Looking Back At Tszyu- Hatton

[skel1983]

I was just thinking about that fight and I think many people forget how close that fight was before Tszyu retired. I actually had it 6 rounds to 4 for Kostya going into the 11th round if I remember correctly. He was landing the cleaner punches he just couldn't take Hattons pressure and sometimes dirty style at his age and point in his career, it wore him out mentally and physically. I don't think he was very impressive in defeating Tszyu cause he didn't outclass him, he just outworked him. I have no doubt in my mind that if that fight was even three years earlier Kostya would have beaten him. What made Kostya a great champion is hat he outclassed good opposition with his skill. Don't get my wrong I like Hatton, but he wins his fights with his aggression and can only win one way.

I love Kostya as much as anyone, and i also think at a younger age he would have beaten Hatton, but a wins a win. I think Ricky had the right game plan to defeat Kostya, didnt let him get set and unload his bombs.

Yeah he definately had the right gameplan. Kostya couldnt get leverage on his punches when Hatton backed him up. He just kept smothering him.

Similiar fight to the Philips fight. If only KT could have half landed a right hand Ricky may have been in trouble, but it wasnt to be.

Kosta landed a nice right to Hattons chin around the 6th round.