Quote Originally Posted by X
I have always said that Hatton is a bit like Barry McGuigan used to be. His effort against the great Tszyu was eerily similar to McGuigan's title winning bout against the (also) great Eusebio Pedroza

A very very good fighter going forward, excellent high-pressure all action style. relentless marauding style that bulldozed everyone in front of him as he went to the top. Great body puncher. I'm cynical enough to think that it probably helps being white, as well. Weaknesses are a slightly porous defence, a lack of real one-punch power and a propensity to get cut.

Hatton also fell out with his promoter, as did McGuigan before his US unveiling, and (if he had been stopped in the final round, which was a close run thing) we would be drawing all sorts of parallells with McGuigan-Cruz.

I think that going up a weight is a bit of a lazy response to his lack of discipline in ballooning in weight between fights, and that, at 5'6", Hatton is not a full welterweight. He can't use his physical strength to bully people, he's going to be at a big reach disadvantage etc.

I think Hatton's style does not lend itself to a long career at the top, and he needs to maximise his earnings now. Fighting Collazo, who is a good fighter, an awkward southpaw and a full welterweight, was incredibly poor matchmaking and simply a bad fight for Ricky.

So, as often happens, I think the truth is somewhere between the more hysterical extremes that have been posted throughout this forum.

Hatton is a world class fighter, with a good chin and a great heart. he has some technical and physical deficiencies, but he is as qualified an anyone out there to step into the ring with the PBFs and DLHs of the world.
Ricky has more that slightly porous defense he has no defense also his lack of head movement and extrmrly awkward stlye will be downfall against the PBF,Cotto's Margarito's a slick Welterweight will tear him apart and break him down!!!!Sure he is qualified... but Winning I dont think SO!!