Hatton must win in four - Lewis

[ICB]

Lennox Lewis has warned Ricky Hatton he must knock Floyd Mayweather out within four rounds if he is to win Saturday's WBC welterweight showdown in Las Vegas.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7123545.stm

[superheavyrhun]

Sorry man, I think that Hatton will be in peak shape for this one, and has had more time to work on his resilience at welterweight than in his last appearance here, and will have a lot more durability into the second half of the fight.

I don't think he'll win, but I think he'll make Mayweather work for 12 hard rounds.

[eagle]

I believe a knock down early in the fight could really help Hatton out, especially if its from a body shot. Floyd has not really been hurt against a top fighter before, so he'd be in unchartered waters.
Hatton has to be smart about how he fights also, if he rushes in all night like he did against tszyu it wont work because of PBF's amazing defence and footwork. Ricky needs to mix things up and use the jab more often than usual.
As for Lewis's comments i dont agree with them, if ricky gets up on the cards early and his conditioning holds up he can still win a UD.

[LEGION]

I have expressed before now that I believe Hatton has to win before 5 or 6 or it's going to be a long night for Rick, or he'll get k.o.'d. I know Ricky will no doubt be in his best condtion, but it won't change the fact he'll be doing all the "heavy work" chasing Floyd, trying to bully him, and also getting hit alot while doing it, and IMO after the 5th or 6th he's going to be feeling it pretty hard; whereas Floyd has an amazing ability to dictate how the fight goes and where without breaking a sweat, and landing at will. Ricky does set an amazing pace, but whether he can do it with Floyd is very questionable, as Floyd seems as fresh in round 12 alot of times as he is in the 1st. Ricky better knock this guy out in the 1st 5 or 6 or it's over IMO, as sometimes it seems Floyd starts turning up the heat after the 4th or 5th rounds. Also, I see Ricky coming out in a storm for the 1st few rounds, moreso than maybe past fights, and I wonder if he can set a furious pace like that all night, which is what he has to do to have a chance to beat Floyd, either by k.o. or going the distance. I don't think he can set such an outright onslaught for 6, much less 12 rounds. He has to get to Floyd early like he did Castillo, and Floyd won't give him freebies like Jose did. I still say Floyd by 7th or 8th round k.o. Go Ricky!!

[Kev]

Saying Hatton must win in 4 is basically Lewis politely saying he has no chance.

He may just as well have said that Ricky should go up into the mountains on a cloudless night and wish upon a star as preparation.

[DaxxKahn]

I don't think Hatton has to win in 4 or even knock Mayweather down....I just think he needs to make sure off the start he imposes his will and does not try to box with Floyd...He just needs to go in and fight his fight and not do what a lot of guys do and that is worry about missing or looking bad against him

[DIOS DOMINICANO]

I have expressed before now that I believe Hatton has to win before 5 or 6 or it's going to be a long night for Rick, or he'll get k.o.'d. I know Ricky will no doubt be in his best condtion, but it won't change the fact he'll be doing all the "heavy work" chasing Floyd, trying to bully him, and also getting hit alot while doing it, and IMO after the 5th or 6th he's going to be feeling it pretty hard; whereas Floyd has an amazing ability to dictate how the fight goes and where without breaking a sweat, and landing at will. Ricky does set an amazing pace, but whether he can do it with Floyd is very questionable, as Floyd seems as fresh in round 12 alot of times as he is in the 1st. Ricky better knock this guy out in the 1st 5 or 6 or it's over IMO, as sometimes it seems Floyd starts turning up the heat after the 4th or 5th rounds. Also, I see Ricky coming out in a storm for the 1st few rounds, moreso than maybe past fights, and I wonder if he can set a furious pace like that all night, which is what he has to do to have a chance to beat Floyd, either by k.o. or going the distance. I don't think he can set such an outright onslaught for 6, much less 12 rounds. He has to get to Floyd early like he did Castillo, and Floyd won't give him freebies like Jose did. I still say Floyd by 7th or 8th round k.o. Go Ricky!!

Actually, Ricky SAID the opposite. He claimed that he will come out very measured for the first six rounds to ensure that he leaves soemthing in the tank.

Mayweather TKO 9/10. With Hatton's face looking like he went a few rounds with Freddy Krueger.

[LEGION]

I have expressed before now that I believe Hatton has to win before 5 or 6 or it's going to be a long night for Rick, or he'll get k.o.'d. I know Ricky will no doubt be in his best condtion, but it won't change the fact he'll be doing all the "heavy work" chasing Floyd, trying to bully him, and also getting hit alot while doing it, and IMO after the 5th or 6th he's going to be feeling it pretty hard; whereas Floyd has an amazing ability to dictate how the fight goes and where without breaking a sweat, and landing at will. Ricky does set an amazing pace, but whether he can do it with Floyd is very questionable, as Floyd seems as fresh in round 12 alot of times as he is in the 1st. Ricky better knock this guy out in the 1st 5 or 6 or it's over IMO, as sometimes it seems Floyd starts turning up the heat after the 4th or 5th rounds. Also, I see Ricky coming out in a storm for the 1st few rounds, moreso than maybe past fights, and I wonder if he can set a furious pace like that all night, which is what he has to do to have a chance to beat Floyd, either by k.o. or going the distance. I don't think he can set such an outright onslaught for 6, much less 12 rounds. He has to get to Floyd early like he did Castillo, and Floyd won't give him freebies like Jose did. I still say Floyd by 7th or 8th round k.o. Go Ricky!!

Actually, Ricky SAID the opposite. He claimed that he will come out very measured for the first six rounds to ensure that he leaves soemthing in the tank.

Mayweather TKO 9/10. With Hatton's face looking like he went a few rounds with Freddy Krueger.

Well, if he said it I either didn't hear it or couldn't understand him If that's his plan than I wish him luck. What's he going to do the 1st 6 rounds; try to box Floyd

[superheavyrhun]

I have expressed before now that I believe Hatton has to win before 5 or 6 or it's going to be a long night for Rick, or he'll get k.o.'d. I know Ricky will no doubt be in his best condtion, but it won't change the fact he'll be doing all the "heavy work" chasing Floyd, trying to bully him, and also getting hit alot while doing it, and IMO after the 5th or 6th he's going to be feeling it pretty hard; whereas Floyd has an amazing ability to dictate how the fight goes and where without breaking a sweat, and landing at will. Ricky does set an amazing pace, but whether he can do it with Floyd is very questionable, as Floyd seems as fresh in round 12 alot of times as he is in the 1st. Ricky better knock this guy out in the 1st 5 or 6 or it's over IMO, as sometimes it seems Floyd starts turning up the heat after the 4th or 5th rounds. Also, I see Ricky coming out in a storm for the 1st few rounds, moreso than maybe past fights, and I wonder if he can set a furious pace like that all night, which is what he has to do to have a chance to beat Floyd, either by k.o. or going the distance. I don't think he can set such an outright onslaught for 6, much less 12 rounds. He has to get to Floyd early like he did Castillo, and Floyd won't give him freebies like Jose did. I still say Floyd by 7th or 8th round k.o. Go Ricky!!

Actually, Ricky SAID the opposite. He claimed that he will come out very measured for the first six rounds to ensure that he leaves soemthing in the tank.

Mayweather TKO 9/10. With Hatton's face looking like he went a few rounds with Freddy Krueger.

To be honest with you, I've always found what Hatton says about his tactics beforehand and what Mayweather says about his tactics before fights to be equally misleading. I interviewed Billy Graham before the Urango fight, who said Hatton was going to be going all-out for an attacking performance to impress the American and Mexican audiences, but on the night from around the 8th round onwards, Graham was urging Hatton to be defensive and hold on to the lead he already had.

So in surmisal, I think Hatton will not reveal his tactics beforehand, and don't be surprised if he does go tearing after Mayweather early doors.

[Spicoli]

Lennox Lewis has warned Ricky Hatton he must knock Floyd Mayweather out within four rounds if he is to win Saturday's WBC welterweight showdown in Las Vegas.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7123545.stm

Thanks for the link 'Pea.Ive said from the start Hatton has to set a frenetic consistent pace.Agree with Lewis also This has to be "Rough" also a predominatley an Inside chest to chest affair with major concentration from Hatton on Maywithers torso,gut,chest,with the head being a secondary thought.
There is no doubt in my mind that Hatton will take some big damage as he works to get inside early and I believe he'll cut by the 3,4 round.Keep everything short and tight...If he attempts to work at distance and Jab with Floyd he will be cannibalized over time.As simple as it sounds,Hatton MUST set a torrid pace and stay in Floyds Chest.Imo His handspeed is under stated and Hes not the Lamb being led to slaughter some are convinced he is.He has to deprive Maywither the comfort and coasting tempo he is used too and make him very offset and uncomfortable in close.Floyd Is very shifty on the inside with tight defense and always looking to rip counters.This is sitting in the trenches and I see it as Hattons real chance keeping Floyd stationary (as much as possible) and in a phone booth.A large order Indeed but I see Hatton pulling it off .This Is the biggest fight In both guys career and they (along with US ) will be ready.The talk is nearing an end SIX days and counting.ding-ding.

[DIOS DOMINICANO]

Actually, Ricky SAID the opposite. He claimed that he will come out very measured for the first six rounds to ensure that he leaves soemthing in the tank.

Mayweather TKO 9/10. With Hatton's face looking like he went a few rounds with Freddy Krueger.

Well, if he said it I either didn't hear it or couldn't understand him If that's his plan than I wish him luck. What's he going to do the 1st 6 rounds; try to box Floyd

"I think I know what Floyd is up to tactically," insists Hatton. "He's got a wonderful defence and is good at making you miss. He tries to make his opponents punch themselves out.

"But I intend to put the pressure on him from the start. I won't waste too many punches in the first six rounds and leave plenty of gas in the tank. I will use my speed to come at him from different angles."

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/231120...yd-sussed.html

[LEGION]

Actually, Ricky SAID the opposite. He claimed that he will come out very measured for the first six rounds to ensure that he leaves soemthing in the tank.

Mayweather TKO 9/10. With Hatton's face looking like he went a few rounds with Freddy Krueger.

Well, if he said it I either didn't hear it or couldn't understand him If that's his plan than I wish him luck. What's he going to do the 1st 6 rounds; try to box Floyd

"I think I know what Floyd is up to tactically," insists Hatton. "He's got a wonderful defence and is good at making you miss. He tries to make his opponents punch themselves out.

"But I intend to put the pressure on him from the start. I won't waste too many punches in the first six rounds and leave plenty of gas in the tank. I will use my speed to come at him from different angles."

http://uk.eurosport.yahoo.com/231120...yd-sussed.html

Oh that's right, Ricky is planning on using intelligent pressure I say he should just mug Floyd early and keep his fingers crossed.

[DIOS DOMINICANO]

To be honest with you, I've always found what Hatton says about his tactics beforehand and what Mayweather says about his tactics before fights to be equally misleading. I interviewed Billy Graham before the Urango fight, who said Hatton was going to be going all-out for an attacking performance to impress the American and Mexican audiences, but on the night from around the 8th round onwards, Graham was urging Hatton to be defensive and hold on to the lead he already had.

So in surmisal, I think Hatton will not reveal his tactics beforehand, and don't be surprised if he does go tearing after Mayweather early doors.

This footwork, athleticism and coordination will befuddle Richard.

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[superheavyrhun]

To be honest with you, I've always found what Hatton says about his tactics beforehand and what Mayweather says about his tactics before fights to be equally misleading. I interviewed Billy Graham before the Urango fight, who said Hatton was going to be going all-out for an attacking performance to impress the American and Mexican audiences, but on the night from around the 8th round onwards, Graham was urging Hatton to be defensive and hold on to the lead he already had.

So in surmisal, I think Hatton will not reveal his tactics beforehand, and don't be surprised if he does go tearing after Mayweather early doors.

This footwork, athleticism and coordination will befuddle Richard.

No doubt Ricky'll have his work cut out for him trying to catch Mayweather, I'm always reminded of some quote from some film along the lines of "How do you kill something that can't be caught". I have no idea where its from, but I do hear it in an American-ish accent...sort of like Jeff Goldblum's.

I think Ricky'll struggle to get at Mayweather whichever round it is in, but I'll be very impressed if he can stifle the urge to tear after Mayweather for six whole rounds.

[DIOS DOMINICANO]

No doubt Ricky'll have his work cut out for him trying to catch Mayweather, I'm always reminded of some quote from some film along the lines of "How do you kill something that can't be caught". I have no idea where its from, but I do hear it in an American-ish accent...sort of like Jeff Goldblum's.

I think Ricky'll struggle to get at Mayweather whichever round it is in, but I'll be very impressed if he can stifle the urge to tear after Mayweather for six whole rounds.

Did you see the counter rights that Floyd was working on (off Ricky's left hook)? Do you think that will find paydirt?