(Coach "K" in red to left)
Amateur Accomplishments
Amateur Record: 73-7
1996 Junior World Championships Light Welterweight Bronze Medalist
1997 ABA Light Welterweight Champion
Pro record 45-2, 32Ko's
Back in 1997 a close friend and avid boxing fan told me about an up and coming welterweight out of the UK, who in his pro debut just beat Colin McAuley. A veteran fighter with 59 fights. Well then I guess it's no coincidence that Ricky fought his second bout at boxing's Mecca Madison Square Garden in what actually was his first invasion is now fighting as a champion. After some research and discovering the facts about the Hitman's brutal workout sessions under Billy "The Preacher" Graham I have been a Ricky Hatton supporter.
Hatton known as an animal in the gym
After turning pro and destroying leaving him 17-0 against the local talent so Hatton's camp turned up the competition. In the next two years the Hatton camp rolled up six straight KO's over some tough fighters like Freddie Pendelton, Jason Rowland, Justin Roswell and Mikhail Krivolapov leading up to a big fight with Eamonn Magee. In that fight Ricky went down for the first and only time in his career, but the result was the same a victory. Now 29-0 25ko's Ricky notched to more wins then took on and beat some top fighters as Vince Phillips, Aldo Rios, Ben Tackie, Dennis Pederson, Micheal Stewart and Ray Oliveira before getting a title shot.
Hatton being critized by many for having all but one of his fights at home in the UK went into his Championship bout with Kostya Tszyu in June, 2005 as the underdog. as history shows Ricky with his relentless attack and to some a surprisingly good defense went on to stop Tszyu when his corner threw in the towel and he didn't come out for the 12th round.
The Hitman backed up his beating of Tszyu with a 9th round KO of Carlos Maussa who had just knocked out top ranked Vivian Harris. This leading us to his Championship bout with Luis Collazzo on May 13th in Boston.
Ricky working the mitts.
Working the heavybag.
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Pacquiao Catches Hatton in a “Roach Trap!”
By: Coach “K”
May 2nd, MGM, Las Vegas Nevada: In the game of Pacman the way you kill the ghosts is you allow them to get close then you jump them, eating them and get stronger. That’s exactly what Manny Pacquaio (148lbs) did when the “East met the West” catching and dropping the bigger Ricky Hatton (152lbs) twice in the first round, then again closing the second round finishing the “Hitman” 45-2, 32Ko’s winning the IBO light welterweight championship and securing his title as the best pound for pound fighter today.
Hatton used the wrong, Roach calculated fight plan coming straight ahead rushing in. He was loading up on wide, wild shots without any head movement continually getting banged in return while charging in. Pacquiao 49-3-2, 37Ko’s remained calm and deliberate under the assault moving early enticing Hatton to chase. The Philippine star took away any thoughts Hatton had of throwing a jab when he began to land his right hook with regularity, rocking his charging foe several times. Hatton scored a couple of left hooks to the body but “Pacman” continued to fight smart staying tight in close, not allowing Hatton to get off. Hatton usually the one to rough it up inside appeared relatively meek and out of sync.
Pacquiao began stepping in then back, firing and landing a solid combination catching Hatton coming in. The “Roach Trap” was set. Pacquiao fainted stepping in then beat Hatton to the punch with a right hook flooring the “Hitman” for the first time as he loaded up his big left.
Pacquiao continued to work his right hook, the same punch that was very successful for Luis Collazzo back in may 2006. A film Freddie Roach surely studied and worked with Pacquiao over and over. Then with about a minute to go in the round Pacquiao ripped another right hook to Hatton’s head leading the way for a crushing left dropping the brawling Brit for the second time.
Taking the full eight count, to his credit, the rugged Hatton somehow made it to his feet. “Pac Man” wasted no time proving it was no lucky punch using his speed and timing firing away with both hands backing Hatton to the ropes. Hatton now coming in hands low, without any of the head movement we saw in training was now a sitting duck. He was eating a full sampling of the Philippine fighter’s potent arsenal. At about the ten second mark of the round, two Pacquiao right hooks, a straight left right uppercut volley followed by a loaded left high to the head put the battered pride of Britain down again leaving just enough time for an eight count earning him Hatton another round.
Hatton always in top condition began round two full steam ahead, banging away with his left prodding us to wonder would we see a Marquez type comeback. The Philippine national treasure, ranked as the worlds best pound for pound fighter would not allow any such thing. Well trained and following his strategic fight plan “Pacman” used the “Roach Trap” reading Hatton’s charging punches luring him into Philippine lefts and rights.
Hatton had a few moments in the second round landing a couple of good left hooks and two clean right hands to the head showing us a glimmer of pulling himself back into the fight when the skilled Philippine tactician lured Hatton into another “Roach Trap” banging away using his superior speed backing Hatton across the ring.
Going into the final minute of the round the East met the West in the center of the ring the two trading shots with Pacquiao’s speed allowing him to win the in fighting, usually Hatton’s forte. The action remained in the middle of the ring and Hatton looked as if he might get through another when the slick pound for pound champion began slowly turning Hatton banging him to the body not allowing him to set and punch. Right after hearing the pounding a of the canvas announcing the closing ten seconds of the round Pacquiao threw two pawing but diverting right jabs drawing Hatton into another “Roach Trap.” “Pacman” bounced moving left firing a cannon left hand finding Hatton’s chin depositing him unconscious on the canvas. It was over! Hatton was out! No Kenny Bayless count, no Marquez comeback. Hatton was out and in bad shape.
Manny Pacquiao proved beyond any doubt he is the worlds best pound for pound fighter today and will be ranked that way amongst boxing’s best ever.
Despite the devastating loss the “Hitman’s” loyal fans continued to sing there praise for the one and only Ricky Hatton. Hatton secured his spot in boxing history in the ring with his high intensity training and entertaining fighting style. Together with his humorous and solid gentleman like persona outside the ring one must consider the whole “Hitman” package. The “Hitman” was great for boxing and lets not forget his only two losses come at the hands of some pretty good talent. “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao who now will inevitably will meet in what will be boxing’s biggest fight in decades, maybe boxing history assuming Floyd can get past Marquez in July.
Having always been a big Ricky Hatton fan now learning of his whopping twelve million dollar payday for the fight I can only hope the “Hitman’s” only boxing future will be as a representative of Golden Boy Promotions Europe. That gigantic number one boxing coach trophy will look just fine in Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym.
Graham’s Gone but Hopefully Not Forgotten!
(The Hitman working the famous bodybag with Graham)
By: Coach “K”
July 30th: After getting back on the winning track beating Juan Lazcano, although not his best performance, Ricky Hatton heads into his world title fight against Paulie “Magic Man” Malignaggi in November with not only his loss to Mayweather on his mind, but the loss of his career long trainer Billy “The Preacher” Graham.
There are several versions of the split floating around. One started when the two returned after the Mayweather fight on separate planes and it continued all through the Lazcano camp. Graham put an end to all the speculation today saying he was retiring and his assistant, Lee Beard, is likely to train Hatton for the upcoming Malignaggi fight but he also said it was Ricky’s call. Graham wished Hatton the best and stated "It's not over between me and Ricky just because I'm not training him any more, I'll be there and I'll be urging him on. I just won't be in his corner that's the only difference."
I don’t think dropping Graham totally would be a good idea at this point Camp Hatton should use Graham in a different or lesser role. Adding a Mayweather Sr; an Emanuel Stewart or our pick John David Jackson could help the Hitman as long as they don’t change too much, too soon.
Don’t fix what’s not broken. Add a little defense, a little counter-punching, some ring generalship and let Ricky do what he does best, fight. He must be in that old Hatton / Kosta Tszyu type shape.
With the contrasting styles “The Hitman” will need to be in the best shape mentally and physically, because he may find himself chasing the “Magic Man” in a marathon all night and that’s where “The Preacher “ can still contribute!
Mayweather \ Hatton, One's Getting Ready to Dance
the Others Getting Ready to Tango!
"Undefeated" and self proclaimed best pound for pound “Pretty Boy’ Floyd Mayweather 38-0, 24 Ko’s and Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton 43-0, 31 Ko’s have set off their re-fight press conferences for their December 8th mega fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The pre-fight promotion has started in full cartoon. Mayweather entered to a rendition of Hail to the Chief while waving two American flags which he deposited in front of Hatton playing the American / British card bringing back memories of Don King crying the British are coming during the Hatton / Collazzo bout. The then the wise guy meets Mr. Nice show started. Hatton who entered wearing a crown played a video of Mayweather taking dancing lessons for his upcoming appearance on Dancing with the Stars and the “Hitman” referenced Mayweather’s backwards movement while dancing in the ring comparing it to the womans role in dancing.
Mayweather couldn’t resist and grabbed Hattons crown and like a clean set up Hatton called him Burger King. The sharp tongued Mayweather responded with Ricky Fatton who looks like a wrestler. Hatton took his turn at the podium and was very polite and cordial he thanked team Mayweather for the opportunity to fight “The Best Pound for Pound” then closed stating he would be coming forward on the night of the fight and that although Mayweather is a great fighter he has the tools to beat him. Leonard Ellorbe Mayweathers advisor declared that “come Dec 8th, you are in with the best, the best fighter you have ever faced”. "Floyd will show why he is the best fighter on the planet and the English fans will see you get your ass thrown out of your frame”.
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A Matchmakers Dream!
By: Phil Kane
The the 147-pound championship fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ricky Hatton is set for Saturday, December 8, at the MGM in Las Vegas. The bout is co-promoted by Golden Boy and Mayweather Promotions. The two champions are in their prime and undefeated. The two have a w total of 81 victories and no losses. Surely this fight can be billed, as the “O” must go! You have the classic boxer vs. puncher scenario reminiscing Ali vs Frazier and Leonard and Duran. You have an American vs. a Brit, the loud mouth vs. the gentleman or add race as black vs. white. It’s all there; Mayweather vs. Hatton is a matchmakers dream. Mayweather, 38-0, 24Ko’s is the reigning WBC welterweight champion and considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing today. He is a six-time world champion in five weight divisions and surley will start the match as the overwhelming favorite. Ricky Hatton, 28-years old sports a 43-0 record with 31Ko’s. Hatton is savoring the opportunity before him. The “Hitman” has always claimed he has wanted to face the best and now has the chance to prove himself against the best. Hatton who will earn his biggest purse yet, about 8 million dollars for the December 8 contest is coming off a brilliant win over Jose Luis Castillo who fought Floyd tough in their first meeting. “Pretty Boy” Floyd may be seen as boxings best pound for pound but let’s face it most don’t like the run and hide style. As exciting as this fight may be it will be the contrast in styles that makes the fight. Ricky “Hitman” Hatton is the more exciting with his full steam ahead unrelenting pressure style like a young Duran or “Smokin” Joe Frazier. Where Mayweather is seen as the more skilled like a Muhammad Ali or “Sugar” Ray Leonard. Can this fight meet the greatness of the first meetings of the previously mentioned or will the more skilled Mayweather make it a walkover? Either way the matchmaker can just sit back and watch as we all will. The bout will be televised on HBO pay per view at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT.
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Who"s Next for the Hitman?
By: Bill Ethan
Ricky Hatton has secured his place as one of the most exciting and entertaining fighters in boxing. Crushing Jose Luis Castillo with a left hook to the body in the fourth round of his highly anticipated bout has opened the doors to a variety of lucrative situations for Hatton and has the boxing faithful mouths watering. Hatton has already given up titles to face the best competition and has stated he only wants super fights. Eventually he will be forced to move out of the 140lbs division for the right fight but at the moment Hatton will probably look to make a home coming fight in England. So lets list the top attractions.
England’s Junior Witter has been calling out the “Hitman” for years but Ricky has stated that he is unwilling to give Witter the biggest payday of his career. Besides, Witter is a Golden Boy fighter and De La Hoya is his boss so we see him getting first shot if he chooses. De La Hoya is only looking for super-fights and now Hatton has the draw. DeLaHoya would make the trip to England for the right price but weight would be the issue. Hatton could never move to 154lbs and who knows if Oscar really wants it enough to meet at 147lbs.
Paulie Malignaggi recently won the IBF 140lbs title from Lovemore Ndou and has been calling out Hatton since the final bell. Hatton should look to draw Paulie to England if he can’t get DeLaHoya. This match-up would give him a title bout and a fight that would be closer to the style of Mayweather than any of the others. If not in England at the Garden it would only make Hatton’s loyal hungrier. It would unify the belts and help sell a Mayweather bout. This could even happen after a DeLaHoya bout. If anyone could get that done it would be Malignaggi’s promoter Lou DiBella.
Miguel Cotto has established himself as one of the hottest draws in boxing. His win over Zab “Super” Judah would make a Cotto fight a big payday and a pay-per-view draw rivaling the biggest to date. Cotto has already made himself comfortable at 147lbs and is looking to Mayweather himself. He is getting ready to fight Antonio Margarito if he gets past Paul Williams on July 14th. Hatton against the Margarito / Cotto winner would be a blockbuster but lets not wait so long. Hatton could also use these possibilities to draw Mayweather out.
Floyd Mayweather who is on a boxing timeout is Hatton's #1goal. He will use it to solidify his career financially and to fulfill his legacy. Hatton's devastating win over Castillo has already gotten “Pretty Boy's” attention but when or will it happen. Who knows what this puzzle will bring us but keep talking and get it done. Any one of those guys would be a great fight and could only help get that Mayweather shot we all want to see.
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Hatton Finishes Castillo in Four!
By: Phil Kane
Round One: Hatton applies pressure right from the start. Lands body shots as Castillo looks slow. Hatton appears much quicker landing a three punch combination cuffing Castillo behind the head, no knockdown. Hatton initiates punching then holds, but releases and scores as Castillo holds on. Referee Cortez warns both fighters for holding. Hatton scores on the inside with two from underneath and a right hand to the body. SBB scores 10-9 Hatton.
Round Two: Castillo uses his jab as the round starts but Hatton presses landing to the body and is clearly outworking Castillo. Castillo continues the holds as Hatton punches. Castillo lands straight heavy right but Hatton walks through it. Castillo scores low. The “Hitman” lands with both hands and is using small lateral movements. Hatton showing he is much too strong. SBB scores 10-9 Hatton.
Round Three: Castillo appears more comfortable but clearly has joined the holding but is landing with the uppercut inside. Castillo reaching Hatton with the left hook to the body but the “Hitman” keeps coming, only to land a few to the body himself. Castillo landing low again but found the uppercut. Castillo’s best work but still score it Hatton’s round. SBB scores 10-9 Hatton.
Round Four: Starts as the previous three but Castillo lands low again and after being warned three times referee “Fair but Firm” Cortez takes a point. The “Hitman” presses on grazing the “Mexican Warrior” with a left to the head then digging a vicious hook to the liver. Castillo freezes, he’s done. Castillo spins turning his back protecting his right side and goes down to a knee where he took the count from referee Joe Cortez ending the fight at 2:16 of the round. As predicted Hatton BIG.
Summary: Hatton was quicker, more active and certainly more effective. Castillo appeared sluggish and appeared to be getting frustrated as the fight progressed. Hatton wasn't pretty but he never is. Some say he has no movement but I suggest he does it is small slick inside angles that begin when he initiates the hold the lets up and find power angles as his opponent continue to hold. Tonight he stayed close didn’t move out like against Urango but found the middle ground in the fourth round leading to that vicious left hook to the liver. Hatton fights with the pressure of a Dempsey, uses his leverage like a Frazier and Tyson and is much quicker than most give credit. He takes shots with the resiliency of an Ali and doesn’t know the word quit. He has learned that boxing is a team game and has put together the perfect team. Trained by Billy Graham who trains, pushes and advises Hatton is blunt but truthful is joined by conditioning coach Kerry Kayes who has scripted Ricky’s torrid workouts with the “Preacher”. Add that together with the fact that Ricky is a “what you see is what you get” kind of guy builds his fan base and holds them close. If there ever was an athlete who says the right things read Hatton or ask Ms. Corrales.
(click here Who's Next for the Hitman)
Undercard
Matthew Hatton 31-3-1, 12Ko’s, Ricky’s younger brother, won a twelve round decision over Edwin Vazquez 22-10-2, 8Ko’s. Vazquez dropped “Magic” Hatton in the eleventh round but the scores read 115-113, 117-111 and 115-112.
Super middleweight Fulgencio Zuniga 19-2-1, 16 Ko’s took a ten round decision from Atwun Echols 31-7-3, 27 Ko’s. “ Kid Dynamite” hit the deck in the seventh round and the cards read 97-90, 97-89 and 98-88.
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Hatton Castillo Match-Up
By: Phil Kane
Hatton is currently the odds on favorite to win (-180 by Las Vegas odds makers) but he'll have to bring his 'A' game against the Mexican slugger along with the 10,000fans that have flown in from England.The match is simply a fight between two of todays best that have everything on the line and nothing but mutual respect for each other. Hatton Castillo could very well be the next Gatti and Ward trilogy if the fight meets the hype. Castillo is best known for being on the losing end of a 10th-round TKO by the late Diego Corrales after having Corrales down twice. Castillo avenged that loss by knocking out Corrales in four rounds on Oct. 8, 2005, but only after famous weight fiasco which Castillo failed to make weight and the fight went of as a non-title bout.Hatton is known as the brawler who hid in his home England until he made Kosta Tszyu quit the fight quit after the eleventh round; Tszyu not only quit the bout but was physically beaten to the point he quit boxing. He didn’t even request his mandatory rematch. Hatton then destroyed Carlos Maussa who upset Vivian Harris the fought a mediocre fight against heavy handed Juan Urango. Both have a lot to prove and it may just be determined who gets off first.
Ricky Hatton: Hatton brings unrelenting pressure with quick aggression sharpened by slick angles and lateral movement opening punching space. Hatton has power in both hands a granite chin and an arsenal that contains a variety of punches. naturally bigger than Castillo. Hatton didn’t take as much time between bouts as usual and his training camp started early so his weight loss shouldn’t be an issue. Billy Graham Hatton’s trainer brought in sparring partners from the US and Mexico to emulate Castillo’s style, Stevie Forbes being one. Motivation shouldn’t be problem as hattons goal is to fight the best and get to Mayweather and it is reportedhe has been been offered a three-fight $10 million deal with the HBO starting with IBF title holder Paulie Malignaggi before the end of the year. One thing though Hatton has suffered from severe cuts above and below his eyes. Pinpoint punching from Castillo could end the show early.
Jose Luis Castillo: As a child, Castillo recalled being taken to arenas by his father also a proffessional fighter, and jumping into the ring to shadow-box in between bouts on the undercard. So boxing runs deep. He carries an excellent resume with some tough bouts and served as Julio Cesar Chavez sparring partner. Castillo comes with educated pressure learned in his Mexican wars. He is an accurate puncher with a heavy left hook. He also can bang with either hand and has a solid chin and fights with Mexican pride. He is two inches than Hatton and has a four inch reach advantage although he is the naturally smaller man. Castillo’s split decision win over Herman Ngoudjo in January left many wondering how much Castillo has much left in the tank. Castillo will be up for this fight as he knows this controls his boxing future. We expect to see Castillo to look to land his left hooks to both the body and head as he has always done.
Prediction: Some think this fight is too close to call but I disagree. Castillo has had too many wars and Hatton has the age advantage while his torrid training regiment multiplies the edge. Also two fighters may be heading in opposite directions. Castillo is on the down side of his career and Hatton still has the fire in his belly. Castillo needs this to keep his career going and this could be a motivator but Hatton needs this to add to his legacy and legitimize his way to a Mayweather bout. Hatton will try to intimidate Castillo with unrelenting pressure using all he has, elbows, pushing, holding, matching fouls and the heart of a lion and the will to win. He comes with a pressure you can only imagine to train for, never being sure of what it is until you realize your not ready. This has all the markings of a classic war and Castillo may even hurt Hatton to the body as he was by heavy handed Urango but Hatton will then apply a in-out style getting his shots while frustrating Castillo who at times will just take one to give one. Castillo known for his wars with Corrales was first stopped by “Chico” as a light weight. Castillo then beat him in the bout with the weigh-in controversy. I don’t feel Corrales had been the same since his loss to Mayweather and this became evident when he moved up in weight and was dominated by Clottey. Castillo's best chance may be to take advantage of Hatton’s biggest weakness his tendency to cut. If Castillo can open a cut it may become a factor although Hatton has survived cuts too. If we get what the potential promises it will be great for boxing. Here at SBB we have HATTON BIG! Get ready “Pretty Boy”. Mayweather may stall hoping Ricky will resort to his old ways and blow up so Ricky take on the “Magic Man “ Paulie Malignaggi in the “Garden” and stay busy. To close if SBB were given a boxing wish list we would like to see Mayweather fight Mosley, then look at the possibilities. The undercard will feature Matthew Hatton vs Edwin Vazquez, Antwun Echols vs Fulgencio Zuniga and six prelim bouts.
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No Glitter or Bling to get in the Way of this One!
By: Phil Kane
He wasn’t born to be a movie star, a soccer star, not even a carpet installer like his pops. Certainly wasn’t born ready for the cover not as a cover for Esquire magazine, he was born to fight. Carrying the moniker “Hitman” Ricky Hatton has always professed he wanted to fight the best and do it in an entertaining manner. Hatton broke thru stopping the legendary man from down under Kosta Tszyu for the IBF light welterweight title then adding the WBA title stopping Carlos Maussa five months later.
On Saturday June 23rd he will meet the Mexican born to do the same. Hatton will take on the tough and legendery body puncher will meet Jose Luis Castillo at the Thomas and Mack Centre in Las Vegas. Castillo who fought most of his wars in Mexico found the spotlight in 2000 after beating Steve Quinonez then Stevie Johnston twice in California. Then stopping Cesar Bazan to win the WBC lightweight title. The place will be packed and we will probably see all the usual celebrity faces but add to that the true boxing fan who will fill about 75% of those seats and all the Pay Per View.
For the first time in a long time we will see two fighters who come to fight. Not “businessman boxers as Bob Arum would call them those who come to put it on the line. everybody who shows up or lays down that 50$ for ppv will see a fight, a real fight. Out of the red corner you will have “El Temible” Jose Luis Castillo a true warrior sporting a record of 55-7-1,47ko’s he has fought the best, Mayweather, Diego corrales, Julio Diaz, Juan Lazcano, Joel Casamayor and more. Castillo who was stopped four times in his first 27 fights but has those 47 Ko’s will not be hard to find.
Out of the blue corner Ricky Hatton, truly a blue collar fighter who lives life like he fights, all out. He defeated Kostya Tszyu in a fashion that had old time fight fans mouths watering. He moved up fighting tough, slick Luis Collazzo, then tough as nails Juan Urango. Against Urango, Hatton showed some boxing skills only to upset his fans. Hatton who has been quoted saying,“I don’t want to be remembered as the greatest of all time, but I want in years to come when people look at Ricky Hatton, I want them to say by god he could fight.” He can and will come to fight. Both fighters have been through wars and wear their hearts on their sleeves.
All that being said, what shall we see? Two, old warriors just going at it? Someone all of a sudden become the slick boxer? The track meet we see so often? The two will train and come prepared better than ever. Ready to lay it on the line. So my bet is Las Vegas will get a toe-to-toe battle that flourishes into a full-fledged war that leaves the best man standing. Leaving “Pretty Boy” Floyd Mayweather wondering if taking on the winner is worth it.
