Ricky Hatton: Unfinished Business

The Hitman—everyone's favourite fighter. Whether it was his aggressive style or his charismatic nature, Ricky Hatton was a fan favourite.

It was because he is so loved that there was much concern when he announced he was making a comeback for one last big fight. His punch resistance had gone.

He's flat footed.

He'll get hurt.

Saying this, its obvious Ricky Hatton still has a point to prove. Its not for money, he's rich already. Fights with Mayweather and Pacquiao have set him up for his life. It also can't all be "for the fans". Most of them don't want to see him flat out on the canvas again. Its obvious he still thinks he can cut it with the best and honestly, so do I.

Hatton lost to the two best of his era. Where's the shame in that? It is so rare that two phenoms exist in the same weight class, Hatton was just unlucky that he fought in their era.

It seems destined however, that Mayweather and Pacquiao will meet each other at 147 and not Hatton's favoured 140 division, where, until May 2009, he was the lineal champion for four years. In that division, he demolished Kostya Tsyzu, Carlos Maussa, Juan Urango, Jose Luis Castillo and Paulie Malignaggi.

He was, ultimately, the man in the division. With Pacquiao staying in the higher weight class, who's to say Hatton can't dominate again?

Prior to the Pacquiao fight he had one of his most impressive victories over Paulie Malignaggi and now suddenly he's a shot fighter? Pacquiao is a monster and Hatton had training camp issues, you can't blame him for wanting another shot.

Hatton has been constantly written off throughout his career. After Kostya Tszyu stated "he was bullied and wrestled into submission, he cant fight like that in the US."

He Remained the champ in the division for four years. Post Lazcano "He's shot, he was almost KO'd by a journeyman." He came back and had a dominating victory over the highly rated Malignaggi, who had previously never been stopped.

I don't believe Hatton's rumoured lack of punch resistance to be true, he just had a very good shot from Manny. Hatton had always been vulnerable to the big punch and was out on his feet against Collazo. As a result, I dont see it changing his style much, or affecting his chin.

Saying this, I think Hatton can once again make himself a champion and show the world he can still hang with the best. There are a handful of credible opponents to consider

1. Juan Manuel Marquez

The most likely opponent. Whilst people are already writing Hatton off in this matchup, Marquez looked sloppy and bloated at 144. 135 always seemed slightly too heavy for him, so I just wonder whether Hatton would have too much for the old, yet still technically brilliant Marquez. His fast counter-punching style may be severly dampened at the higher weight and may find himself smothered by Hatton's constant clinching and heavy handed body punches. Marquez is still the man at 135 and perhaps 130, but age is catching up with him and this may be the last fight for him as well. A win over box-office marquez would almost certainly restore most of Hatton's lost credibility

2.Amir Khan

Hugely desirable British supermatch. Khan, a well managed olympic silver medalist, seems to be seeking a pay day against the Hitman. While this would prove popular, I dont believe Khan would last all that long. One tag by Breidis Precott, a lightweight journeyman, put his lights out and he is untested at 140. Hatton's close infighting should almost certainly land uppercuts on Khans chin and I would predict a TKO for Hatton. Almost certainly won't be made, as they seem to be friends.

3. Timothy Bradley

Currently considered the best out there at 140 and touted as the "Jr Welterweight Mayweather". Stylistically the most difficult matchup for Hatton. Not a big puncher, but has the ability to knock a guy down. While Bradley could prove to be too young and hungry, Hatton is more than capable of pulling off a win and would once again be at the forefront of world boxing. Bradley is considered a future star and if Hatton could step up to the plate and prove he is still the man, it would prove a very entertaining match up

4. Zab Judah

Zab Judah may have deteriorated somewhat since his losses to Mayweather, Cotto and Clottey, but he could still be a great match up for Hatton. He has not been mentioned as much as someone like Marquez, but would be a great name to show that Hatton is still willing to take a challenge. Few would call Zab "shot" and he is certainly no pushover. Another big name on Hatton's resume would almost certainly help his case as being one of the greatest British fighters of all time.

Any of these names would be excellent and would show that Hatton can still contribute to world boxing. I hope he doesn't follow up his initial thoughts of a second bout with Juan Urango. 

I know how I want to remember Ricky Hatton- a warrior, a brawler, a champion. Not the mess we saw on May 2nd 2009. Any of the fight suggested are winnable and would mean we remember the Hitman like we all want to