I feel so sorry for Ricky Hatton.
It was a huge night for him and I don't think he gave himself a chance to succeed. He came in with the same naive tactics as he did against Floyd Mayweather.
He had an horrendous opening round when he visited the canvas twice, but his head cleared so you'd have thought he'd have come out for the second round with a different plan, back to basics, using his skills.
Hatton: is caught by one of many Manny Pacquiao punches
But he came back in the second round and did exactly the same thing.
He did shake Manny Pacquiao up, which should've given him a bit of confidence, but I just don't think he gave himself a chance.
I was worried when Freddie Roach said it would be like Hagler-Hearns, three fantastic rounds and that Pacquiao would knock him out in the third. I doubted Freddie as I've doubted him in the past.
Phenomenal
I said 'no way is Ricky Hatton a three-round job for anybody in the world' - and then Pacquiao comes out with that performance of tremendous punching. This guy is a phenomenal fighter.
I never tell fighters when to retire but what's the point with Ricky? He's made an awful lot of money, so it's time to move on.
Jim Watt
Quotes of the week
We'll always remember Ricky for those glory nights, the performance when he beat Kostya Tszyu and won world titles at two different weights but it has to be said at the final hurdle he was found well short at superstar level.
But that doesn't take away from all the achievements and thrills he has given us.
I never tell fighters when to retire but what's the point with Ricky? He's made an awful lot of money, so it's time to move on.
The two superfights he's been involved in he's suffered heavy losses and it will be difficult to come back from this.
Fantastic
Don't forget Ricky Hatton dominated the light-welterweight division for four years and had some fantastic nights. I wish him well in whatever he decides to do from here on in.
As for Pacquiao we've seen many great fighters who get better as they come up through the weight divisions. It's important, especially today with the 24-hour weigh-ins, that you're fit and healthy and strong at the weight.
Too many fighters take too much off and it takes something away from their body but Pacquiao has come up through the weights and got better and better.
He's got stronger and he's got his power with him. He's an exceptional fighter.
Comments (84)
Pat Quinn says...
one thing that struck me about the physical stature of both fighters was how near the eve of the fight ricky looked like a junkie, totally starved, painfully so, over trained on the medicine [ie training] he was taking in the build up, and to my eyes weaker for it. manny actually looked bigger- physically and symbolically- at the weigh in, i don't know if this was the camera angles but to me it was more to do with as charles de sniper says - food and weight loss/ gain. this might be a strategy of the manny camp. fight de la hoya who has to lose a pile and is at the end of his career anyway, fight ricky who has to lose a pile [and is at the end of his career?], all the while the pacman builds up naturally and without the heat needed to remove weight. this of course means that manny is nothing more than a tactical nutritionist who chooses to fight people he thinks don't eat as well as him.
Posted 00:42 9th July 2009
Neil Watson says...
Honestly I have never seen a fighter so badly prepared. Rule one fighting southpaws circle right away from their left. Rule 2 watch for the counter. Rule 3 (against anyone) use the jab Rule 4 never underestimate your opponent. Lets face it Ricky didnt think Paqman had the power to hurt him and was found out.
Posted 17:16 20th May 2009
Lewis Phelan says...
I feel sorry for Ricky Hatton. Why is he being reffered to as a great boxer in the past tense...he is still a great boxer. The only problem I seen against manny was he was trying too hard..he thought he could walk in and rough him up as bit and then walk away with the title! This guy is the greatest pound for pound and he should have been shown respect by taking it slow the first few rounds then building up the pace. And anyone who says mayweather senior trained him wrong should think again. At the end of the first round you can hear mayweather say "keep your hand up!" Mayweather is top pedigree in pro boxing..look at his brother and his son! Hatton needs one more fight at the top, if he listens and does as he is told he WILL win the pound for pound title. Theres no need to go in all gung ho because thats what fans expect...I trained with Bernard Dunne. He is now the WBA champ but before that he turned into a cocky fighter who didn't think he could be beaten and in fairness, he gave the fans what they wanted...Until Kiko Martinez. Bernard being knocked out cold in 86 seconds and then coming back to become a mature and changed fighter...nothing short of brilliant. Ricky Hatton is well capable of doing the same...here's hoping!
Posted 22:09 7th May 2009
Chris Wallace says...
Ricky should retire as there are no more world class fights for him. He doesn't need the money maybe as he has earned a fortune. Who would want to fight him? For the money, yes, but other than that, nothing. Ricky doesn't have the balls to admit defeat..in comparison to Manny, the humblest fighter there is. Now let's change some lyrics..."There's only one sleepy hatton"
Posted 01:07 7th May 2009
Tony Beirne says...
It was a truly awesome display of boxing guile, expertise & technique. Hatton has always been a pressure fighter who stifles the creativity & stride of decent boxers but against the creme needs another dimension - a bit like the former England manager Sven (who ironically also managed Man City !). Ricky's second round up to the knockout was actually not that bad & it would have been interesting if he caught Paq with a decent shot as i think he had the power to shake him. Strangely i think Ricky was over confident for this fight & he thought that he felt that he was in such good condition that he could knock him out & that Paq did not carry the power to hurt him. Pride will not allow a boxer to end on a note like that - Ricky will return to fight another day - look at Amir Khan after his hideous defeat & triumphant return against an aging Barrera. Ricky - take stock - change trainer, choose your opponents wisely & win a world title again at home.
Posted 22:44 6th May 2009
Andrew Davies says...
Gutted how easy Ricky was dismantled but these men are not top of the P4P rankings for nothing. You just cant charge in all angles open and expect success. Ricky has been great for British boxing and has had a career most would dream of but I believe enough is enough. The shots he took off Tzsyu, Collazo, Mayweather etc he just aint taking them shots no more Juan Lazcano had im hurt badly twice at the City of Manchester. Last thing I want to see is Ricky flat out again!!!
Posted 13:59 6th May 2009
Jeremy Curran says...
I have to say, I thought Pacquaio would win, but not that easily! For saying it was a career defining fight for Ricky Hatton he let himself down and didn't seem to have any winning gameplan! He just got picked off by an accurate and an improving ring legend! Who looked a different class! Ricky was exciting but you couldn't be confident he was gonna do the business he was a little wreckless tactically. Freddy Roach is right on the money in what he said after the fight and this can only be good for Amir Khan, who has the skills but maybe not the chin! I have to say though Mayweather Jr vs Pacquaio would be a classic, that certainly would be worth going to Vegas for!! I give the Pac Man the edge, Floyd is smart and slick, but manny is a machine and is just too quick!!
Posted 01:04 6th May 2009
Eoin Gault says...
There's no point of hatton retiering he might not be the best in the world but not everyone can. Hes still one of the best and hes always going to have fans following him anywhere he goes. If he thinks hes in his prime than and still enjoys it then why stop?
Posted 21:47 5th May 2009
Richard Barker says...
Jim Watt is quite right in his final few paragraphs. I think Hatton's discipline (or lack there of) between fights has taken it's toll. It's definitely a lot to ask of your body to go from around 11 and a half odd stonem from binge eating and drinking to cut bone-dry at 140lbs in a matter of weeks. His drinking sessions are the stuff of legend apparently! I'm no lover of Mayweather sr but he did also publicly warn Hatton about the dangers of excess at top-flight Boxing, which was quite right. I just hope that Hatton will seriously consider retirement. I think at most he could have a 'farewell bout' and call it a day. I'll be sad to see him go though as he has always been exciting to watch in the ring and a class act outside the ring, which is why he's such a huge draw! There really is only one Ricky Hatton!!
Posted 17:03 5th May 2009
Chris Strange says...
Hatton did well to get on the world stage by beating Kostya Tszyu to be fair. But had he met him 2 years earlier he would have lost inside of 2 rounds just like he did against the Pacman. He is not nearly in the same league as these people - never was, never will be. Anyone who knows boxing would agree. However most of Hatton's "fans" do not really know boxing but are just jumping on a bandwagon. Ricky always praises his "fans" yet most of them walked out before Ricky had recovered enough to leave the arena. That just about sums them up.....
Posted 16:49 5th May 2009
Matthew Porter says...
How has Hatton been ungracious after this loss? he said " i didn't see the shot coming, but he is a terrific fighter." how is that not showing grace. He was still angry about the Mayweather fight and all that build up as well. A guy who has just been knocked out isnt exactly going to be mr Jovial is he. Pacmans corner going nuts in ther rinh, while hatton was laid stiff out in the middle of the ring was a bit insensitive itself. However big a win.
Posted 15:49 5th May 2009
Stevie Adler says...
Ricky Hatton is a world class fighter. Unfortunately he came up short against the pacman and mayweather who are at superstar level. Probably two of the best boxers ever to lace gloves. I felt so sorry for the Hitman who has gave us so many great nights entertainment. Rick Hatton has nothing more to prove, go now Ricky and hold you head high. Floyd snr was not the right man to train Ricky, turning up late for training is bad in itself but to turn up late on the biggest night of Rick Hatton's lboxing career is unforgiveable.
Posted 12:48 5th May 2009
Joe Shefford says...
It was a pleasure to watch one of the very best at the top of his game - unfortuanetly, Ricky was on the wrong end of a hiding. What I find really frustrating is that Ricky didn't seem to be able to change his game plan during this fight or against Mayweather Jr. I saw him box, rather than fight, a very tough Ben Tackie a few years back and was awarded with the decision victory. Would different tactics have helped in the two most important fights of his career? Well, surely he could have made himself harder to hit, a little head movement on the way in perhaps? I think deep down we all knew he couldn't mix it with it the very best, what is really sad though, is that I found Ricky to be ungracious in defeat after both losses. Perhaps he has a high opinion of his good but not great talent. Time to call it a day Ricky. Please. No shame at all in being beaten by the likes of Pacquiao/Mayweather Jr. Just a sign of the courage you have in you to want to test yourself against the best.
Posted 11:26 5th May 2009
J B says...
If I was Ricky I would pick myself up, dust myself down, get myself a decent Trainer, and carry on.Even in his previous fight against Pauline Fowler or whatever his name was, he was just as open as Saturday, he was lucky Pauline didn't have the same talent as Manny. Ricky can still get himself a world title, even move up a weight or two, so that he wouldn't have to take so much weight off. If he can get a trainer to work totally on his defence, then he will soon be a world champion again, and he wont make the same mistakes he has done in his last couple of fights.
Posted 11:12 5th May 2009
David Galelli says...
Heres a little quote from one of the greatest discaplined fighters in the world. "A good fight should be like a small play...but played seriously. When the opponent expands, l contract. When he contracts, l expand. And when there is an opportunity... l do not hit...it hits all by itself (shows his fist). Any technique, however worthy and desirable, becomes a disease when the mind is obsessed with it." Take note ricky.......Cause this is a fine reference to the attitude of manny to you.....
Posted 10:26 5th May 2009
David Galelli says...
Its a shame that Ricky's fight had to end like this. After all of the build up and news of his new 'defensive' fighting style i thought there was hope for ricky hatton. What youve got to remember tho, like someone previously said, is that Pacquiao is a disaplined, healthy fighter, who will do anything within his possibity to become the best. However with hatton, he counts on the heart and the fans and sometimes (mostly all the time) that isnt enough. Manny trains constant but ricky goes on binges. Manny keeps discaplin and executes training practise perfectly, the hitman lets emotions take control and looses all somewhat blanks out all that he has learnt. I watched the fight that saturday, not only was i dissapionted and sorry for ricky i was also angry, as in a way he has let the country down. What makes a great champion is heart but more importantly technique and discaplin. If only hatton could keep himself controlled and lead a healthy life style. Then maybe, just maybe the descision could have turned the other way. BUT....now we will never know...and most importantly never will RICKY......so the question i ask ricky is that...does he quite now...on the worst note of his career and forever let his past eat him away...or does he do what a true hero does and get back on the horse........personally i just think its too late now.......i bet he still doesnt understand that was his last chance to really redeem himself...... the only way he could do so is to have a rematch with M.P or F.M.S... BUT I think now...its safe to say, thats not really going to happen.
Posted 10:21 5th May 2009
Matthew Porter says...
Shane Bowden your comments are fooish l? if Ricky thinks he can beat Floyd and Pacquiao why would twitter cause him any fear? Face it, boxing is a business and Hatton went for the high profile fights. He didnt get the Kosta fight till quite late on. In his position who would not do the same. Witter got knocked down by soft puncher Tim Bradley and lost. So he hasnt exactly been amazing himself. Hatton is a legend, but his heart ruled his head again. No one can say what it feels like to be in an occasion like that on this forum so cut him some slack, hes been fantastic.
Posted 09:51 5th May 2009
Randy Figueroa says...
Jim was right when he said that Ricky is easy to hit. Reason why Fredie predicted to accomplished the game in 3 rounds. However, Flloyd Sr said he is better than Fredie. I don't think so, because if he is, Ricky will follow their game plan and a boxer will obey him nor Ricky is too hard headed boxer. They should separate their ways they are not a perfect combination like Manny & Fredie has. Sorry for Ricky, after that fight you are not the same Ricky as before.
Posted 09:23 5th May 2009
Brian Johnston says...
I too think Floyd Snr was the wrong trainer for Hatton, a big mouth don't make a good trainer, he talked a good fight but what did he realy bring to the Hatton camp, late training sessions and nothing else, the best trainer in the world, i don't think so, Hatton would have fought better with his gran in the corner, I hope you come back from this Ricky and show the world you can beat Packman in a re-match.
Posted 08:22 5th May 2009
Rob Smith says...
Hatton is a joke. Not only is he not good enough to fight the top level fighters, he does not have the decency to admit he was well beaten. How can he really come out with the quote of ""If we'd have gone a few rounds it could have been different, but he caught me with practically the first punch he threw to be honest," What about the punches that knocked you down twice in the first round........First punch he threw.....quality...
Posted 00:55 5th May 2009
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