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Hatton-Mayweather..Surely boxing's biggest What If....
http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=6670&more=1
.04.06 - By Jeff Allinson: If asked what a great fantasy matchup would be, a boxer, analyst, or just a fan, would most likely say "Roy Jones v Marvin Hagler at Middleweight would have been a good one" or perhaps "I would love to have seen WilliePep v Azumah Nelson"....Well forget all that historical nonsence, there's a dream of a fight, just waiting to happen at 147lbs, and it could be right here, right now and its Hatton V Mayweather Jnr!
Both of these guys are at the top of their games, are polar opposites of style (and persona for that matter), and quite correctly regarded as 2 of the best fighters on the planet right now, and if that fight does not whet your appetite, then your dead already!
Hatton is the merciless body puncher with non stop aggression and a huge fan base to boot, whereas Floyd is the textbook craftsman, with a wonderfull array of punches and slick movement, what a combination of styles to make a fight! But what would the outcome be?
This is not an easy question to answer so lets look at the fighters a little closer.
Floyd is a 4 weight world champion (on paper anyway) and his best work by far was at Super Feathweweight (defeating one Diego Corrales, in one of 8 defences) and also at Lightweight (defeating Jose Luis Castillo twice I might add, albeit once controversially) and if that alone does'nt tell you how great Floyd is, then you can not recognise tallent!
Hatton has fought all his career to date at Jnr Wllterweight and his best performance shocked most boxing experts when he broke down one of the greatest fighters in the world, Kostya Tszyu, in 11 brutal rounds....He achieved the unthinkable. He also snatched, rather forcefully, the WBA version of the title off Carlos Maussa. Believe me, Hatton is for real, and he is moving up to 147lbs.
Lets look at the tale of the tape, Hatton is 5'6" compared to 5'8" for Mayweather, and Floyd also has a decent reach advantage too of about 7" Does all that matter? It may or may not, when you consider Floyd is quite happy to keep you on the end of a jab, then blasting fast combinations at you from everywhere! However, no need for that from Hatton, he likes to be in your face, nullifying your work rate with energy sapping body punches, then going to the head at the drop of a hat. No real advantage there, as both guys fight different styles.
Speed: Whilst Hatton covers the ground and cuts down the ring very quickly, Mayweather is like lightening on his feet, definate advantage for Floyd there.
Power: Neither guy is a concussive hitter, but from what Ive seen of both guys, (a lot), Ricky definately has the edge in my opinion. Just ask Maussa!
Agility: Need you ask? Hatton whilst reasonably agile, is made to look like a Robot compared to Floyd, he's about the most agile fighter out there right now.
Work rate: Another no brainer. Floyd has a good work rate, make no mistake, but Hatton's is truly exceptional. I've not seen anything like him in 3 decades.
Stamina: Both guys always arrive in terriffic shape, However, Hatton gets better and better as the fight goes on. Advantage Ricky here.
Ring Generalship: Both guys are excellent Ring generals in their own ways. Floyd prefers to work from the outside, controlling matters with his jab, slick movement, slipping, blocking and countering, whilst Hatton is in your face, forcing you to fight at his pace, and his type of fight. And that is a crucial factor I believe.
Strength: Hatton has the edge here I believe, despite Floyd being taller, he is less stocky. Advantage Hatton.
Cuts: Oh dear, Hatton bleeds like a stuck pig (but his corner men are excellent however), whereas Mayweather isnt as prone. Advantage Floyd.
So who would win? Wow. It's a nightmare of a fight to predict. Both guys are absolutely superb at what they do, which is why they are held in such high regard by most fight lovers. Fans who like guys such as Meldrick taylor and Roy Jones Jnr would always go for Mayweather, whereas fans who supported Marvin Hagler or Mike Tyson would tend to lean toards Hatton. Make no mistake, its a real pick em fight and could go either way. I would lean toards Hatton though, due to the nullifying effect of his awkward in your face style.
Would I be supprised if Mayweather won? Not in the slightest. After all, Mayweather is an absolutely wonderfull fighter to watch, a joy to behold and he is bloody good.
But it is a Hatton points victory in a razor close fight for me.......BUT WHAT DO YOU THINK.
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Originally Posted by p4pking
! tyson and hagler, 2 of my all time fave fighters and i'm leaning and supporting hatton. this fight wets my appetite and lets hope it happens this year.
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