OnThEGRiND BoXiNG

Saturday May 2nd, 2009
by Jesse Rican

For the final installment of OtG 365: 24/7 Watch, we will focus our attention on Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton. With an amazing record of 45-1, Hatton has proven himself to be one of the worlds best boxers. He started his amazing career with a 43-0 win streak, which included victories such as his 4th Round body shot KO of Jose Luis Castillo.

After that particular victory, Ricky was asked the inevitable question, and the subject of that question was Pretty Boy Floyd Mayweather Jr. Ricky had some choice words for Mayweather, and boxing fans around the world, as well as Ricky himself were eventually treated to the fight of a lifetime. After an impressive start, it became evident that Floyd’s defense was too much for The Hitman. As Hatton grew desperate looking to land a big KO punch, Ricky witnessed the ultimate defense first hand, hitting the canvas twice before ultimately succumbing to Mayweather.

After dealing with the devastating loss and apologizing to his fans, Ricky went on to fight Juan Luzcano. Hatton earned the victory, however he did not look very impressive.
Ricky then had a tough decision to make, and he decided it was time to let his long time friend/ trainer Billy Graham go, making way for the hiring of Floyd “Joy” Mayweather Sr. In Hatton’s first bout with Floyd Sr. running the corner, he faced Paulie Malignaggi. Although most insiders looked for Ricky to win, doing so in such dominating fashion was not expected. Ricky won nearly every round, and proved to the boxing world that he might have been down, but hes not out.

Ricky’s most devastating method of attack would have to be his body shots, and as Floyd Sr. and Ricky both like to point out, Manny has been down with body shots in the past. This leaves the analytical to wonder… will Manny taste the canvas once again? Is Ricky as good as he says he is? Or is he simply a boxer that is past his prime, and doesn’t know when to call it a day? As the boxing world gets ready for the “Super Bowl” of boxing as I like to think of it, can Ricky redeem his name ? Will he be able to prove that he is the greatest boxer in the 140 pound division?

HBO’s 24/7 attempts an unbias analysis, but I want to go out on a limb and openly admit that I’m rooting for Ricky. I think he has what it takes to pull off the victory, but he will have to pull out all the stops, to reign supreme.