If Hatton had not blown up in weight between fights...

[blegit]

This is a very good topic that needs addressed. I think people who think it didn't matter are only looking at his success. No one is perfect but anybody who is human can always be better at something they do. The goal is to minimize that gap. Shedding that much weight that many times is never not bad. That is inarguable. How Hatton showed up doesn't excuse the fact that he could be better. Hatton was/is a good boxer who was great for how he treated his body. Actually, Hatton did exceptionally well considering the lengthy period of time he would blow up to the 170s in between fights. No trainer would want to or allow their fighter do this for more than once or twice a career. 30 something pounds for a small guy to drop is asking for danger. BHop is a very good example of what usually happens when a fighter absolutely takes care of himself in between fights. Hopkins doesn't drink, party, let his weight get up there, or break from the gym for more than a week. Mayorga would drink and smoke throughout the year but he became a champ. Can anyone really say that he wouldn't have been better had he quit that lifestyle? Your body is going to react to everything you put into it. But it doesn't mean you won't have success it just means that you could be better than you allow yourself to. I know boxers who are drunks/drug users who beat up their sparring partners everytime out. Antonio Tarver was on crack all the way up to the first few fights of his career. Hatton probably would've lost to both Pac and PBF because of technical flaws but he would've gave both, especially PBF, more trouble and been more durable. Even though it seems obvious it should be said. Hatton would've been a significantly better equipped fighter had he took better care of his body.

[BIG H]

This is a very good topic that needs addressed. I think people who think it didn't matter are only looking at his success. No one is perfect but anybody who is human can always be better at something they do. The goal is to minimize that gap. Hatton was/is a good boxer who was great for how he treated his body. Actually, Hatton did exceptionally well considering the lengthy period of time he would blow up to the 170s in between fights. No trainer would want to or allow their fighter do this for more than once or twice a career. 30 something pounds for a small guy to drop is asking for danger. BHop is a very good example of what usually happens when a fighter absolutely takes care of himself in between fights. Hopkins doesn't drink, party, let his weight get up there, or break from the gym for more than a week. Hatton probably would've lost to both Pac and PBF because of technical flaws but he would've gave both, especially PBF, more trouble and been more durable. Even though it seems obvious it should be said. Hatton would've been a significantly better equipped fighter had he took better care of his body.

Agree with everything you said.

I also actually think Hatton's talent is underestimated. I'm not saying he was ever going to be an ATG, but it's easy now for people to say that he was just a holder/dirty fighter etc, but that is doing him a disservice. I watched his whole career and he had huge talent and didn't always fight how he did against Tszyu (which worked and was the right tactic) His speed, movement and body punching were awesome in his pomp imo.

[Fenster]

This is a very good topic that needs addressed. I think people who think it didn't matter are only looking at his success. No one is perfect but anybody who is human can always be better at something they do. The goal is to minimize that gap. Hatton was/is a good boxer who was great for how he treated his body. Actually, Hatton did exceptionally well considering the lengthy period of time he would blow up to the 170s in between fights. No trainer would want to or allow their fighter do this for more than once or twice a career. 30 something pounds for a small guy to drop is asking for danger. BHop is a very good example of what usually happens when a fighter absolutely takes care of himself in between fights. Hopkins doesn't drink, party, let his weight get up there, or break from the gym for more than a week. Hatton probably would've lost to both Pac and PBF because of technical flaws but he would've gave both, especially PBF, more trouble and been more durable. Even though it seems obvious it should be said. Hatton would've been a significantly better equipped fighter had he took better care of his body.

And yet everyone agree's he would have still lost to Floyd and Pac. So living as a fat pisshead outside the ring didn't harm his career in the slightest.

What about the mental side? Some people may benefit from being able to totally seperate themselves from the sport and then give it 100% focus when needed?

[DatsiK]

Wow.. we get of 'what if?' threads about Hatton around here. I kind of disagree with some people in this thread, getting so out of shape between fights encouraged him to work harder to get into shape, hence why he was always in top condition come fight night.

[blegit]

Wow.. we get of 'what if?' threads about Hatton around here. I kind of disagree with some people in this thread, getting so out of shape between fights encouraged him to work harder to get into shape, hence why he was always in top condition come fight night.

Yeah, but the more out of shape you come into training camp the more you have to focus on it being a cutting weight training camp. That may be why he never fixed his technical flaws or adjusted very well in his 2 losses.

[blegit]

This is a very good topic that needs addressed. I think people who think it didn't matter are only looking at his success. No one is perfect but anybody who is human can always be better at something they do. The goal is to minimize that gap. Hatton was/is a good boxer who was great for how he treated his body. Actually, Hatton did exceptionally well considering the lengthy period of time he would blow up to the 170s in between fights. No trainer would want to or allow their fighter do this for more than once or twice a career. 30 something pounds for a small guy to drop is asking for danger. BHop is a very good example of what usually happens when a fighter absolutely takes care of himself in between fights. Hopkins doesn't drink, party, let his weight get up there, or break from the gym for more than a week. Hatton probably would've lost to both Pac and PBF because of technical flaws but he would've gave both, especially PBF, more trouble and been more durable. Even though it seems obvious it should be said. Hatton would've been a significantly better equipped fighter had he took better care of his body.

And yet everyone agree's he would have still lost to Floyd and Pac. So living as a fat pisshead outside the ring didn't harm his career in the slightest.

What about the mental side? Some people may benefit from being able to totally seperate themselves from the sport and then give it 100% focus when needed?

Yeah, as far as wins and losses I don't think he would have a different career. But I did say probably would've lost to Pac and PBF. Because against PBF I think we may have seen a close decision. Its difficult to predict. Were just guessing using what we know is good and bad. Hatton lost to 2 world beaters and I just don't think even the best Ricky Hatton would've beat either one of them because you still have to correct his glaring technical flaws. Had Hatton had another notch to step up we may have seen PBF step it up one or two more also. You have to push PBF to see his best he doesn't push the envelope himself very well anymore. Though the PBF fight would've been more interesting.

[TheBranMan]

This is a very good topic that needs addressed. I think people who think it didn't matter are only looking at his success. No one is perfect but anybody who is human can always be better at something they do. The goal is to minimize that gap. Hatton was/is a good boxer who was great for how he treated his body. Actually, Hatton did exceptionally well considering the lengthy period of time he would blow up to the 170s in between fights. No trainer would want to or allow their fighter do this for more than once or twice a career. 30 something pounds for a small guy to drop is asking for danger. BHop is a very good example of what usually happens when a fighter absolutely takes care of himself in between fights. Hopkins doesn't drink, party, let his weight get up there, or break from the gym for more than a week. Hatton probably would've lost to both Pac and PBF because of technical flaws but he would've gave both, especially PBF, more trouble and been more durable. Even though it seems obvious it should be said. Hatton would've been a significantly better equipped fighter had he took better care of his body.

And yet everyone agree's he would have still lost to Floyd and Pac. So living as a fat pisshead outside the ring didn't harm his career in the slightest.

What about the mental side? Some people may benefit from being able to totally seperate themselves from the sport and then give it 100% focus when needed?

Yeah, as far as wins and losses I don't think he would have a different career. But I did say probably. Because against PBF I think we may have seen a close decision. Its difficult to predict. Were just guessing using what we know is good and bad. Hatton lost to 2 world beaters and I just don't think even the best Ricky Hatton would've beat either one of them because you still have to correct his glaring technical flaws. Though the PBF fight would've been more interesting.

I don't think that's fair. I think that as usual, people don't give Floyd any credit for his win. I've heard some Hatton fans state that the fight was "close" until Floyd KOed him in the 10th. They couldn't be more wrong. In terms of clean, hard punches I saw Ricky land a few of his sloppy jabs. That was it. Watch the fight closely. Floyd put on a boxing clinic despite the pressure-filled, nearly 'wrestling' style of Hatton. He knocked him out (with 10oz gloves I might add), including an embarrassing head-first knockdown into the padding on the corner of the ring. I'm sorry, but he is light-years ahead of Ricky in terms of skill. HBO and their British counterparts were having a difficult time making the fight seem competitive. For a non-puncher (as a lot of people call him), Floyd sure did make Hatton look bad. Yet no one questions Pacquiao's KO two years later...

For the record, I think Hatton is a very likable guy. I like his every-man persona and I think that if he didn't blow up in weight, he probably would've been a slightly better fighter. But at the same time, I've seen the early fights of both fighters and there were never glimpses of super-talent like Floyd or a few other top fighters. A good fighter with a successful career, but by no means great. I'm sorry but I couldn't just let you question a one-sided win and put Floyd in Ricky's boat.

[Dizaster]

And yet everyone agree's he would have still lost to Floyd and Pac. So living as a fat pisshead outside the ring didn't harm his career in the slightest.

What about the mental side? Some people may benefit from being able to totally seperate themselves from the sport and then give it 100% focus when needed?

Yeah, as far as wins and losses I don't think he would have a different career. But I did say probably. Because against PBF I think we may have seen a close decision. Its difficult to predict. Were just guessing using what we know is good and bad. Hatton lost to 2 world beaters and I just don't think even the best Ricky Hatton would've beat either one of them because you still have to correct his glaring technical flaws. Though the PBF fight would've been more interesting.

I don't think that's fair. I think that as usual, people don't give Floyd any credit for his win. I've heard some Hatton fans state that the fight was "close" until Floyd KOed him in the 10th. They couldn't be more wrong. In terms of clean, hard punches I saw Ricky land a few of his sloppy jabs. That was it. Watch the fight closely. Floyd put on a boxing clinic despite the pressure-filled, nearly 'wrestling' style of Hatton. He knocked him out (with 10oz gloves I might add), including an embarrassing head-first knockdown into the padding on the corner of the ring. I'm sorry, but he is light-years ahead of Ricky in terms of skill. HBO and their British counterparts were having a difficult time making the fight seem competitive. For a non-puncher (as a lot of people call him), Floyd sure did make Hatton look bad. Yet no one questions Pacquiao's KO two years later...

For the record, I think Hatton is a very likable guy. I like his every-man persona and I think that if he didn't blow up in weight, he probably would've been a slightly better fighter. But at the same time, I've seen the early fights of both fighters and there were never glimpses of super-talent like Floyd or a few other top fighters. A good fighter with a successful career, but by no means great. I'm sorry but I couldn't just let you question a one-sided win and put Floyd in Ricky's boat.

I don't think he was suggesting the Hatton Floyd fight was close, more that it would have been closer, and more interesting, if Hatton could have carried his athleticism and sizzle that he had in some of his best earlier fights, into the PBF fight..

I saw absolutely NO Floyd bashing or discrediting at all from anyone in this thread..

All I see is people saying, perhaps if Hatton had stayed in better shape, he may have been able to perform better against Floyd...

You're precious PBF was not getting attacked, don't stress...

[Dizaster]

Yeah, as far as wins and losses I don't think he would have a different career. But I did say probably. Because against PBF I think we may have seen a close decision. Its difficult to predict. Were just guessing using what we know is good and bad. Hatton lost to 2 world beaters and I just don't think even the best Ricky Hatton would've beat either one of them because you still have to correct his glaring technical flaws. Though the PBF fight would've been more interesting.

I don't think that's fair. I think that as usual, people don't give Floyd any credit for his win. I've heard some Hatton fans state that the fight was "close" until Floyd KOed him in the 10th. They couldn't be more wrong. In terms of clean, hard punches I saw Ricky land a few of his sloppy jabs. That was it. Watch the fight closely. Floyd put on a boxing clinic despite the pressure-filled, nearly 'wrestling' style of Hatton. He knocked him out (with 10oz gloves I might add), including an embarrassing head-first knockdown into the padding on the corner of the ring. I'm sorry, but he is light-years ahead of Ricky in terms of skill. HBO and their British counterparts were having a difficult time making the fight seem competitive. For a non-puncher (as a lot of people call him), Floyd sure did make Hatton look bad. Yet no one questions Pacquiao's KO two years later...

For the record, I think Hatton is a very likable guy. I like his every-man persona and I think that if he didn't blow up in weight, he probably would've been a slightly better fighter. But at the same time, I've seen the early fights of both fighters and there were never glimpses of super-talent like Floyd or a few other top fighters. A good fighter with a successful career, but by no means great. I'm sorry but I couldn't just let you question a one-sided win and put Floyd in Ricky's boat.

I don't think he was suggesting the Hatton Floyd fight was close, more that it would have been closer, and more interesting, if Hatton could have carried his athleticism and sizzle that he had in some of his best earlier fights, into the PBF fight..

I saw absolutely NO Floyd bashing or discrediting at all from anyone in this thread..

All I see is people saying, perhaps if Hatton had stayed in better shape, he may have been able to perform better against Floyd...

You're precious PBF was not getting attacked, don't stress...

And that is the first post i've made on here reacting outright negatively to someone's post and feel bad now.. Not in my nature to speak like that..

But come on! All they were saying was, if Hatton was fitter, he could have given Floyd a better fight..

Where did this stuff about Floyd not getting credit come from?

Anyway, sending reps your way anyway, maybe i'm just tired and wound up..

[Hunter]

It may have helped him a little but like others have said, he was always in top shape come fight time. I think Hatton's style which was rough, high energy, and willing to take shots is what took a toll on him, he definitely was no defensive master......

I liked Hatton, was a class act and was nice to see all his crazy fans at the fights.

[TheBranMan]

Yeah, as far as wins and losses I don't think he would have a different career. But I did say probably. Because against PBF I think we may have seen a close decision. Its difficult to predict. Were just guessing using what we know is good and bad. Hatton lost to 2 world beaters and I just don't think even the best Ricky Hatton would've beat either one of them because you still have to correct his glaring technical flaws. Though the PBF fight would've been more interesting.

I don't think that's fair. I think that as usual, people don't give Floyd any credit for his win. I've heard some Hatton fans state that the fight was "close" until Floyd KOed him in the 10th. They couldn't be more wrong. In terms of clean, hard punches I saw Ricky land a few of his sloppy jabs. That was it. Watch the fight closely. Floyd put on a boxing clinic despite the pressure-filled, nearly 'wrestling' style of Hatton. He knocked him out (with 10oz gloves I might add), including an embarrassing head-first knockdown into the padding on the corner of the ring. I'm sorry, but he is light-years ahead of Ricky in terms of skill. HBO and their British counterparts were having a difficult time making the fight seem competitive. For a non-puncher (as a lot of people call him), Floyd sure did make Hatton look bad. Yet no one questions Pacquiao's KO two years later...

For the record, I think Hatton is a very likable guy. I like his every-man persona and I think that if he didn't blow up in weight, he probably would've been a slightly better fighter. But at the same time, I've seen the early fights of both fighters and there were never glimpses of super-talent like Floyd or a few other top fighters. A good fighter with a successful career, but by no means great. I'm sorry but I couldn't just let you question a one-sided win and put Floyd in Ricky's boat.

I don't think he was suggesting the Hatton Floyd fight was close, more that it would have been closer, and more interesting, if Hatton could have carried his athleticism and sizzle that he had in some of his best earlier fights, into the PBF fight..

I saw absolutely NO Floyd bashing or discrediting at all from anyone in this thread..

All I see is people saying, perhaps if Hatton had stayed in better shape, he may have been able to perform better against Floyd...

You're precious PBF was not getting attacked, don't stress...

Haha, ok, I'll try not to stress. Maybe that was a bit over-the-top. The line that set me off was from blegit's post:
"Because against PBF I think we may have seen a close decision."
You can't possibly predict anything like that, and even still, that seems very unlikely considering the way the fight started and progressed (and ended).
Although yeh, I agree, drinking and blowing up in weight is never good for a boxer. There have been some very insightful posts thus far.

[blegit]

I don't think that's fair. I think that as usual, people don't give Floyd any credit for his win. I've heard some Hatton fans state that the fight was "close" until Floyd KOed him in the 10th. They couldn't be more wrong. In terms of clean, hard punches I saw Ricky land a few of his sloppy jabs. That was it. Watch the fight closely. Floyd put on a boxing clinic despite the pressure-filled, nearly 'wrestling' style of Hatton. He knocked him out (with 10oz gloves I might add), including an embarrassing head-first knockdown into the padding on the corner of the ring. I'm sorry, but he is light-years ahead of Ricky in terms of skill. HBO and their British counterparts were having a difficult time making the fight seem competitive. For a non-puncher (as a lot of people call him), Floyd sure did make Hatton look bad. Yet no one questions Pacquiao's KO two years later...

For the record, I think Hatton is a very likable guy. I like his every-man persona and I think that if he didn't blow up in weight, he probably would've been a slightly better fighter. But at the same time, I've seen the early fights of both fighters and there were never glimpses of super-talent like Floyd or a few other top fighters. A good fighter with a successful career, but by no means great. I'm sorry but I couldn't just let you question a one-sided win and put Floyd in Ricky's boat.

I don't think he was suggesting the Hatton Floyd fight was close, more that it would have been closer, and more interesting, if Hatton could have carried his athleticism and sizzle that he had in some of his best earlier fights, into the PBF fight..

I saw absolutely NO Floyd bashing or discrediting at all from anyone in this thread..

All I see is people saying, perhaps if Hatton had stayed in better shape, he may have been able to perform better against Floyd...

You're precious PBF was not getting attacked, don't stress...

Haha, ok, I'll try not to stress. Maybe that was a bit over-the-top. The line that set me off was from blegit's post:
"Because against PBF I think we may have seen a close decision."
You can't possibly predict anything like that, and even still, that seems very unlikely considering the way the fight started and progressed (and ended).
Although yeh, I agree, drinking and blowing up in weight is never good for a boxer. There have been some very insightful posts thus far.

Its okay. I never get offended on here. But I did not say predict. Actually, I said it is difficult to predict because we are merely guessing. And once again, I still think PBF and Pac would've been too much for even the best of Hatton. Remember, we may have not even seen the best of PBF so he could have another level or two himself. I don't bash PBF. Recently, I have been one to stick up for him.

[Master]

Hatton needs to recharge the battery and take it easy but the older he got the worse he fought. It has certainly shortened his career.

[skel1983]

I think his style in the ring is just as much to blame as his lifestyle out of it. But obviously if has been a factor.

[eagle]

I think his career could have been better if he steped up his competition a little earlier. He'd had 30+ fights before really going up against anyone world class. So by the time he got to PBF and Pac he was probably past his best.