The IBF welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu (31-1, 25 KOs) vs. Ricky Hatton (38-0, 28 KOs) is a sensational match up. It would be worth the PPV, but it's not a PPV event! This fight will be featured on Showtime.
Hatton has shown devastating punching power and has a swarming style reminiscent of a younger version of the champion Tszyu. But, despite Ricky Hatton being the younger of the two, and having the home court advantage in front of 18,000 fans in the Men Arena, I'm going to have to pick the champion Tszyu to beat the young lion in Manchester England on Saturday June 4th, 9 pm ET/PT.
If Hatton wants to win, he's going to have to control his aggression. If he comes in too reckless, Tszyu will catch him coming in and hurt him. If Hatton waits too long to punch, he'll give Tszyu the necessary time to pick him apart.
It isn't likely that Hatton will out-box Tszyu. I believe Hatton is going to have to man-handle and swarm Tszyu, without being reckless. It's not impossible, but I think it might be too much to ask from the young brawler.
Tszyu on the other hand, will have to be careful in disarming the Hatton. He cannot let Ricky Hatton, or the Manchester crowd, into this fight. For starters, Kostya Tszyu does not want to get caught against the ropes where Hatton can unleash his bombs.
Ricky Hatton was dropped by Eamon Magee when he was caught behind the ear with a stiff left hook as Hatton charged in, look for Tszyu to do the same. Also, look for Tszyu to fire the straight right hand over the top. Both fighters are very good at getting angles on their opponents in order to land their trademark body punches. To do this, they will have to out-maneuver their opponent with footwork. This should be the most intriguing aspect of this match-up.
--The Mighty Moe
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