Hatton/Hobson Applaud Castillo Verdict
By Robert Ecksel August 25th, 2006Has Hatton-Castillo been in the cards all along?
Whereas the reaction in the States to the fine and suspension of Jose Luis Castillo runs the gamut from A to B, Manchester superstar Ricky Hatton and his co-promoter Dennis Hobson have welcomed the news, not with dismay, but with open arms.
Team Hatton has already had preliminary discussions with Castillo’s promoter, Top Rank’s Bob Arum, for a big bout at 140 in early 2007. A lengthy suspension, such as the yearlong ban most anticipated, would have deep-sixed that bout.
Dennis Hobson told British Boxing that “Ricky will be fighting on December 9 but, allowing ourselves for a second to anticipate a favorable result there, we’ve already had good talks with Bob Arum about making a Hatton versus Castillo super-fight for March or April. That’s a fight Ricky is relishing.
“Obviously, we’re happy that Castillo won’t be out of action for a year because we’d love to make the fight happen. But I think the Commission also took the fact that Castillo turns 33 in December into consideration, also.â€?
Hobson and Hatton made the trip to Las Vegas for the Castillo-Diego Corrales rubber match and were as disappointed, as crushed as the rest of us that the fight failed to materialize.
“Me and Ricky were as gutted as anyone that the fight got cancelled at the last minute,â€? Hobson said. “We were actually at the weigh-in and just couldn’t believe it. But I think Castillo’s paid the price by getting fined $250,000 and should be allowed to move on in his career.â€?
Not everyone agrees with that assessment. Most of us in and out of the biz believe the NSAC let Castillo off easy, no matter his age, with what amounts to a slap on the wrist, in exchange for blowing it big time.
“The best way for Castillo to make it up to boxing fans,� added Hobson, “would be for him to put on another fantastic fight and the most exciting match out there for him is against Ricky Hatton.�
August 25th, 2006 at 3:21 pm
this is a fight i hope to see. 250,000 is alot of cashish… castillo hurt himself more than anyone by doing wat he did. beating up hatton, which i know he will do, would be great, espescially after what just happened w/CorralesIII
August 25th, 2006 at 3:30 pm
This would make for a great fight,,re establishing Hattons dominance at 140lbs, Castillo will make for a better fight than Corales as he is the stronger. A perfect fight for Hatton too beacuse Castillo will walk forward and Hatton wont have to go looking, Hatton will win by knockout in the late rounds in what will be a thriller of a fight.The body punches will take its toll and grind down Castillo, Hatton will feel more comfortable taking punches from fighters who are nearer his own size. Hatton beat Collazo,,,but only just!! It was a poor match up as Hatton has shown through his career he struggles with southpaws,,more so with rangey fighters.To have it all against him showed Hatton was desperate to get a big fight, even at his own expense..One thing will always be sure,,,Hatton wont duck fights, its more than what could be said for a supposed pound 4 pounder out there whos unifying with the easiest title fights manageable.
August 25th, 2006 at 4:04 pm
Yes…if there is one man who will stand and brawl with Hatton, it’s Castillo. This will be a tough fight. Forget Mayweather…Hatton and Castillo are made to fight each other.
August 26th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Mr. Rhodes,
by the way Ricky Hatton ducked a possible fight with Mayweather on more than one occasion citing off th record he wasn’t quite ready for such a challenge.
Ricky Hatton has only faced Kostzya T. as a real tough challenge in his career. He has stated he wants to face Castillo, Cotto possibly Mosley and definitely Mayweather as a last fight within the next 2 years.
Castillo-Hatton would be a great fight but I would rather see Cotto get the chance to fight Hatton in 2007 !
If Mayweather gets by Baldomir and gets the opportunity to fight De La Hoya, I think he will then allow any guys who couldd make an exciting fight, the chance to face him. We’re talking about Mosley, Hatton, Cotto and Margarito.
August 27th, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Mr Pasky,,,
As stated by Warren promotions prior to Hattons departure of company,,Mayweather outpriced himself of two dates. An off the record statement may be true but does not clarify whether a fight is declined.
Hatton was not and is not yet ready but would still accept regardless!!!
And please could you clarify how where and when you get information of who Mayweather will fight because there is no substance to your claims.
August 27th, 2006 at 8:57 pm
This would be a great fight and I hope it is made. Hatton will be back at his real weight class where he should stay. He will definitely not have to look for Castillo because Castillo will be in his chest all night. Castillo is going to want to show fight fans why we should forgive him and I think he beats Hatton in a fight of the year type brawl (think Gatti-Ward I).
Regarding Mayweather: I think he gets by Baldy with his speed and skill, although Baldy makes Floyd a little uncomfortable against the ropes (think Floyd-Castillo I).
August 29th, 2006 at 11:22 am
Hatton might do okay against anybody, but thinking he’ll walk through Castillo or a Corrales is really silly. I’d probably bet money on both those guys over Hatton. He was a bit exposed by Collazo in my opinion, although both those guys are much lighter.
Hatton would beat Cotto - just too much action, pressure, and the ability to take a punch. Cotto’s wobbly when hit.
May 10th, 2007 at 8:22 pm
hatton is a good boxer but has no stamina, well not compared to castillo. castillo will win by decision, or maybe even a knock out. castillo is a well more skilled boxer than hatton. hes also a smarter, faster, and more experienced fighter. all hatton has is power and his accuracy is pretty good. but castillo is a tought some of a bitch and will win this fight for sure…..castillo all the way….