For me it's just about the experience really. I've never been a fan of boxing but it's something special with a title match and since I'm in town I thought it would be silly not to go. Once in a lifetime chance for me.
The RedCafe Boxing Thread
- Thread starter CLK_FPC
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I am sure you'll enjoy yourself. Decent seats?
Not even close. The only ones left were high up in the corner for £30 or excellent ones for £500. Guess which ones I went for.
I could go to that as a lot of my mates are going to be there but money is low, I mite contact Hayemaker promotions see if they will let me cover it from a journalistic perspective
I'll be there.
Chelsea at lunch the boxing at night..
Lots of beer.
Chelsea at lunch the boxing at night..
Lots of beer.
Ricky Hatton's comeback is looking as solid as the four stones of extra weight he has piled on since Manny Pacquiao knocked him out in two rounds in Las Vegas 10 months ago. Even his father does not know if he will ever fight again.
The bookmakers William Hill suspended betting on the fighter returning to the ring after rumours spread that Hatton told friends while on a drinking binge in Tenerife at the weekend that he was unsure about fighting again.
Hatton's camp yesterday issued a firm denial, and friends claim he went back into the gym for three days last week with the intention of stepping up his work in preparation for a fight in the summer against an opponent yet to be named.
However, his father and manager, Ray said: "I'm the same as everyone else. I thought he was on his way back. He's been ticking over in the gym, so I'm perplexed. I think now the team wants him to make a decision and then we'll have a press conference to announce it."
But Hatton went to ground when he returned to Manchester from Tenerife on Monday night and was not contactable yesterday. He has refused all counsel about curbing his drinking and eating and insiders say he is worried he might never recover the energy and verve that made him such a force as a world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight.
His legal adviser, Gareth Williams, suggested Hatton would confirm his plans "in the cold light of day", whenever that may be. Williams had been negotiating on Hatton's behalf for several months with Juan Manuel Márquez for a non-title bout in the UK this summer, although those talks are thought to have stalled. Hatton said he would also welcome a fight in Manchester against the WBO light-welterweight champion, Amir Khan, later in the year.
While Hatton's career is in limbo, Khan is moving ahead with plans for his American debut. He will address the media in London on Friday alongside the New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi, who will challenge him for his title at Madison Square Garden on 15 May, and Oscar De La Hoya, his American promotional partner.
Hatton, who revels in the name "Ricky Fatton", has expanded in more ways than one since the Pacquiao defeat, socialising heartily on the after-dinner circuit where he earns up to £7,000 for his self-deprecating comic turn. Even as his weight soared towards 14st, he did not surrender his boxer's licence.
The knockout loss to Pacquiao – who defends his welterweight title in Texas on Saturday against the Ghanaian Joshua Clottey – was so shocking that several of Hatton's inner circle, notably his partner Jennifer, urged him to retire. He was knocked cold, spent the night in hospital and for several months was in two minds about fighting on.
Before Christmas he announced he had to get rid of "the itch" and would pursue a fight against a top-10 opponent. He took a break with Jennifer in Australia over the New Year, stopping in Melbourne to see Andy Murray's progress in the Australian Open and telling the tennis player he was about to resume serious training.
That did not materialise to any noticeable effect and people close to him began to wonder if he was milking the continued speculation about his future to attract publicity for his promotional activities.
Les Beard, whom he brought on board from obscurity in the amateurs to join his team in a more influential role before the Pacquiao fight, has since left, which upset Hatton. Beard, who fell out spectacularly with Hatton's head trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr, in the troubled preparation for that fight, has taken up a lucrative job with the unbeaten Joan Guzmán from the Dominican Republic, who fights the South African Ali Funeka for the vacant IBF lightweight title in Las Vegas on 27 March. Billy Graham, who Hatton sacked after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr in December 2007, has said Hatton should retire and has since fallen out with the fighter who had been a close friend for more than 15 years.
Audley Harrison's hopes of revitalising his career took a blow yesterday when the Polish heavyweight Albert Sosnowski withdrew from their fight for the vacant European title on 9 April to challenge Wladimir Klitschko for the WBC title in Gelsenkirchen
Ricky Hatton's future in doubt but Amir Khan sets date for US debut | Sport | guardian.co.uk
The bookmakers William Hill suspended betting on the fighter returning to the ring after rumours spread that Hatton told friends while on a drinking binge in Tenerife at the weekend that he was unsure about fighting again.
Hatton's camp yesterday issued a firm denial, and friends claim he went back into the gym for three days last week with the intention of stepping up his work in preparation for a fight in the summer against an opponent yet to be named.
However, his father and manager, Ray said: "I'm the same as everyone else. I thought he was on his way back. He's been ticking over in the gym, so I'm perplexed. I think now the team wants him to make a decision and then we'll have a press conference to announce it."
But Hatton went to ground when he returned to Manchester from Tenerife on Monday night and was not contactable yesterday. He has refused all counsel about curbing his drinking and eating and insiders say he is worried he might never recover the energy and verve that made him such a force as a world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight.
His legal adviser, Gareth Williams, suggested Hatton would confirm his plans "in the cold light of day", whenever that may be. Williams had been negotiating on Hatton's behalf for several months with Juan Manuel Márquez for a non-title bout in the UK this summer, although those talks are thought to have stalled. Hatton said he would also welcome a fight in Manchester against the WBO light-welterweight champion, Amir Khan, later in the year.
While Hatton's career is in limbo, Khan is moving ahead with plans for his American debut. He will address the media in London on Friday alongside the New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi, who will challenge him for his title at Madison Square Garden on 15 May, and Oscar De La Hoya, his American promotional partner.
Hatton, who revels in the name "Ricky Fatton", has expanded in more ways than one since the Pacquiao defeat, socialising heartily on the after-dinner circuit where he earns up to £7,000 for his self-deprecating comic turn. Even as his weight soared towards 14st, he did not surrender his boxer's licence.
The knockout loss to Pacquiao – who defends his welterweight title in Texas on Saturday against the Ghanaian Joshua Clottey – was so shocking that several of Hatton's inner circle, notably his partner Jennifer, urged him to retire. He was knocked cold, spent the night in hospital and for several months was in two minds about fighting on.
Before Christmas he announced he had to get rid of "the itch" and would pursue a fight against a top-10 opponent. He took a break with Jennifer in Australia over the New Year, stopping in Melbourne to see Andy Murray's progress in the Australian Open and telling the tennis player he was about to resume serious training.
That did not materialise to any noticeable effect and people close to him began to wonder if he was milking the continued speculation about his future to attract publicity for his promotional activities.
Les Beard, whom he brought on board from obscurity in the amateurs to join his team in a more influential role before the Pacquiao fight, has since left, which upset Hatton. Beard, who fell out spectacularly with Hatton's head trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr, in the troubled preparation for that fight, has taken up a lucrative job with the unbeaten Joan Guzmán from the Dominican Republic, who fights the South African Ali Funeka for the vacant IBF lightweight title in Las Vegas on 27 March. Billy Graham, who Hatton sacked after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr in December 2007, has said Hatton should retire and has since fallen out with the fighter who had been a close friend for more than 15 years.
Audley Harrison's hopes of revitalising his career took a blow yesterday when the Polish heavyweight Albert Sosnowski withdrew from their fight for the vacant European title on 9 April to challenge Wladimir Klitschko for the WBC title in Gelsenkirchen
Ricky Hatton's future in doubt but Amir Khan sets date for US debut | Sport | guardian.co.uk
He should just retire and be done with it, he's earned load of cash, reached a level much further then expected given his ability and has only lost to all-time greats (I use that term loosely when considering Floyd)
If not and he continues he should fight Nas in a Heavyweight fight, would be epic.
If not and he continues he should fight Nas in a Heavyweight fight, would be epic.
Hatton is finished at the top level and he doesnt need to degrade himself further by trying a comeback. His lifestyle out of boxing seems to have ultimately finished his career inside the ring early. Losing to Pacquiao and Mayweather, 2 world class fighters is no disgrace, good career, let it go, take note of what Tszyu did when Hatton himself put him away.
Sky Sports News reported today that Hatton will announce his retirement next week.
Anyone watching Clottey vs Pac tonight?
Anyone watching Clottey vs Pac tonight?
Yeah I'm gonna be watching it
Might go and watch it with the Ghanaian crew I work with, they're all mad into boxing. One of them used to box with Clottey and his brother back when he first started out.
Still fancy Pacquiao to win this comfortably. I know nobody ever really looks good when they fight Clottey but I think he's tailor-made for Pac to impress. By the noises Roach has been making it seems like they're gonna take advantage of his passive defence by bombarding him with combinations so that he never gets a chance to land anything of his own. Pac definitely has the stamina to execute that sort of game plan.
Whether or not he'll be the first guy to stop Clottey is another matter, can maybe see it happening if he starts getting through that guard consistently later on in the fight.
Might go and watch it with the Ghanaian crew I work with, they're all mad into boxing. One of them used to box with Clottey and his brother back when he first started out.
Still fancy Pacquiao to win this comfortably. I know nobody ever really looks good when they fight Clottey but I think he's tailor-made for Pac to impress. By the noises Roach has been making it seems like they're gonna take advantage of his passive defence by bombarding him with combinations so that he never gets a chance to land anything of his own. Pac definitely has the stamina to execute that sort of game plan.
Whether or not he'll be the first guy to stop Clottey is another matter, can maybe see it happening if he starts getting through that guard consistently later on in the fight.
Pretty much how I see it. I've picked against Pac in his last three fights, so I've learned my lesson. Finally.
Of course, I am secretly hoping that Clottey pulls off the upset.
Of course, I am secretly hoping that Clottey pulls off the upset.
Haha yeah, pick against Pacquaio at your peril. Learned my lesson after he nearly murdered Hatton and vowed it was never gonna happen again.
I like Clottey tho', certainly wouldn't begrudge him the win. Seems like a good guy.
I like Clottey tho', certainly wouldn't begrudge him the win. Seems like a good guy.
Clottey's problem is that he has a tendency to coast/not do enough in fights when he's winning. The Cotto fight was there for him, but he let it get away.
Shame that Hatton's retiring, I don't think a goodbye fight on home soil would have gone amiss. His problem was that he wanted to test himself against the very very best, and he's just short of that level
The two fights he lost... I have to laugh at that video above knocking Hatton as a 'past it' fighter when he thought Manny. He faced Mayweather at Mayweathers weight, there was some ridiculous refereeing, and although the better boxing showed his class, it wasn't a battering. I think had that been fought in England, Hatton still loses, but narrowly on points. Now Manny was a battering - and at Hattons weight too, where he'd never previously lost'
Knackered already so not sure I'll be able to stay up for the fight tonight which is a shame
The two fights he lost... I have to laugh at that video above knocking Hatton as a 'past it' fighter when he thought Manny. He faced Mayweather at Mayweathers weight, there was some ridiculous refereeing, and although the better boxing showed his class, it wasn't a battering. I think had that been fought in England, Hatton still loses, but narrowly on points. Now Manny was a battering - and at Hattons weight too, where he'd never previously lost'
Knackered already so not sure I'll be able to stay up for the fight tonight which is a shame
Hatton is supposed too be devastated about not being able to shift the weight, though surely he would know the day would come when his weight gaining and shedding would catch up with him.
What I am always mythed about is how he manages too put on so much weight between fights, how badly does he eat? When I was a student I did minimal exercise and ate terribly but never put on anything as excess as him, so how he manages to balloon up so much I'll never know...
As for Pacquiao and Clottey its hard to look past Manny, which is the general consensus. Even though I think Manny will win I don't think it will be a annihilation as some people are predicting. I reckon Clottey will give him some problems and make a good account for himself.
Manny should UD him, would be shocked if he manages to knock him out though.
What I am always mythed about is how he manages too put on so much weight between fights, how badly does he eat? When I was a student I did minimal exercise and ate terribly but never put on anything as excess as him, so how he manages to balloon up so much I'll never know...
As for Pacquiao and Clottey its hard to look past Manny, which is the general consensus. Even though I think Manny will win I don't think it will be a annihilation as some people are predicting. I reckon Clottey will give him some problems and make a good account for himself.
Manny should UD him, would be shocked if he manages to knock him out though.
Aye pretty much, he just didn't throw enough punches in those last couple of rounds. Surprised his trainer wasn't urging him to just go for it cos he was extremely close to securing a good win. He's changed trainers since then hasn't he, tho? Wouldn't be surprised if the Cotto fight had anything to do with it.
@Brad
Yeah I know what you're saying but Hatton wanted to bow out against a big name opponent, and at this stage of his career there are none out there he's capable of beating. I thought he'd end up fighting Marquez before retiring, especially when Marquez pulled out of negotiations with Khan, but I think he loses that one as well.
Nobody wants to see him take an unnecessary beating. He hasn't looked good for years now, even the Malignaggi win was down to Paulie being absolute dog shit on the night rather than Hatton turning back the clock. He's made a lot of money, featured in some massive fights and only ever lost to the best fighters of his generation... there's nothing more for him to achieve. Hope there's substance to these rumours. He should retire and enjoy himself (not like he hasn't been doing already) cos looking at recent pictures of him there's no chance he's getting down to 140lbs unaffected.
Well, that went as expected. Mosley vs Floyd should be more competitive. I shit on Floyd for being a "path of least resistance" guy, but I give him a lot of credit for agreeing to fight Shane.
Like watching paint dry
Was a bit of a farce really. Clottey is a solid fighter but let's face it, he has no business being in the ring with Pacquiao. Don't think I've ever seen a fight that was as easy to predict as that was.
He's running out of viable options to be honest... if the Mayweather fight falls through who else is left for him? Mosley? Foreman? Bradley? Margarito even?
He's running out of viable options to be honest... if the Mayweather fight falls through who else is left for him? Mosley? Foreman? Bradley? Margarito even?
There's talk he might fight Cotto again at 154 if he beats Foreman, which would be embarrassing.
Hes has however insisted on holding onto his ring title at 140 so he could move back down, I reckon he might hold out to see if Bradley becomes a star. He won't fight Khan though even though hes probably the biggest draw at 140 bar Manny himself.
Whats also interesting is Kell Brook is now Manny's mandatory!
Hes has however insisted on holding onto his ring title at 140 so he could move back down, I reckon he might hold out to see if Bradley becomes a star. He won't fight Khan though even though hes probably the biggest draw at 140 bar Manny himself.
Whats also interesting is Kell Brook is now Manny's mandatory!
Roach has already stated that Manny won't be making the jump to 154. However, that was when Foreman was mentioned as a possible opponent prior to the Clottey fight. Pac considered him to be too tall, apparently. It wouldn't look good, in my opinion, if they reverse that decision simply because Cotto relieves Foreman of his title. Which he probably will.
I don't see Manny moving back down to 140, nor should he. He is a legitimate, strong welterweight. If a fight with Bradley is to materialise, I imagine Bradley will have to move up. Really the only fight I'm interested in is against the winner of Shane/Floyd.
I know Valero has been calling out Pac for a while now, but he has to prove himself at 140, nevermind 147. Although he is with Top Rank, so you never know...
I don't know if Blob Arum would make a fight with Margacheato. Again, under the same banner as Pac so it's an easy fight to make. Tough fight for Pac, though.
I don't see Manny moving back down to 140, nor should he. He is a legitimate, strong welterweight. If a fight with Bradley is to materialise, I imagine Bradley will have to move up. Really the only fight I'm interested in is against the winner of Shane/Floyd.
I know Valero has been calling out Pac for a while now, but he has to prove himself at 140, nevermind 147. Although he is with Top Rank, so you never know...
I don't know if Blob Arum would make a fight with Margacheato. Again, under the same banner as Pac so it's an easy fight to make. Tough fight for Pac, though.
Shit undercard and a disappointing main event as Clottey only came to survive, but I don't think Pac's getting the credit he deserves for this win. He shut out a big, durable top 5 welterweight who had never been beaten anywhere near that decisively before. I'm not a fan of Clottey but he gave Margarito and Cotto all they could handle and Pac made him look like a sparring partner. He also answered a minor question mark as to how he'd fare in the higher weight classes against an opponent with a good straight right - it'd been widely suggested that Roach was cherrypicking left-hook dominant opponents for Pac (Hatton, De La Hoya, Cotto) as they supposedly played into Pac's strengths. It was far from exciting but its another very solid win on Pac's record.
Ward has managed to injure himself in training. The Green fight is now being pushed back.
The Super Six is not going well.
The Super Six is not going well.
Pac is legitimate in the sense he can fight and beat the best at Welter, however I wouldn't call him a true Welterweight seeing as he fought Cotto at a catch weight and is only willing to fight Mosley at one as well, well Roach is only prepared to let him. He also has never even got close to the Welterweight limit before either.
For me 140 will be his best weight and would love to see him in fight more there, but unfortunately there are no big names down there so his only real option is at 147.
Having said that if a fight with Bradley were too be made I pretty sure it will be at 140. Another option could be Malignaggi, if he were too beat Khan, hes probably also the biggest attraction after Khan, plus he has repetitively publicly accused Manny of being on drugs so it would be interesting, Manny will of course brutalise him, which would be fun.
He splattered Oscar all over the ring at 147. A weight drained, shot Oscar, but still at welterweight. He actually moved back down to fight Hatton. He did fight Cotto at a catchweight, but the manner of his victory would suggest the extra couple of pounds wouldn't have made a difference.
For me, he is as legit as any other welterweight in the world today. Barring Paul Williams, who is a freak, and not someone I consider a welter. Despite what he says, I don't honestly believe he can make 147 anymore. And he's been chasing a middleweight in Pavlik.
At any rate, Roach has said Pac is comfortable at welter and he won't be moving back down.
Roach also said this.......
He can't claim to be a Welterweight if some of his fights are at catch weights, to make such a claim you either fight at the limit or you don't, simples.
He can't claim to be a Welterweight if some of his fights are at catch weights, to make such a claim you either fight at the limit or you don't, simples.
How old is that interview?
EDIT having done a quick Google search, it would appear to be from around about May 2009.
Roach has stated numerous times since the Cotto fight that Pac is staying at Welter. I can find some quotes if you like.
EDIT having done a quick Google search, it would appear to be from around about May 2009.
Roach has stated numerous times since the Cotto fight that Pac is staying at Welter. I can find some quotes if you like.
Jan 11th, 2010:
Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey News and Updates, Pacquiao vs Clottey, Pacquiao vs Clottey News, Pacquiao vs Clottey Updates, Road to Dallas Pacquiao vs Clottey by HBO, Pacquiao vs Clottey Online Live Streaming, Pacquiao Clottey Press Tour, Pacquiao
He also agreed to fight Floyd at 147. One of the stipulations of the contract that eventually fell through, was that Mayweather had to pony up 10 million bucks for every pound over 147 he weighed in at. That was in response to what Floyd pulled in the Marquez fight.
I am not sure why you seem to think Pac is going to be requesting catchweights anytime soon. If anything, he is more likely to move UP in weight.
Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey News and Updates, Pacquiao vs Clottey, Pacquiao vs Clottey News, Pacquiao vs Clottey Updates, Road to Dallas Pacquiao vs Clottey by HBO, Pacquiao vs Clottey Online Live Streaming, Pacquiao Clottey Press Tour, Pacquiao
He also agreed to fight Floyd at 147. One of the stipulations of the contract that eventually fell through, was that Mayweather had to pony up 10 million bucks for every pound over 147 he weighed in at. That was in response to what Floyd pulled in the Marquez fight.
I am not sure why you seem to think Pac is going to be requesting catchweights anytime soon. If anything, he is more likely to move UP in weight.
what does it matter about the date, Manny as you said previously fought Oscar at 147 so why then only fight Shane at 142?It is of course trying to give Manny who is much smaller a advantage as explained here (however if he were considered a full Welterweight that should not be needed)
Also about the question of fighting at 140 again:
Whether or not he goes back down remains too be seen, maybe hes keeping his options open if the Floyd fight collapses again.
The date of the video you posted has EVERYTHING to do with it.
Roach knew that Oscar "couldn't pull the trigger anymore." He said it over and over again during the build up to the fight. Why do you think Roach agreed to take the fight?
However, he obviously wasn't 100% confident that Pac could hang with legit guys at 147, at that stage. Which explains the comments you posted. However, the fight with Cotto obviously changed his mind. Which is why he didn't request a catchweight vs Clottey (there was talk of it at one stage). Clottey is, afterall, a big welterweight, who gave Cotto and Margarito all they could handle.
It is also why he agreed to fight Floyd at 147, and why Roach says that Pac is now comfortable at the weight.
Tell that to Cotto and Clottey. You are correct, though, Roach was absolutely trying to gain an advantage for his fighter, and it's total bullshit, IMO. Would two pounds have made any difference to Cotto? Nope. Pac doesn't need the advantage, I think that is beyond doubt. And Roach now recognises that.
For the record, I don't doubt that Pac could make 140. I just don't believe he, or Roach want to. In my opinion, Pac is a legit welterweight. He beat the shit out of two top five guys and holds a title. How can you dispute that?
I can't see Pac/Mayweather happening. I hope I'm wrong. In an ideal scenario, Shane sparks Floyd and we get to see Manny/Mosley. It would be a better spectacle, in my opinion.
Mosley-Pacquiao would be amazing. Won't happen tho', can't see anythin other than a Floyd UD in May.
Him and Pac better fecking fight. It'd be an absolute travesty if the 2 best boxers of the generation, who now both fight at the same weight and seemingly agree over the financial details of the bout, end up not fighting over some drug testing bollocks.
Him and Pac better fecking fight. It'd be an absolute travesty if the 2 best boxers of the generation, who now both fight at the same weight and seemingly agree over the financial details of the bout, end up not fighting over some drug testing bollocks.
Does anybody have an questions for me to ask Andre Dirrell? I'll need them by 2moro latest though
has he watched back the frotch fight and does he now agree with the decicion...
and does he think the super 6 format could roll out to other weight divisions eventually?
Would Spoony take him in a fight?
got the first 1 I'll add the second
id be interested to know what he thinks about james toneys move into mma as well
throw that in as well if i can
The date of the video you posted has EVERYTHING to do with it.
However, he obviously wasn't 100% confident that Pac could hang with legit guys at 147, at that stage. Which explains the comments you posted. However, the fight with Cotto obviously changed his mind. Which is why he didn't request a catchweight vs Clottey (there was talk of it at one stage). Clottey is, afterall, a big welterweight, who gave Cotto and Margarito all they could handle.
It is also why he agreed to fight Floyd at 147, and why Roach says that Pac is now comfortable at the weight.
Tell that to Cotto and Clottey. You are correct, though, Roach was absolutely trying to gain an advantage for his fighter, and it's total bullshit, IMO. Would two pounds have made any difference to Cotto? Nope. Pac doesn't need the advantage, I think that is beyond doubt. And Roach now recognises that.
Didn't explain my point properly, nevertheless it all comes back too what Roach said about Oscar in that he is not a Mosley and the same applies to Cotto and Clottey. Mosley fights on the front foot and is pound 4 pound one of the biggest puncher around, so a hell of a lot dangerous then Cotto or Clottey.
Were Mosley & Pac made at 147 then by all mean he can call himself a full Welterwight, but as Roach has never say anything other then a fight between the two being at a catch weight I still don't think you can think otherwise.
As for Mayweather at 147 it was the only weight it will happen at, he would never had agreed to a catch weight and in fact Mayweather originally wanted it at 154, plus also he is not a dangerous fighter in the sense he might KO or man handle Manny.
As for Manny fighting at 140 it looks like Valero or Marquez might be a possibility, doubt he will do a bitch move like Mayweather and make them jump up two weight classes.
Would he ever fight his brother were they 1 and 2 in the division like the klits?
What does he think of random testing, should it be mandatory?
Does he think Pac is on something?
Whats his ultimate goal in boxing?