Amir Khan v Ricky Hatton?
After being dealt a rebuttal by Juan Manuel Marquez, Amir Khan has looked towards Ricky Hatton for his next fight. That’s right, Ricky Hatton.
In a bizarre twist Khan has named the former champion as a possible next opponent in a money-spinning move that British fight fans would love to see. In theory it would almost be a passing of the torch-type affair, but it’s been 15 months since Hatton was laid out cold by Manny Pacquiao and the larger-than-life Mancunian has shown no signs of wanting to get himself back in the ring.
Intriguingly Hatton has recently updated his boxing licence, suggesting that he has plans to come back at some point but maybe just keeping his options open.
There’s no denying that “The Hitman” was one of the best boxers Britain has ever produced. An exciting gutsy fighter, he was charismatic, a fans favourite and a gentleman away from the ring.
However in terms of his fighting career, he was found wanting against the two very best In Floyd Mayweather and Pacquiao.In many ways he hit the glass ceiling, and there’s hardly any shame in that. Pacquiao and Mayweather are unique fighters, they are absurdly talented and almost freaks of nature in terms of ability.
Hatton lost to the two best of a generation and went as far as he could; with world championships in two weight classes under his belt he has nothing left to prove to anybody.
It’s not like The Hitman has been kicking his heels and wasting his cash lately either as Hatton Promotions is going from strength to strength. His brother, Matthew, has dramatically improved and won a European title and you even see the Hitman pop up in the odd television advert as well. Somewhat predictably it looks like has been enjoying his food as well. It was almost his trademark to balloon up between fights and by the look of him lately he hasn’t been hitting the gym too much.
As for Khan he should be looking to the future not the past for his next rival. It was thought he wanted the winner of Marquez v Juan Diaz, however the veteran Mexican has shunned him for potentially a third encounter with Pacquiao. Outside of that a lot of hype has been around a fight with Marcos Maidana, the Argentinian is a knockout specialist boasting 27 KO’s from 28 wins and right now Khan’s trainer Freddie Roach may not feel the WBA champ is up for that challenge, a repeat of the Bredis Prescott flash knockout would be career destroying.
In his last fight against Paulie Malignaggi, Khan’s defence certainly looked tighter and he put in a top-class performance that wooed the American audience, but time has ticked on a bit since then and he needs a fight that will raise the calibre of his opposition and excite the fans.
Also in the offing is Victor Ortiz who would be a stern challenge for the Bolton youngster, as would a more experienced fighter, like Juan Urango or Joel Casaymore. One name that would make an interesting fight would be Zab Judah, who is making something of a comeback and looks to be in fine form with two emphatic knockouts in two.
The two big guns of the light-welterweight division, Timothy Bradley Junior and Devon Alexander look set to be busy with each other leaving Khan with plenty of options but he needs to act fast to retain interest in the states. The money would be good for both boxers if the Hatton fight were to go ahead but it’s not really a viable option and its unlikely if Hatton were to return he’d want to go straight back in against someone like Khan, particularly without at least six to seven months of gym work.
Word is Ricky Hatton has just brought a Turkish Villa and taken up golf, realistically there’s more chance of him taking on Tiger Woods and co than Khan.
Tags: