By Joshua “Travz” Travilla: The anticipated collision between boxing superstars Floyd “Pretty Boy” Mayweather, Jr. (38-0, 24 KOs) and Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (43-0, 31 KOs) will surely rock the boxing world this coming December 08, 2007 at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. The fight will not be only for the WBC Welterweight crown for which Mayweather now holds but also for boxing preeminence. The world championship nowadays is just another option for either fighter. Clearly, what matters most for the winner of the bout is the status of being considered the number one elite fighter in all of boxing.
Hatton has always been known as a disciplined boxer and at the same time a good champion. His power speaks for itself when he knocked out Jose Luis Castillo (55-8-1, 47 KOs) in the 4th round for the IBO light welterweight title and for the vacant WBC international light weleterweight title in June 23, 2007. However, does Hatton have the style to neutralize Mayweather?
Mayweather’s speed will likely be a huge obstacle for Hatton to try and overcome during fight night, knowing that Floyd is such and excellent boxer and will, no doubt, be on the move much of the time. Mayweather, 30, also has extraordinary defensive skills, power, heart and brains, which will make it tough for Hatton. Mayweather can offer a boring fight if it is necessary just to win a bout. A clear manifestation for this was his fight against Oscar Dela Hoya where many boxing fans anticipated an action packed bout of the year. However, the bout was a disappointment.
Most likely, Hatton will put pressure right from the opening bell not only to cut the distance where Mayweather has the advantage in reach, 72″ against 65″ for Ricky, but to let Floyd fight him every minute of the round instead of using the ring for his advantage. He must also reinvent himself and build up quick head and lateral movements also to evade those lightning punches Floyd was known for. If he can sustain such things, Hatton has got a huge chance to defeat Mayweather.
In terms of Championship experience, both are almost even. Ricky became the WBO inter-continental light welterweight champion (defended 6 times), WBA inter-continental light welterweight champion, WBU light welterweight champion (defended 15 times), IBF/ WBA light welterweight champion, WBA welterweight champion and current Ring Magazines’ Super Lightweight champion, IBO light welterweight and WBC international light welterweight champion.
Floyd, on the other hand, became the WBC super featherweight champion (defended 8 times), WBC lightweight champion (defended three times), WBC light welterweight champion, WBC/IBF/IBO/IBA welterweight champion (current), WBC light middleweight champion (current) and recognize by the Ring as their welterweight champion of the world.