Hatton: time for change

The feel of the new team is that they want to slow Hatton down so that he doesn't drive himself forward at 100 miles an hour. To move away from what they see as a real dependence on strength and determination. Even Malignaggi believes Hatton's a hit-and-hold type these days.

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This week Ricky Hatton celebrated one of life's milestones - his 30th birthday - and just think for a minute what he's achieved in his first three decades.

An exceptional amateur turned thrilling professional, the Hitman's won 44 of 45 fights, has collected an assortment of world titles - even up at welterweight - and remains, for now, the premier 10-stone fighter on earth.

Add to that his close-knit family, his enormous fanbase, his after-dinner work, TV appearances, and stand-up comedy act. He's now even hosting his own chat show. There's a new 'Team Hatton' gym and headquarters being built in Hyde, as Ricky has taken out his trainer's, manager's and promoter's licences. Life for the Hitman is extremely hectic.

Some are starting to think that Hatton is taking too much on. He is such a good bloke, that he finds it hard to say 'no' to anything. Hopefully the team around him have this all under control. Hatton may be deep into his career, and an experienced fighter who knows when to turn it on, but there is never room for complacency or playing with the sport on a kind of part-time basis.

That was beginning to concern me, with just over six weeks to go to such a crucial clash against the world's second-ranked light-welterweight, the supremely confident and skilful Paulie Malignaggi.

There is also an added importance to this fight because if Hatton wins, the Oscar De La Hoya mega-money blockbuster moves a step closer. Or even a much-anticipated showdown with Manny Pacquaio, should the Filipino star conquer the massive weight difference and stun the Golden Boy on December 6.

Cracking

Seeing Hatton in his temporary headquarters in Ashton this week has quelled my fears somewhat. He looks in cracking nick already and seems to have a spring back in his step - which he puts down to his new engine room team of Lee Beard and Floyd Mayweather Snr.

Those around Beard believe he's British boxing training's bright young thing. Only time will tell, but he is ever so keen and seems to have freshened Hatton up at least. Maybe Ricky became a bit tired and jaded with it all after the crushing loss to Floyd Mayweather Jnr. He's relishing the challenges again now.

So what of Mayweather? Well, I haven't been overly impressed by his often lacklustre corner work between rounds in major fights. I read my colleague Glenn McCrory's blog last week and I understand his concerns. On the plus side though, Mayweather moulded his son, teaching Floyd Jnr that masterful defence, how to roll punches with a style based on speed, defence and outstanding reflexes. Furthermore De La Hoya has long championed Mayweather Snr as being 'the man'.

It still seemed rather an odd choice, given the Hitman's marauding, aggressive style. Billy Graham's been wonderful for Hatton and has lived, breathed and loved their partnership for many years. Cruel its over, but that's boxing for you.

Maybe Ricky needed a change. The critics have been sharpening their knives, as the Hitman has certainly struggled more of late. The fights with Luis Collazo and Juan Urango were far from vintage, there was of course the stoppage defeat to Floyd Mayweather, and his homecoming against Juan Lazcano wasn't exactly faultless.

Determination

The feel of the new team is that they want to slow Hatton down so that he doesn't drive himself forward at 100 miles an hour. To move away from what they see as a real dependence on strength and determination. Even Malignaggi believes Hatton's a hit-and-hold type these days.

They want Hatton to vary his pace, to fight in bursts, and are attempting to bring his technique back to the forefront. They crave the old boxing displays like his excellent performances against Ben Tackie and Ray Oliveira - working behind a spearing jab to dismantle his foes.

Can he do that at 30? Is there time to adapt before a huge fight in November? Will they actually take away what he does best? How will Hatton react when under pressure in the heat of battle? It will be intriguing to find out the answers.

The new team have taken out the reliance on weight training and have altered his running times from late at night to early morning. They will also set up a longer camp than usual in Vegas, so that Ricky has over five weeks to acclimatise and run the tough Nevada mountains. I for one think that is an excellent decision. A lengthier stint in the States means less distractions from his outside interests back home.

I watched one of the very first Hatton-Mayweather training sessions out of the usual media glare. It looks like they will take time to gel, but I was impressed with what I witnessed. I spent a couple of hours with them as Floyd worked Ricky on the bag and pads - and even just on his hands!

Impressive

Mayweather's impressive. I hadn't really seen much of him up close before but he brings knowledge, experience and control. He constantly stopped Ricky to show him where he was going wrong, and the Hitman actually seemed in awe of his new mentor.

There was lots of speed work, defence and drive. Mayweather's technical and quick. Ricky's in good shape already (despite all his extra-curricular work), and was really made to think, react and try various combinations out. Tune into Friday Fight Night this week to judge our exclusive footage for yourself.

So at 30, do we expect a more mature Hatton? Will he be wiser with age? Or at this stage is it wrong to be tinkering with his style? Marco Antonio Barrera and Arturo Gatti re-defined theirs successfully later in life, so can Hatton too? Lee and Floyd say it's more a case of bringing out his boxing talent again. Back to basics even now.

The early signs are good, but we must remember Ricky won all 43 of his light-welterweight fights under Billy Graham. They worked for each other, and they were so close. Mayweather been scathing of Graham which is very harsh, but then egos are obviously involved. Kerry Kayes, Hatton's long-time nutritionist and assistant who's also left the team, will surely be a big loss too.

We wait with interest, but it will be fascinating to see how the Hatton-Mayweather relationship develops once they get to Vegas. I will report back when we get out to the camp later this month...