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The Ricky Hatton Hit List
Ricky Hatton’s Boxing Hit List
By Lee Purchase-October 18, 2006
A man who exudes such an affable, candid nature outside the ring couldn’t paint a picture in much more stark contrast with the obstinate beast that he becomes within it. Ricky Hatton is a somewhat charming guy with a likeable ’cheeky chappie’ persona, who earns the respect of the vast majority of people he encounters. Hence it seems it would be easy to negotiate with him and his team when it comes to putting his prospective bouts on the table.
Not exactly so. Although Hatton has a commercially desirable and exciting style which persuaded HBO to snap him up on a three-fight deal, it is unfortunate that since switching handlers from the stable of foremost British Promoter, Frank Warren to Dennis Hobson’s Fight Academy his efforts to secure fights with boxing’s elite in the 140/147lb divisions have resulted, thus far, in only frustrating conjecture. This is another aspect of his career that is completely at odds with his pugilistic nature, with the notable exception of his last fight (the first fight of his current trans-Atlantic quest for glory).
Brooklyn, NY native, Luis Collazo, was ultimately a misguided choice of opponent following his move up to 147lb (on which the jury is still out), made apparent with the dubiousness of Hatton’s decision victory in their intriguing duel back in May. He knocked a surprised Collazo off his feet in the first ten seconds of the bout with a well-executed left hook, but from then on the rest of his evening proved far from conclusive. Collazo rallied and produced a performance to almost match Ricky’s, troubling him with excellent ring generalship and forcing Hatton back with his power and superior natural weight on numerous occasions in the mid-to-late rounds, narrowly losing his WBA Title.
Nevertheless, due to Ricky Hatton’s personable makeup, and the style which has forged him a huge reputation in the sport, he will remain a large attraction with considerable earning power if the difficulties of dealing with Hatton and his team can be circumvented. He is due to fight Juan Urango in January, the young Colombian newcomer and the current holder of Hatton’s vacated IBF 140lb Title. A drop back down in weight would be the best move at the moment for Hatton considering how he handled the power of Collazo, who is by no means considered a big puncher. The Urango fight puts the onus on Ricky to deliver a big performance to reinstate the previous high expectations of the boxing world, and show that the difficulties he encountered in Boston were indeed a one-off. Although Urango is a relative unknown, Hatton would be wrong to overlook his next opponent; many observers thought was the root cause of the problems in his previous bout.
We, however, can enjoy the propensity of looking ahead for Ricky Hatton. A host of top class boxers reside within his considerable radar, and he conserves the necessary desire to beat all worthy challengers, often talking about prospective opponents with whom he would like to duel on the championship canvas. Who does Ricky still want? Who would provide his biggest challenge? Is there any change to the list of usual suspects that Hatton has been discussing since his magnificent IBF Light Welterweight Title victory over Kosta Tszyu? Let’s run the rule over the Hitman’s potential foes, his chances, and what difficulties and rewards they present:
Hatton’s Hit-List
The Contract: Jose Luis "El Temible" Castillo
Case File: A sturdy, relentless fighter much in the Hatton mould, Castillo is moving up for his debut bout at the 140lb limit due to his constant struggles at lightweight. He possesses a first-class resume with exceptional wins over Juan Laczano, Joel Casamayor, and his previous 135lb arch-nemesis, Diego Corrales, and is perceived by some to have handed Floyd Mayweather, JR., his first real professional loss when they met for the first time in 2002, although Mayweather took the decision and went on to avenge his defeat comprehensively in their rematch. Neither Hatton or Castillo are averse to employing some underhanded tactics during a fight, and I pity the referee who would be entrusted with this one! This matchup has the potential to be one of the biggest, most action-packed fights for many a year with the marauding, brawling style of both fighters, and, luckily for all of us, it looks like becoming a reality come early 2007.
Verdict: I would give the nod to Hatton to take it with a close, hard-fought decision victory, with his naturally larger frame and superior ability to work the body grinding down the ageing Castillo.
Ricky’s Payment: 2-4 million, with a huge name added to the Hatton resume assuming he wins.
The Contract: Diego "Chico" Corrales
Case File: The big punching, wiry framed Corrales is reeling following his subsequent points loss to Joel Casamayor in their rubber match, which was preceded by the debacle of his failure to make the 135lb limit and the resultant stripping of his title. He has spoken of retirement in the emotional aftermath of last weekend, but it is very possible he will stay active and be forced up to the light-welterweight division, mirroring the path of his previous lightweight rival Castillo. Whether his impressive punching power will survive the transition is another story. Again like Castillo, Corrales has also fought Mayweather, JR., in the past with a similar amount of success; he was knocked down five times en route to a brutal stoppage. His fiery temperament and fearless attitude would potentially result in a war with the Hitman, but whether his slim build and suspect beard would leave the ring intact would most likely be another story.
Verdict: The advantage would again go to Hatton as the bigger man. He’d pound Chico’s body in a frightful fashion, take what he has to offer in return and put him away in the later rounds.
Ricky’s Payment: Similar to Castillo. 2-4 million, a fighter of large stature on his CV and many more exciting avenues presenting themselves.
The Contract: Miguel Angel Cotto
Case File: The youthful, charismatic Puerto Rican has the complete pugilistic package; speed, power, stamina, skill, and a deep well of determination. He has answered questions against a number of difficult opponents including the problematic, DeMarcus Corley and the unheralded, Ricardo Torres, who both drew Cotto into a precarious position (and demonstrated his questionable chin) before succumbing to his brilliantly disciplined body assault and vicious hooks. Hatton would have a tough time against such a powerful opponent as Cotto, who is looking to move up to welterweight in the not-too distant future. The fight would most likely take place at 140, which would be more beneficial to Hatton as the younger Cotto seems to be growing into the higher weight. Tactically, the might may turn into an abdominal shootout and Hatton’s lack of conditioning between fights could become evident and take a huge toll. Hatton’s merciless determination will test Cotto’s stern resolve, and whilst both can pound liver like Rocky pounded that beef, either fighter could eventually be dancing the chicken.
Verdict: For me, this is a pick ‘em fight. Will Hatton’s pressure give him the edge, or Cotto’s ability to mix it up when he needs to and pick apart his foe? Could go either way and would be a huge scalp for the Hitman in the event of his victory.
Ricky’s Payment: 3-5 million, a win against another unbeaten, hungry fighter on the ascent, and the opportunity to fight probably anyone within the division.
The Contract: "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather, JR.
Case File: The gold at the end of Ricky’s rainbow. The Hatton holy grail. His dream fight. The undisputed Pound for Pound fighter in the sport, and he doesn’t look like losing that title soon. Possesses probably the quickest hands, one of the best defences, a huge array of variety to his punches, the ability to adapt to a situation in-fight and the hunger to maintain his reputation. His exceptional talent however belies a sometimes vulgar character who has documented history of disrespect towards his opponents, inflaming Hatton’s desire to give him a whuppin’ to unprecedented levels. Although Hatton respects Mayweather’s ability, there aren’t many boxers with such a disdain for their rivals as he continues to endure for the Pretty Boy. Ricky would have to produce a career-best performance to stand a chance against Mayweather, he himself likening the tactics necessary to triumph to that of ‘Duran against Leonard’ in their first fight. It would be all of that if both were at the top of their game, but, ominously for Hatton, Floyd has the edge in every technical department, with the exception of possibly body punching. How adeptly the Mancunian would have to employ that lonely advantage to live with him. Castillo’s performance in their first bout would provide a good tactical blueprint to being with, especially considering El Temible’s and Hatton’s parallel strengths.
Verdict: Ricky has been prone to cuts, and sometimes static head movement within the ring- Mayweather’s fast hands and overall control would likely make this a devastating, and bloody, one-sided defeat for Hatton. But if, and it’s a big if, he can stay on top of Floyd and beat his body for 36 flat-out, claustrophobic minutes, a win may not necessarily be an impossible feat…
Ricky’s Payment: The sky is most definitely the limit. Between 5-10 million, the coveted pound-for-pound crown, and the infinite possibilities that come with it…
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Originally Posted by Majesty
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