Floyd coasting to a decision and Hatton chasing him around all night trying to catch him

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Originally Posted by DaxxKahn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 'Big' Dan McCarthy

According to Mayweather its gonna be him next, he's really not happy with how Hatton put him on blast, that's the best fight out there.

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Truth is ...And I know I am going to get a bunch of Sc's for this and be called a Hatton hater ect...

Hatton can not compete with Floyd....Not strong enough to KO him and Floyd is too fast for the hit and hold....Floyd is definatly not going to lay on the ropes for Hatton to tee off on.....I see Floyd coasting to a decision and Hatton chasing him around all night trying to catch him

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Well.. Its all opinion matey!

Let em Sc you..I wont..

I just wont say who wins

I will say i want hatton to beat him badly..

But when you see the struggle that a guy like Oscar has trying to land a decent clean punch on Floyd.. Then its just hard not to be confused and bewildered on a prediction level..

All i know is this..

The sole thought of this fight bieng signed, the build up, the actual fight..

Just like it was with de la hoya - mayweather..

Is just crazy.. All these fights are big.. They do legendary things for either fighter regardless of the decision..Its history in the making.. HUGE stuff..

I just cant express..

Two great fighters..A huge build up before a fight has even been signed.. and if it does get signed then the build up would be more immense..

Two Huge fighters with a combined record of 81-0 .. Im going wild at the thought of it..

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Originally Posted by Tito_BHB

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DaxxKahn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 'Big' Dan McCarthy

According to Mayweather its gonna be him next, he's really not happy with how Hatton put him on blast, that's the best fight out there.

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Truth is ...And I know I am going to get a bunch of Sc's for this and be called a Hatton hater ect...

Hatton can not compete with Floyd....Not strong enough to KO him and Floyd is too fast for the hit and hold....Floyd is defiantly not going to lay on the ropes for Hatton to tee off on.....I see Floyd coasting to a decision and Hatton chasing him around all night trying to catch him

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Well.. Its all opinion matey!

Let em Sc you..I wont..

I just wont say who wins

I will say i want hatton to beat him badly..

But when you see the struggle that a guy like Oscar has trying to land a decent clean punch on Floyd.. Then its just hard not to be confused and bewildered on a prediction level..

All i know is this..

The sole thought of this fight being signed, the build up, the actual fight..

Just like it was with de la hoya - mayweather..

Is just crazy.. All these fights are big.. They do legendary things for either fighter regardless of the decision..Its history in the making.. HUGE stuff..

I just cant express..

Two great fighters..A huge build up before a fight has even been signed.. and if it does get signed then the build up would be more immense..

Two Huge fighters with a combined record of 81-0 .. Im going wild at the thought of it..

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Hey don't get me wrong I would love to see Ricky shut Floyd up....I have been rooting for who ever Mayweather fights to beat him since he fought Corrales...Too Cocky for me...Hell I hoped Gatti would pull out a miracle ::**...Key word's being Hoped and Miracle ;)...

I don't see Hatton being stopped by Floyd just like I said though I forsee Floyd moving all night and Hatton trying to catch him

One thing is for certain it would be a PPV through the roof and the arena would be packed....

Of course Zab would fight some guy with a 15-12 (1) record and Joel would report official buys from that fight being double but until then this fight would sell quick

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DaxxKahn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Tito_BHB

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DaxxKahn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by 'Big' Dan McCarthy

According to Mayweather its gonna be him next, he's really not happy with how Hatton put him on blast, that's the best fight out there.

---

Truth is ...And I know I am going to get a bunch of Sc's for this and be called a Hatton hater ect...

Hatton can not compete with Floyd....Not strong enough to KO him and Floyd is too fast for the hit and hold....Floyd is defiantly not going to lay on the ropes for Hatton to tee off on.....I see Floyd coasting to a decision and Hatton chasing him around all night trying to catch him

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Well.. Its all opinion matey!

Let em Sc you..I wont..

I just wont say who wins

I will say i want hatton to beat him badly..

But when you see the struggle that a guy like Oscar has trying to land a decent clean punch on Floyd.. Then its just hard not to be confused and bewildered on a prediction level..

All i know is this..

The sole thought of this fight being signed, the build up, the actual fight..

Just like it was with de la hoya - mayweather..

Is just crazy.. All these fights are big.. They do legendary things for either fighter regardless of the decision..Its history in the making.. HUGE stuff..

I just cant express..

Two great fighters..A huge build up before a fight has even been signed.. and if it does get signed then the build up would be more immense..

Two Huge fighters with a combined record of 81-0 .. Im going wild at the thought of it..

---

Hey don't get me wrong I would love to see Ricky shut Floyd up....I have been rooting for who ever Mayweather fights to beat him since he fought Corrales...Too Cocky for me...Hell I hoped Gatti would pull out a miracle ::**...Key word's being Hoped and Miracle ;)...

I don't see Hatton being stopped by Floyd just like I said though I forsee Floyd moving all night and Hatton trying to catch him

One thing is for certain it would be a PPV through the roof and the arena would be packed....

Of course Zab would fight some guy with a 15-12 (1) record and Joel would report official buys from that fight being double but until then this fight would sell quick

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Lol :laugh:

I wouldnt have it any other way though :)

Pac v Hatton at 135 is a joke everyone knows there is no way on earth that Hatton would get down to that weight. I recon Hatton will come back to the uk and fight before end of the year then go after Mayweather in mid 2008.

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Originally Posted by galaxy76

I think Hatton will fight Malignaggi next.
I heard that Casamayor was calling out Hatton & that would be the fight I'd wanna see. Jr. Welter champ Vs Lightweight champ.

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Pbf would be a bigger "event" but i think casamayor would actually be a good fight so that's my choice as well...

The most likely is Malignaggi, which would be great.
But obviously the dream fights are Cotto and PBF

Just so we're clear, I sad clicked the nutsack who started this thread and went to say Hatton fighting pacface would be risky for Hatton. ::**