Unretire me
Thank God. It looks like Lil Floyd’s retirement, which lasted approximately an hour, has ended at last. He’s quoted today as saying that he will “come back” to the sport of boxing to shut up Ricky Hatton, something that, if I’m being honest, I don’t think is going to be a very tall order for Floyd.
Frankly, I’m disappointed. I thought that Oscar’s refusal of a Floyd rematch was going to lead to a superbout between Floyd and Sugar Shane, and I think that’s a much better fight than Floyd/Hatton. People are raving about Hatton’s defeat of Castillo this past Saturday, and yes, he did look more inspired than he had in his two prior fights, but still, I wasn’t that impressed. Castillo is very near to finished, and he was counted after a body blow. Just a note here – was Hatton’s “perfect shot” to the ribs any more devastating than the “chopped liver” Bernard served up to Oscar a few years ago? Not at all, mate. And yet somehow, Hatton’s punch was reported as being so “perfect” that naturally Castillo couldn’t continue, while Oscar was roundly doubted for his mettle. It’s all in the telling, lads, all in the telling.
Hatton is not particularly fast, or a particularly hard puncher. I know he has the rep of a killer, and he’s unquestionably tenacious, but look – do you think Floyd is going to fear the shots of a 140-pound Hatton more than those of a 154-pound Oscar? I doubt it. And the weight won’t be an issue, either. Floyd bulked up to 150 to fight Oscar, but even if the fight gets made at 140 (and that’s doubtful), he’ll make it no problem. The kid is a physical specimen, and he lives to train. And if the fight gets made at a catchweight, or at 147? Sheesh. Hatton is a small 147 at best – we saw that when he nearly lost to Brooklyn hardass Luis Collazo in his American debut last year.
So what he have here is the best fighter of his era, coming off an impressive victory in the most important fight of his career against a much bigger, more skilled and dangerous fighter, facing a smaller, slower, under-skilled opponent. Hatton better hope dearly that Floyd has a big letdown. But let’s face it, folks – that won’t happen. My early prognosis is very bad for Hatton. I think Floyd will hav only slightly less trouble hitting him than he did Gatti. I say TKO in, oh… the 7th to the 9th. Maybe even earlier.
Mayweather demands a Hatton summit (Guardian Online)
June 27th, 2007 at 5:39 pm
i agree that mayweather should beat hatton easily, but i think the length of the fight depends on the venue. here in the u.s., maybe 7th round. if the fight’s in england…hatton might be able to stay standing till the 10th or 11th. and no matter the venue, if hatton somehow wins the fight…good god.
the english fans and the wayne rooney cameos were the best part of the hatton/castillo fight.
June 27th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
This will be an absolute joke…and I can’t wait.
Those Manchester wankers must be put in their place.
June 27th, 2007 at 5:46 pm
Yes, Wayne Rooney was a nice addition to the whole scene. And Unsilent, let me say that I heartily hope this match will be held in Manchester, because although I really have nothing against Hatton, sort of like him even, it will be fun to watch him get pantsed in front of the rabid faithful, innit.
June 27th, 2007 at 6:54 pm
Floyd should have no problem with Hatton.
but if
1) they are in the UK
2) He goes the distance
then watch out.
i can see those Mancunians pumpin him up to a Daniel Son vs Johnny Lawrence kinda upset.
let’s sit and wait.
by the way.
Dave Lear, if you dont play freebird tonight. there’s gonna be a problem.
June 27th, 2007 at 8:11 pm
@kevin: if he goes the distance and loses, and they’re in the uk, there will be violent rioting in the stands and chaos in the ring. there should be no doubt about that.
it he were a liverpudlian, though, people would get killed.
June 27th, 2007 at 8:18 pm
I’m with Large here. I am praying that this fight is in the UK. I’m waiting for the absolute silence of the Manchester crowd when they file out of the arena, having just witnessed their local boy, using Large’s term, “retardificated” by Floyd. Oh good times….
June 27th, 2007 at 11:51 pm
not sure if any of you ever saw this? but here’s rooney doing some damage of his own on what looks like a deflated heavy bag…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BI5goVw8lok
July 6th, 2007 at 1:56 am
Definitely see Hatton getting outpointed – maybe stopped on cuts. Having said that, the guy is a much smarter fighter than he’s given credit for and if he follows his gameplan like he did against Tszyu – this could be a really intriguing bout.
August 4th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Hatton is about to have Floyd (I’ve had my day) Mayweather for breakfast or anything else he chooses to eat.