Quote Originally Posted by eagle
I never used to like Ricky due to the fact he beat my favourite fighter in Kostya. But recently i think he has copped more flack than he deserves. I actually have mixed feelings for the man now.
I mean JLC was not the fighter he used to be yet Ricky did demolish him in 4. Even if Castillo was not at his best, he would still be hard to stop for anyone in 4 rounds so the win was definitely impressive for Ricky.
Yet on the other end lots of Ricky's fanboys say the win proves Hatton is a top 3 pound for pound guy who would destroy anyone between 135 and 147. Which i think is untrue.

I guess what im trying to say is that I believe Ricky is probably a top ten P4P fighter who has an impressive record but really needs to fight a champ in his prime to consolidate himself as a great fighter. Is this a fair assessment?
Very fair in my mind mate. Rick is not the most gifted athlete (in terms on height/reach/skill) but he uses what he does have to good effect. Castillo looked good in round 3, Hatton said (in his corner) he (Castillo) was getting warmed up and he was a 'strong bastard' so I dont think he is totally shot but he was not as quick on his feet as used to be. Would the same shot have stopped him 2 years ago? who knows. But its a good win anyhow.

Im a big fan of Rick but I still have him at maybe 7 or 8 P4P.