De La Hoya: next for Hatton?

Forrest still craves a showdown with Oscar De La Hoya but Golden Boy's CEO, Richard Schaefer, told me that if Hatton beats Malignaggi, and De La Hoya takes care of Manny Pacquiao in December, then it's his dream to still match Ricky and Oscar for Wembley next summer!

Adam Smith
Quotes of the week

Also see

• Hatton back on Box Office
• Hitman wants PBF rematch

A busy seven or so days in the boxing world and a chance to talk about some of the fighters and characters who continue to light up our flourishing sport - while also paying tribute to a bright light that so sadly went out this week.

Firstly, there has been a great deal of positive reaction to Prizefighter - many saying what a great night we had again, this time in Newcastle.

It wasn't quite the barnstorming event that we enjoyed first time around in April at the York Hall, when the eight heavyweights largely ignored technique and tactics in favour of good old fashioned tear-ups.

Last Friday, it was very watchable and good fun, but for those who wanted pure drama every second of every round, this batch hadn't quite read that script. It was more tactical; even sensible.

The fighters paced themselves better, and had obviously thought far more about their gameplan. They'd had the opportunity of watching and learning from the previous Prizefighter - a couple had even been involved in it too.

Still it was quick, compelling and as for the final-a wonderful finish between the two young talents of the tournament. Pre-favourite Chris Burton gave his all but was out-boxed and outfought by Sam Sexton - who thoroughly deserved the trophy and the big £25,000 cash prize.

Quicker

Sam and his team from Norwich had thought about this very carefully. Interesting that Sexton, the best boxer and the youngest participant came through, whereas last time it was the will and strength of the oldest Prizefighter, Martin Rogan.

Next up it's the turn of the welterweights in October. That will be very interesting to see how the lighter, quicker boys attack this exciting format.

On Wednesday I went to see Ricky Hatton and Paulie Malignaggi at their head-to-head presser in Manchester. The finest two light-welterweights in the world clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 22nd - live on Sky Box Office.

It was good to see plenty of respect between the pair. They are both accomplished boxers and lively talkers too. Especially Malignaggi. There's also some spice because The Magic Man has been chasing The Hitman for a long time and really believes he has his number.

To add to the mix, there have been big changes in Team Hatton with the departure of long-time trainer Billy Graham and nutritionist Kerry Kayes in favour of the new combination of Lee Beard and Floyd Mayweather Snr.

Hatton is also going to base himself in Vegas much earlier than usual. He might bump into Malignaggi who has switched his Vero Beach headquarters for a long stint in the Nevada desert as well.

As amiable and chatty as ever, Paulie expressed his surprise at the shock of Joan Guzman being so overweight and ultimately pulling out of his world lightweight title showdown with Nate Campbell.

"A brilliant talent, whose career has been totally messed up," Paulie said. "Should have been a pound-for-pound contender. What a waste." I couldn't agree more.

We also talked about the fabulous result for one of my very favourite fighters. Juan Manuel Marquez is finally starting to get his just rewards. An 11th-round dismantling of the old, talented Cuban Joel Casamayor was just the start he needed in the lightweight division.

Technician

Juan Manuel is a brilliant technician; intelligent and hard-working in and out of the ring. Please put Juan Manuel right up in your Top 10 pound-for-pound lists now!

Good to see another excellent fighter coming back. Vernon Forrest has long been plagued by injuries and inactivity but managed to gain sweet revenge over Sergio Mora.

Vernon's a smashing chap outside the ring too, with his work for Destiny's Child - where mentally and physically handicapped adults, who have largely been abandoned, are given homes, work, support and hope.

Forrest still craves a showdown with Oscar De La Hoya but Golden Boy's CEO, Richard Schaefer, told me that if Hatton beats Malignaggi, and De La Hoya takes care of Manny Pacquiao in December, then it's his dream to still match Ricky and Oscar for Wembley next summer!

One of the stumbling blocks for that might be the choice of trainer. De La Hoya wanted to continue working with Floyd Mayweather Snr, but now Floyd snr has agreed to guide Hatton. De La Hoya may be forced to find another trainer; so an odd scenario that Oscar finds himself in!

With Freddie Roach committed to Pacquiao, De La Hoya could go for one of his former trainers, Jesus Rivero - or possibly Rudy Perez who's long guided Marco Antonio Barrera. Man of the moment might be Nacho Beristain - Juan Manuel Marquez's right-hand man.

The Golden Boy has lit up our sport with his talent, charisma and grace. Great guy and we'll lose someone quite magnetic when he does finally hang up the gloves.

Hospitable

Another Oscar who will be sorely missed in the boxing fraternity is Oscar Suarez (pictured), the former trainer of Naseem Hamed and Acelino Freitas.

Oscar passed away from cancer this week at just 47, and it was devastating news. A nicer, more hospitable and friendly trainer/boxing stalwart you won't find.

I spent a great deal of time with Oscar, especially in the many camps he helped run with Naseem Hamed. He was approachable, helpful, always smiling, and for me personally this is hard to take.

More so I would guess for Naz and Acelino, whose careers he helped guide so well.

My son Oscar will be one next week. I hope he grows up to be as decent as either of the afore-mentioned Oscars.

Golden Boy. Golden Man. Oscar Suarez... rest in peace, my old friend.

What are your memories of Oscar Suarez? And what about the Vernon Forrest, Juan Manuel Marquez and the possibility of Hatton-De La Hoya? Share your views by using the feedback form below...