Thursday, May 11, 2006 the boxing community mourns the loss of great Heavyweight Champion. Rest in Peace Floyd Patterson. Two time Heavyweight Champ, in 1956 the former Olympic Gold Medalist became the youngest boxer to win the Heavyweight Championship, which since has been overtaken by Mike Tyson. Patterson was involved in many classic bouts unfortunately on the losing end to the likes of Sonny Liston and Ali, but fought with tenacity and heart. His final record was 55-8-1.
In overseas action this weekend Super Middleweight contender Markus Beyer will face Sakio Bika and on the same card Uber Prospect Arthur Abraham will face veteran Kofi Jantuah for the IBF Middleweight Title.
Well after last Saturday’s fireworks, Jr. Welterweight Titlist Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton has his work cut out for him. Hatton is making his Stateside debut as a headliner against Luis Collazo, 26-1 with 12 KO’s. Hatton is Manchester England’s pride and joy and why not, with a record of 40-0 with 30 KO’s. Hatton is most noted for his last two fights. First was his surprising TKO versus Kostya Tszyu. The fight ended in the 11th round when the Aussie did not answer the bell for the 12th. His last fight, versus the rubber man Carlos Mausa, was no surprise rather just an easy KO to add another belt to his collection. This fight, which airs on HBO,should be a formal introduction to the U.S. audience who may have not seen his last 10 or so fights which aired on Showtime.
I expect Collazo to be game, but totally dominated by The Hitman. Hatton’s style is straight forward with better than average power and get this a ferocious body attack. Truly a sign of a great boxer is one that will focus on both the body and head. Hatton fits this mold.
A Collazo win would be unexpected. I doubt it will, due mainly to experience. I’m speaking of not just fights fought, but the experience in 12 round fights. Over half of Hatton’s fights have been scheduled for 12 rounds with him usually taking care of business within 3-6 rounds, while Collazo has fought only two 12 round fights. This fight is for Collazo’s WBA Welterweight Title, which Hatton is moving up in weight to fight for.
Watch this fight! You will not be disappointed.
Rokk’s Prediction: Hatton wants to gain a fan base in the U.S. and start making some serious cash. He will be well prepared and put on a show for fight fans. I’m feeling that Hatton will KO Collazo in the 9th.
Apologies for missing last week, and for the abbreviated column this week. Any question, comments, and especially hate mail, can be directed to jetsdrg@gmail.com.
