Ricky Hatton should think twice about a return to the ring

[Jay26]

Ricky Hatton lies on the canvas after being knocked out by Filipino Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. Photograph: Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images

The News Of The World reckons Ricky Hatton is coming back - moving up to welterweight again (where he has protested consistently he does not feel strong) against Oscar De La Hoya trial horse, Steve Forbes, in Manchester later in the summer.

I hope this is not true. Hatton says now – according to friends talking to the Screws – that his troubled preparation was the reason Manny Pacquiao knocked him out in such disturbing fashion in May.

That is delusional. Hatton was beaten – by a smaller man – because his chin has gone. He suspected as much (as was reported here at the time) the moment the quite terrific Cuban light-middleweight Erislandy Lara beat him up in the gym a couple of weeks earlier and was asked to leave.

Forbes has no merit as an opponent, apart from padding out Ricky's career. A win over someone who has lost four times in his last six outings will tell him nothing about his future and do little for his standing in the business.

But his partner, Jennifer, and son, Campbell, will. Twice now she has shed tears for Hatton at ringside. Hatton would not let Campbell be there last time, fearing the worst. How right he was.

He should listen to the people who care about him, not the people are telling him what he wants to hear – like his American business partner, De La Hoya, a fighter who went to the well once too often and just about got away with a regulation beating.

[MOTHER DUCKER]

It's winnable and a decent way to go out.. but he seriously cant be considering fighting some decent WW? Mosley, Clottey, Marg even Cotto would **** him a new *******..

[Bobby Shaw]

Forbes could box Ricky's ears off,maybe embarass him with a knockout using the feather fists

[Silkstone]

I'm sure he's thought twice...three, four times about his return to the ring. It's not exactly a rash decision on his part. He's still a fighter who can make the top 10 in LWW, or even WW. He's not elite, he never will be. However, Ricky's still an exciting fighter and will continue to get my support.

[Bobby Shaw]

I'm sure he's thought twice...three, four times about his return to the ring. It's not exactly a rash decision on his part. He's still a fighter who can make the top 10 in LWW, or even WW. He's not elite, he never will be. However, Ricky's still an exciting fighter and will continue to get my support.

You damn right,you will support this spnt force to the grave.Top 10 Welter?Not even in wrestling

[D-MiZe]

Hatton was beaten – by a smaller man – because his chin has gone. He suspected as much (as was reported here at the time) the moment the quite terrific Cuban light-middleweight Erislandy Lara beat him up in the gym a couple of weeks earlier and was asked to leave.

If he's being beaten up by a prospect, then he should definitely call it a day.

[Bobby Shaw]

The guy got beat up so bad in sparring by a Cuban boy,they then hired Roger Mayweather to find a bum who Ricky could beat in sparring for the 24/7 series.Every interview Ricky had he was marked up because every sparring partner of his beat him.What more can the guy do?

He never had any defence at his prime and these things do add up.If he fights anymore he will die in the ring.He scared everyone the night he fought Manny by dying a bit and surely only people who hate Ricky would want to see him dying again.This time there wont be any resurrection

[- JCHING -]

If he's being beaten up by a prospect, then he should definitely call it a day.

Yeah, a young light-middleweight southpaw who hits hard beat him up, that must mean his chin has gone. The fact that Pacquiao is a known powerful hitter and he caught Ricky flush on the chin, also proves that his chin has gone....

Come on, his chin might not be what it once was but its far from gone. What little defence he once had is gone, that's what he needs to focus on.

[D-MiZe]

Yeah, a young light-middleweight southpaw who hits hard beat him up, that must mean his chin has gone. The fact that Pacquiao is a known powerful hitter and he caught Ricky flush on the chin, also proves that his chin has gone....

Come on, his chin might not be what it once was but its far from gone. What little defence he once had is gone, that's what he needs to focus on.

No, his chin has gone.

You actually think he has a chance?

[mickey malone]

If he's being beaten up by a prospect, then he should definitely call it a day.

Jay26... You're spot **** on..
One of the most sensible posts I've read in a long time & my thoughts entirely..
The sick thing is... The News Of The World are probably right...
Here's the way I normally explain things.. Fighters who did the same as what Ricky is about to do.. IE: Trying to come back against lesser opponents when you've lost your title & you're shot..

Alan Minter Vs Tony Sibson (ex champ gets KO'd)
John H Stracey Vs Dave 'boy' Green (ex champ gets KO'd)
Barry McGuigan Vs Jim McDonnell (ex champ gets KO'd)

This is gonna happen to Hat & you know it.. The only thing I doubt, is that Forbes will be the opponent.. My guess is Witter or Khan.. Just to stay in the tradition of irony..
Regards MM