TalkingBoxing Articles
Talking Boxing Staff Picks Hatton/Collazo
SAT May 13, STAFF -
"JC" Jerry Casarez: Hatton by Late TKO
Hatton/Collazo: The feeling among most is that Hatton is the smaller man coming into this fight and that Collazo will show his strength. I don’t think this is the case. Ricky is a fighter who has always talked about the difficulties of making 140lbs and that a move to welterweight would suit his body just fine. So in terms of size I think its even money. The determining factor here will be the pace of the fight and the body assault Hatton will apply. In seeing Collazo fight before I have been able to pick up on the fact that he fights best when he dictates the pace and uses his jab to confuse his opponents. With Hatton coming full steam ahead and throwing relentless shots to the body Collazo will find himself out of rhythm early and will not be able to play catch up. Look for the “Hitman” to test Collazo’s chin early and set a fast pace which will only work against Collazo as the fight goes late. I can see Hatton stopping Collazo late after some entertaining early rounds if Lou stands his ground.
Buster Paris: Hatton by UD
Hatton/Collazo: Let me disclose this off the bat – I’m a Ricky Hatton fan – LOVE the Hitman! And as some of you know my 2nd prize possession in the world is my Ricky Hatton coffee mug –That being said - Saturday night is absolutely not going to be a cakewalk for The Hitman. Here’s why -- Collazo is a smart, extremely tough and exceptionally quick fighter – and – he’s a Southpaw, which is always tricky – the biggest worry here is a clash of heads which is pretty standard for an orthodox and Southpaw – and remember – Ricky cuts – and is a bleeder. On its own – this is going to be a very fun fight – Collazo will stick and move beautifully and Hatton will be a pounding force of nature once he gets inside – but Luis will trade well with him. After round 7 or 8 Ricky will begin to really wear him down with his relentless aggression and constant pressure – and in the end will win via a unanimous decision. Pay close attention to Ricky’s incredibly unyielding and ruthless body attack. Also - if you know what to look for - this fight is going to be a great preview of what could happen if Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr. ever meet up. Collazo is fast – not Floyd fast, but you’ll get the idea as to how Ricky deals with classy hand speed. The Southpaw part will make the speed factor more of an issue – and in a sense make Collazo appear faster and more effective. It really will be a good indicator as to how Hatton would handle “Pretty Boy” Floyd.
P.S. – I’ll be ringside at this fight so if you’re there please feel free to say hi – I’ll be the goofy guy with a stupid smile from ear to ear trying to be cool and not give away the fact that I’m a HUGE Hatton fan to my fellow writers and press – they tend to frown on that sort of thing.
P.P.S – Whoever is running Hatton’s official site - http://www.rickyhitmanhatton.com/ - for the love of everything holy – PLEASE stock up on those T-shirts already! – jeeesh!
Cliff Rold: Hatton by KO 9
Hatton/Collazo: Hatton's mew promotiona team knows they have a financial dream on their hands. So does HBO. Hatton has the chance to be one of Boxing's biggest international stars; they wouldn't risk it first night out of the gate. Look for Hatton to look great tonight, putting himself in line for a showdown with the winner of Baldomir-Gatti or even Oscar de la Hoya. No matter whose next, Hatton-Mayweather is the end goal for all involved and the road there begins tonight.
Jason Herron: Hatton by TKO
Hatton/Collazo: The British Invasion will begin with a BANG! Hatton's non-stop pressure will be too much for Collazo. Hatton will stop him in the middle rounds.
Jay Duval: Collazo by KO 7
Hatton/Collazo: Here is a real "live" fight IMO. Collazo has MORE than a chance to win this fight. Hatton is at a disadvantage with him being the one on strange soil for a change. HE has to adjust to the changes, not his opponent. I have to go with Collazo on this one. He is probably the most skilled and talented fighter Hatton has faced yet. He has the home soil advantage and I think he will be able to pick Hatton apart if he can find his spots and a good rhythm, which I think he will. If Hatton can KO Collazo, my hat is off to him. I heard a rumor that has been going around the boxing circles I frequent, which came from a credible source that ticket sales where really bad, again, not sure what the exact number is, but heard it wasn't good and that HBO would have to definitely paper the house.
Jaspreet Panchhi : Collazo by UD
Hatton/Collazo: Many are under-estimating the threat that Collazo poses especially in England. Collazo has that style to beat Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton. The decisive factor that made me go for a Collazo win is his defence. Collazo has an excellent defence and he will need that to particularly block Hatton's left hook. What is also a key factor is Collazo's heart. Like Hatton, Collazo also has a huge heart and that was typified in his fight against former WBA Welterweight Champion Jose Luis Rivera. Expect Hatton to throw quite a lot of punches but not land enough to halt the American, who will use his superior foot speed to move out of range. As Hatton moves in to range with an abundance of head movement to land those powerful body blows, Collazo needs to punish the Englishman particularly with straight shots. Collazo's defence is the key in this fight. Expect a great fight.
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