So many really big fights, especially outside the heavyweight division go late or often the distance, because fighters are well-matched and are harder to prize open at that level.

Certain humdingers stand out. Sugar Ray Leonard dispatching Dave Boy Green or Julian Jackson's poleaxing of Herol Graham spring to mind. Lennox Lewis's revenge over Hasim Rahman was also dramatic. Our heavyweight king incidentally bounced back from two bad knockout defeats. Hatton's hero Roberto Duran re-built too after his disaster against Tommy Hearns.

Smith: Not an image Hatton wants to be remembered for

Some say Hatton's been on a slight decline since the heady heights of Kostya Tszyu, and that the head movement and defence has worsened over the years.

Has the rock and roll lifestyle caught up with him? Yes, it makes him Ricky Hatton but the yo-yoing in weight can't have been good for his body, and it must have had an affect on his speed and actual fight condition - however fit he gets himself in training camp.

With his style, Hatton always said he would be out by the time he reached 30 - especially with the way he's fought. I once wondered if he would have a record of about 47-3 when he finished.

I thought that when he lost it would be dramatic because of his thrilling come-forward style. So the case was against Floyd Mayweather, but I could not have foreseen quite how stunning this defeat to Pacquiao would be.

Southpaw trouble

Maybe we all knew this would happen at some stage. To fight for the fans, to use heart as oppose to technical skills was always ever so dangerous. You can't just come charging in so naively against a quick southpaw who can both fight and counter punch.

And Hatton has always struggled with southpaws. Eamonn Magee floored him, Luis Collazo rocked him and Juan Urango hurt him. I even mentioned the name of Jurgen Brahmer in the office last week, the German southpaw who iced Hatton as an amateur.

Has the punch resistance gone now? Almost every clean shot landed by Pacquiao's ferocious fists seemed to hurt him. There are concerns about the manner of this loss in his first defeat at his beloved 10 stone. Any invincibility at light-welterweight has gone forever.

It looked close to being over after the Mayweather defeat, and after his mixed display against Juan Lazcano, Ricky revealed he had serious doubts about whether to continue. I think what we tended to overlook was how light-punching Lazcano shook him to his boots during that fight.

Refreshed and rejuvenated

Hatton said he felt refreshed and rejuvenated after the win over Paulie Malignaggi, but it's possible that fight was a red herring. Malignaggi couldn't deal with Hatton's strength, was basically boxing one-handed, and has always been a feather-fisted hitter. Even Paulie predicted a big win for Pacquiao.

Ricky Hatton has done ever so well. After his major scare against Eamonn Magee, I remember some fight critics wondering if Ricky would end up somewhere between European and World level.

He went on to conquer Kostya Tszyu, rule the 10 stone division for almost 4 years, and he even picked up a World Welterweight belt at the same time. Fabulous.

Hatton's proved people wrong. He didn't just stay in his comfort zone in Manchester defending the WBU belt. He took the best on in America, beating most of them. There is no shame in losing to the two finest fighters of his generation.

Pacquiao's scything punches could have cost Hatton $50million dollars for more mega showdowns with Juan Manuel Marquez and a re-match with Mayweather. If the Pacquiao fight had been close, there could even have been a huge money return.

Whatever anyone says to Ricky, my hunch is that he will fight on. I do not think he will want to go out on his back. A possible clash against the exciting Australian gladiator Michael Katsidis has already been mentioned.

Khan fight

Although a big North West fight with Khan seemed to have been recently ruled out, never say never in boxing! It would pack out the City of Manchester or Reebok Stadium. Freddie Roach previously yearned for this, but now he's not so sure.

De La Hoya, who recently brought the curtain down on his glittering career after his own loss to Pacquiao says that Hatton can fight on. He points to the fact that Ricky is still just 30 and has only had two defeats, whilst he's 36, and has six losses. Yet this was arguably more devastating than any of De La Hoya's defeats. Oscar retired on his stool against the Pacman.

Remember too that The Golden Boy has his promotional hat on now and could he even be thinking of a return himself to fight Hatton at Wembley. De La Hoya made the sensible decision to retire, but again, never say never in this crazy sport.

There's Timothy Bradley, the WBC-WBO Light-Welterweight champion. Or Ricky's old rival Junior Witter, but I'm not sure that will ever happen. Hatton could even target the loser of the big Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez fight in the summer. The winner will surely fight Pacquiao in a mouth-watering match.

Life outside the ring

Yet Ricky has so much in his life, and many adventures lie ahead out of the ring. He's become a manager and promoter, he may also train young boxers in his new gym. Ricky would make an excellent analyst and commentator if he wanted to work alongside us, plus he is a natural and funny after-dinner speaker. He could turn his arm to almost anything.

Moreover, Ricky has a gorgeous family. Not many people have seen the dramatic, heart-breaking shots of Ricky's fiancée Jennifer as the knockout happened. Her reaction and ear-piercing scream was astonishing and so sad. I have actually never seen anything like it. If Ricky watched that over and over again, he would have serious doubts about returning.

Will Ricky ever want to see Jennifer or his mum Carol go through that again? Moreover his son Campbell is more than old enough to understand, and the two are very close. The worry is that if he fights on - and wins - he could just keep going. With millions in the bank why risk his health in the hardest of sports?

If he asks for my view, as a broadcaster and a mate, I will tell him: enough is enough. But I know he won't want to retire with those shots of him lying on the MGM canvas fresh in everyone's mind. Ricky Hatton is a fighter to the core. He'll be back because of his pride.

I could sit here and make an impassioned plea, but it is Ricky's decision. He owes us nothing. He has given millions of fans value for money, entertainment and all of us a wonderful ride.

He will be remembered for fighting for the fans, wearing his heart on his sleeve, and almost always finding a way to win. Ricky Hatton captured our imagination, and many people I have spoken to are really gutted about what happened. That tells you something.

Will THE most popular fighter from our shores ever light up a ring again? Personally it's been amazing working with him - and Rick, whatever you choose my friend, I'll be there all the way.

back to top