TalkingBoxing Articles
Ricky Hatton: 2005 Best Year Ever
FRI December 30, BUSTER PARIS - His left hook isn’t designed to break your right ribs – it’s designed to shatter your lefts ribs. The right ribs just happen to be an appetizer at the all you can eat pain buffet. That’s what it was that got me hooked on Ricky Hatton.
I remember when I was a kid and I saw some cartoon about the Piranha - and this guy or maybe it was a cat - or whoever – they walked into the water and were immediately swarmed upon in a speed of light feeding frenzy – THAT is how I see Ricky Hatton’s body attack.
That’s what possessed me to gobble up all the Hatton fights I could find. Dvd, VHS – whatever. It didn’t matter. I was hooked.
Night after night I’d sit rocking and shaking at my desk, sweat pouring down my face, my eyes stingingly dry, bloodshot and strained as I watched the seconds tick down for Hatton auctions on eBay.
Eventually I wound up at Private Sellers and yes – the street itself – searching for anything Hatton.
2005 is when my addiction for anything Ricky Hatton became full blown and getting out of control. I want to speak directly to others out there who are also suffering from this affliction - I want you to know that you are not alone.
A few months ago I wrote a two-part story regarding the Ricky Hatton habit (Ricky Hatton – The New Addiction Parts 1 & 2) and the emails poured in – we are not alone and we are well under way to being recognized and treated. Oprah and Dr. Phil have contacted me about a show in 2006. We are not alone.
I’m not sure if this is true or not, but I heard that the Chinese Government was changing the zodiac sign for 2005 (and on) from Year of the Rooster to Year of Hatton.
So - it really comes as no surprise to me that the Bible of Boxing – Ring Magazine - recognizes Ricky Hatton as Fighter of the Year for 2005.
The official word from Ring Magazines Website:
“The Ring is pleased to announce that it has selected Ricky Hatton as 2005’s Fighter of the Year. Hatton is the first-ever British boxer to receive the award since its inception in 1928.”
Let me just say that one more time – Hatton is the first EVER! British boxer to receive this award...EVER!
That is not only huge as an accomplishment, but it’s huge in its historical significance.
Editor-in-Chief of Ring Magazine Nigel Collins goes on to say:
“Not only did Hatton take the title away from one of the greatest 140-pounders of all-time [Kostya Tszyu] and make his first defense against a highly rated challenger [Carlos Maussa], he did it in the sort of entertaining and definitive manner that attracts fans and fills venues.”
See full story/quote at:
http://www.thering-online.com/ringpages/ringupdate.html#hattonfighterofyear
Yup – 2005 was truly Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton’s year. You can’t deny that he had – to quote E! (Entertainment Television) - the “Best Year Ever”.
I am 100% a Ricky Hatton fan and to say that I am looking forward to his next fight is a total understatement. Imagine you’re in the tub and someone kicks the door in and slams your head under the water and you’re running out of air.
That breath that you’re dying to take - that life affirming, life saving gasp of air that your lungs, body and soul are burning to take… well, that’s where I am waiting for Hatton’s next fight.
And I’m not alone.
Congratulations Ricky. You’ve truly earned the titles and accolades given to you over 2005.
To anyone facing Hatton in 2006 just remember – it’s very dangerous to swim in Piranha laden waters.
Buster Paris can be reached at: bparis@talkingboxing.com - and always enjoys receiving your thoughts, comments and questions.
Forum
