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| "THE GOLDEN BOY" OSCAR DE LA HOYA VS. RICKY "THE HITMAN" HATTON |
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| WHO WINS DE LA HOYA VS. HATTON? |
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| AGE: |
35 |
| HEIGHT: |
5'11" |
| REACH: |
72" |
| NECK: |
15 1/2" |
| CHEST: |
39" |
| BICEPS: |
13 3/4" |
| FOREARMS: |
12" |
| WRIST: |
7" |
| FIST: |
9" |
| WAIST: |
31 3/4" |
| THIGH: |
21" |
| CALF: |
13 1/2" |
| ANKLE: |
7 1/2" |
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| AGE: |
29 |
| HEIGHT: |
5'7" |
| REACH: |
65" |
| NECK: |
15" |
| CHEST: |
37" |
| BICEPS: |
13" |
| FOREARMS: |
9 1/2" |
| WRIST: |
7" |
| FIST: |
11 1/2" |
| WAIST: |
30" |
| THIGH: |
20 1/2" |
| CALF: |
14 1/2" |
| ANKLE: |
10" |
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Mayweather-Hatton? Although the matchup between the two undefeated fighters might look good on paper, I have a bad feeling it'll end up leaving fans talking like they're in a Miller Lite commercial: tastes great, less filling! Given Mayweather's recent performances, it's difficult to believe in his promise of a knockout when you already know his actions inside of the ring lean more towards a cautious victory on the scorecards. That being said, I propose a much better challenge for the Manchester Mexican and a much more entertaining fight for the fans...
What’s Up Fight Hype family? This is the first edition of my monthly column entitled Monster Matchups. Periodically, I'll do a report on a fight that you think is compelling. A fight that you, the fans, want to see happen. I'll give you my matchmaker's perspective on the reasons why each matchup is a fight that makes sense and when your done reading, you can take the opportunity to vote on who you think would win. You can also suggest the next Monster Matchup and the most voted on choice, the fight that the fans want to see the most, will be next month's topic. So let other fans, fighters, managers, promoters and networks know which fights you want to see by submitting your Monster Matchup today. Remember, all things that I say in this article are of my own personal opinion and its okay if your's differs. Of course, keep in mind that it's my expertise that makes Ben Diesel rich at the sports books. So, since this is the first edition and no one has had an opportunity to vote yet, today we start things off with a bang...
What if Oscar De La Hoya fought Ricky Hatton at welterweight in Las Vegas?
Two of boxing’s biggest stars, both men are capable of putting 20,000+ screaming fans in the stands when facing modest competition. Now imagine if they fought each other. You’d need a football stadium to contain the scores of onlookers that would line up days in advance just to purchase a ticket to see the Manchester Mexican face off against the Mexican-American Golden Boy. Pay-per-view numbers would be enormous. De La Hoya’s track record here is second to none. No matter who he fights, the world watches, but if he fought Hatton, I'll go out on a limb and say that the event would easily do over one million buys. Diehard British fans would put the airlines back in the black for the quarter. This fight would generate a ton of dollars for everyone involved and, given the recent trend in matchmaking, if it makes dollars, it makes sense.
But money isn't the only reason why this fight is so intriguing. Unlike some of the other big promotions we've seen in the last year, this fight would actually live up to all the hype. Due to the styles of both men, we're guaranteed to see an action-packed brawl. Two warriors fighting for their pride and their people. Neither of them need the money, but they both understand that boxing fans crave marquee matchups with fighters willing to bring excitement and entertainment. Point blank, these are two guys who will not run! You might see a little lateral movement, but other than that, both men are willing to trade at close quarters. The action from this fight would get the mainstream talking again and breath life into a slowly dwindling fan base.
As for the actual fight itself, De La Hoya would, as usual, be in the best shape of his life. Hatton, on the other hand, would be a little heavier than he's used to, but he's done it before with moderate success against Luis Collazo. It's a common belief that De La Hoya fades late in fights so Hatton would apply pressure early, trying to bully Oscar to unleash his full arsenal to the body in hopes of slowing him down. Hatton's early work to the body could ensure that if the fight makes it to the championship rounds, only a shell of Oscar would exist, allowing an Energizer bunny like Hatton to keep beating his drum and doing even more damage to seal the deal.
Oscar, of course would have none of that. His Mexican pride would take over and he'd battle back with deadly hooks and combinations. In the past, Hatton has been known to cut and swell up at an excelerated rate. You can bet that Oscar will be looking to land enough leather on the face of Hatton to disfigure it to the point where the referee is forced to stop the fight. It's possible to see this one end early if enough damage is done. Plus, De la Hoya is a finisher and unlike Collazo, who actually wobbled Hatton a few times, if he can hurt you, he can finish you with an onslaught of punishing punches. Being the naturally bigger man, Oscar would not be bullied quite so easily. Personally, I believe Hatton's style is better suited for De La Hoya. As opposed to the slick boxers he's faced, Oscar has done very well with the straight ahead pressure fighters of his day.
You hear it time and time again...styles make fights! These two styles, when placed together and mixed with emotion and global pride, should make for one hell of a fight! At least, a much more exciting fight than Mayweather-Hatton. The question is, what do you think?
Send questions and/or comments to Al Mermini
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| CHOOSE THE NEXT MONSTER MATCHUP |
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