|
presto
|
 |
« Reply #1 on: December 08, 2007, 04:37:21 PM » |
|
I have so been looking forward to this fight for a long time, and with the hype machine running all week with numerous previews the excitement is growing. This fight promises to be a fight that will go down in history. Its not often you get a fight with 2 undefeated fighters with a combined record of 81-0-0, with the top ranked lb 4 lb fighter in Mayweather and 4th ranked lb 4 lber Ricky Hatton (according to boxrec). This fight will either confirm thet title for Mayweather or put Hatton at the top of the pecking order.
Not only will this fight be memorable in terms of each fighters legacy but it's also a total clash in styles and personality to add to the excitement.
Mayweather is one of the most flashy, arrogant person you will ever come across - though to be fair to him he has quite a lot to brag about. His fighting style is also very flashy, infact he almost dances in the ring (much better than with the stars), controling his opponent like a snake charmer does with a cobra, with smooth moves and a bobbing head. His defence is not so much being able to take a punch, but having the ability of just not being hit (the nickname 'pretty-boy' apparently came from his fellow boxers in the gym as a comment on the fact that he never took any damage). He does however have weeknesses though, as he has problems with his 'brittle' hands and has also recently had problems with his shoulder. His punches arn't the most powerfull either.
Hatton on the other hand is a down to earth guy and very likable, theres not many world class fighters who spend there 'downtime' between fights in the local pub drinking pints and eating pies as one of the lads. He has an estimated 25,000 fans from the UK that are crossing the pond to see this fight which is unheard of in boxing and just shows his fans dedication, especially as only around 10,000 tickets will be made available to Hatton fans. If this fight was held in Manchester there would be no doupt that the 'city of manchester' stadium would be a near sell out of 60,000+ Hatton fans with a handfull of Mayweather fans, though Las Vegas, Mayweathers home of residence is already awash with sky blue. Unlike Maywether fancy cars and 'bling' arn't hattons style. His fighting style is very direct, always comming forward, always throwing punches. He has great cardio and offensive weapons, though like his opponent - he does have his weeknesses. He has a habbit of cutting easy.
Other factors:
reach - Mayweather has a significant reach advantage, this could be very important in the way that he fights - keeping Hatton at a distance.
weight - Hatton (despite severe cutting for the fight) is moving up in weight to Mayweathers natural fighting weight. He came in 2lbs under the limit and looks in great fighting shape, though this may diminish his power as he is moving up from his ideal weight.
the ring - Mayweather has insisted in using a bigger size of ring, this will give him extra room for manuvure.
The fight:
As both fighters have very different styles the gameplan is simple for both fighters.
Mayweather - will aim to keep Hatton at range picking off pot shots on the outside and when hatton moves in, moving out of trouble when Hatton gets close.
Hatton - will be looking to get in close to Mayweather and working from the inside, he will look for non stop pressure going to the body with his devistating punches looking to hurt Mayweather early to slow him down.
So the big question as to who will win the fight is who will execute the gameplan better. I doupt Mayweather can stop hatton so he needs to keep him at range, something he is very good at. And hatton needs to get inside or otherwise Mayweather will simply out point him, that will be the deciding factor. Mayweather simply hasn't faced anyone who will pressure him as much as Hatton can. It will be intreguing to see just who wins the battle.
Betting: (odd's from betfair)
Mayweather - 1.63
Hatton - 2.86
Draw - 26
When i first saw the odd's i was amased at how much of an underdog Hatton was, (i origionally grabbed a chunk @ 3.05) but the price has recently shortened with the wave of money for Hatton. Even so 2.86 still looks very good value. I can see why Mayweather is the favourite however the odd's look way too short to even consider. The draw is something that i never really consider when betting on boxing. I suppose adding a small 'saver' on the draw could be a sensible idea, or even a lay of Mayweather.
method of victory:
Mayweather by KO, TKO or DQ - 5.2
Mayweather by Decison/Tech Dec - 2.36
Hatton by KO, TKO or DQ - 4.8
Hatton by Decison/Tech Dec - 6.6
If anybody is betting on Mayweather then a sugguestion would be to bet on 'Mayweather by Decison/Tech Dec - 2.36' i highly doupt that Mayweather can stop Hatton.
VERDICT - hatton @ 2.86
|
