I'm a huge Hatton fan. Have been for a long time, always will be. But recently there have been a few things bothering me. I have always disapprovd of Hatton's lifestyle choices; he is a gifted athlete and I feel he is abusing his natural abilities. His lifestyle has had a negative effect on his career in the past, which is as unprofessinal for a boxer as it is for any profession.

However, my primary concern is not with his issues outside of training it is the issues within the camp that concern me.
Matthew Macklin was a decent amateur boxer who prided himself on his skill. Having adopted the Phoenix gym as his gym he had a happy relationship there, getting on well with all the fighters and trainers. However, before his fight with Campas he left, because he was dissatisfied with the gym's mentality. It seems that Billy Graham has adopted a "physicality first" approach and subsequently neglecting boxing skill.

To relate this to hatton I must delve into objective history.
At the begininning of his career Hatton was a phenomenom. His speed, aggression and skill allowed him to scythe through Britains ranks and he became a domestic hero. When he went Internationl, he was equally effective, putting on marvellous performances against durable opposition like Ben Tackie and Eamonn Magee.
This trend continued until Hatton met Kostya Tszyu. In this fight he adjusted tactics, formulating a bold plan with trainer Billy Graham. To negate Tszyu's formidable power with physicality and muffle his right hand. This plan was perfect in defeating Kostya, but the issue lies in the adoption of this strategy in every fight.

Since the Tszyu fight many have felt that Hatton has digressed. I feel he has not digresseed he simply has adopted incorrect tactics. He has used the style he usd to beat Tszyu against younger more mobile opponents and as a reult has expended mounds of energy unnecessarily.
It seems to me Graham has fallen in love with this gunfight style and insists on it's implementation. However, in reality, Ricky would best be served returning to his slicker "aggresive counterpunching" style which he employed before Tszyu.

Ricky's a great guy and a great fighter, but he needs to adjust once more.
Malignaggi and Lazcano would be perfect fights in which to adjust. Two fightewrs he can out muscle and have no reservations about their power.
I want to se Ricky box again, I want to see him set himself up for his once famed body shots rather than simply muscling forward.

He is my favourite active fighter and will be until he retires, but I am very frustrated by this.