03.09.07 – By Vivek Wallace: In last week’s weekly look at the upcoming fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ricky Hatton we took a look at the ‘truth’ about Floyd Mayweather Jr. Despite the fact that his mouth – in the eyes of most – doesn’t stop moving, it was duly noted that his efforts to stay on top doesn’t either. But what about Ricky Hatton? Why is it that so many have found reason to see him as unworthy? The answer to that question depends on who you ask. Ask me and I’d say the only way that that’s even a topic of discussion is because those who are saying this simply don’t know the ‘truth’ about Ricky…hence, the aforementioned title.
For those who remain part of the ‘unknown’, consider the fact that 43 men have tried, yet not one was successful in defeating him.
To tip the scales a bit further, 31 of the 43 were unable to even stand for the final bell. Now, some may attack the level of opposition within that 43, (at one point, I was one of them), but if this is true, what makes him any different than other highly acclaimed up and comer’s.
In the talent loaded welterweight division there was perhaps no more sheltered fighter than Miguel Cotto, (until recently). I use him to kill such an argument against Hatton because I don’t know if Cotto – AT THAT POINT IN HIS CAREER – could have withstood the power and style of Kostya Tszyu, or a slick south paw like Luis Collazo.
My second point about Hatton is the fact that in my observation, this is a young man who has performed at nothing short of his peak when the spotlights were brightest. He’s done this time and time again and I have no doubt that come December 8th, he’ll pull out all the stops as he attempts to break the ‘code’ known to man as Floyd Mayweather Jr. One reason I know we’ll see Hatton’s best is based on his rising confidence as evidenced in recent comments about the upcoming fight. Hatton is to some degree more widely accepted because he isn’t considered ego-maniacal, but as he prepares for this fight, it’s funny how the same confidence that has turned people away from Floyd has also become a major weapon in the arsenal of Ricky Hatton. Initially he showed this confidence in himself after his victory over Jose Luis Castillo when he stated that he “gave the fight fans more in those 4 rounds – against Castillo – than Floyd has given throughout his career”. Later on he stated that he has a “massive chance” at victory despite what anyone says. Continuing to display that same beaming confidence, he recently opened a new can or worms by showing great disgust in Floyd Mayweather Jr. for taking part in the upcoming ‘Dancing with the stars’ ABC televised series. His comments were very Mayweather-esque as he stated “I don’t know who his [Floyd’s] partner’s gonna be but she’ll have to do all the leading”. He then went on to say “He’s [Floyd] known for back-pedaling so I suppose it could be ideal preparation, as I have no doubt in my mind he’s going to back-pedal against me”.
Those are words that can only come from the mouth of a confident man who knows that it ain’t where you’re from, it’s where you’re at. Whether or not he was sheltered can be debated from now to ’til the end of time, but confidence is one thing he isn’t lacking – and for great reason. Now the true question here comes down to whether or not Floyd Mayweather Jr. is acting out of confidence of his own by taking part in such an event leading up to one of the biggest fights of his career. Years ago, another tireless fighter often mentioned in the same talent realm as Floyd Mayweather Jr. – (Roy Jones Jr.) – played a full regulation Basketball game with his minor league team by day, and by night, still jumped in the ring and made short work of his opponent- albeit his opponent was not on Hatton’s level. Ricky Hatton’s trainer, Billy Graham, chimed in on the topic by saying that “maybe Floyd is looking for a ready-made excuse for when he gets beaten”. One way or the other, someone is right on point with their confidence, and someone else isn’t. It’s still a bit early to call, but that sure as hell won’t stop those of us who are counting down the days from using our imaginations until that great moment in time does arrive.
Wow. Can December 8th get here any sooner?
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