Quote Originally Posted by LEGION
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No one made fun of Baldomir or Gatti or Corrales after losing to Mayweather, but I'm sure all the little gum-bumpers will be overjoyed if Hatton loses and will keep talking for months about it. Hatton wouldn't get respect even if he does beat Floyd, as they'll say he cheated with his "wrestling",lol.

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No one expected either Baldomir or Gatti to beat Floyd; neither of them were undefeated. The comparison fails. With Hatton-Mayweather we have two undefeated champions facing each other. One will take the other down and diminish him. Neither Baldomir nor Gatti were diminished by losing to Floyd as they didn't come in on the same basis that Ricky does.

And you're absolutely wrong. If Hatton manages to beat Floyd, he'll get loads of respect - if he fights way dirty he'll get called on it, but there is a ref in the ring. No matter how Hatton manages to beat Floyd, he'll get a W and hand Floyd his first L and no matter what any detractors say (there are always those that will talk trash but let's not make them the mainstream) Hatton will have great respect and reknown for his deed.

That said, I think a loss in this fight would be more detrimental to Mayweather's image than it will to Hatton's.