Ricky Hatton normally imposes his will on opponents, leaving them shell-shocked with constant pressure. On Saturday night, he tried exactly that from the ringing of the opening bell. Unfortunately for Hatton, Pacquiao’s ability to counter with lightning quickness left him defenseless. Hatton was subsequently knocked down twice in the first round. In the second round, a devastating left hand knocked him completely out, before his limp body made it to the canvas.

Ricky Hatton is now 45 – 2, and considering retirement. I believe the retirement talk will blow over as some of the sting from his disappointing lose wears off. At only thirty years old, his only two losses came at the hands of the current pound-for-pound champion. Do not let this fact to let slip by unnoticed. It is rare for a fighter to have two of his peers in the vicinity of his own weight class have that distinction. Nonetheless, being fortunate enough to put yourself in the position to fight each one at the current time of their pound-for-pound reigning. This loss is his first at his natural weight class at which he has been considered the top man at for quite some time.

Some naysayers will try to diminish Pacquiao’s victory by calling Hatton a B-class fighter. To that, I would say look not only at his two losses but his quality wins. In his career, he has been the victor against talents such as Kostya Tszyu, Jose Luis Castillo, and Paul Malignaggi. In addition, if he continues to fight he will be favored to reclaim the junior welter weight crown, assuming Pacquiao vacates the title for bigger opportunities.

His chances of accomplishing this would sure be greater by the almost certain elimination of his latest trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. This match seems not to have been a logical pairing in styles or personality. This could leave Mayweather Sr. to use his tacky taglines, pathetic poetry, and loud mouth to steal the spot light from some other fighter who makes the foolish decision of having him lead their training camp. Mayweathers lack of success in big fights outside of his own son, who no longer will work with or speak with, may lead to boxing fans not hearing his needless self promoting ways too often.

I believe we will see Hatton atop of his division soon in the future. A man falling short against two premier fighters in his generation does not equate to an unsuccessful career. With the exciting style, ability, and personality that Hatton possesses, the boxing world would be fortunate to have for years to come.

Share on Facebook