Hatton is dead in the water against Floyd at long and mid range. If he moves back and makes Floyd follow, what does that do for him? Hatton can't box off the back foot well enough to get anything done against PBF. Hatton doesn't have the skills or coordination to parry Floyd's jab consistently. "Looking for the jab" would be disastrous for him. He'd get feinted in to hooks and straight rights all night.

Floyd isn't Eamon Magee. When Hatton gets close he should stay there as long as possible because Floyd's either gone with the wind or punching him in the face as soon as he gets some space.

Hatton isn't Castillo. There's not alot of craft or subtlety to what Hatton does. There never was. He mauls and wrestles and wears you out.

Fundamentally and technically, what you're saying makes sense but Hatton doesn't have the talent or skills to implement it against someone like Floyd. His only shot was basically what he did. Get inside as often as possible and look to outwork and wear down Floyd. There were things he could've done on the inside. Step around Floyd when he starts leaning over, especially on the ropes. Even tho this gives Floyd a chance for escape it would've been worth it since he wasn't getting much done mauling. He could've used his shoulders and forearms to open Floyd up but I don't think Hatton has that kind of craft.