:boxing: Boxing Bits ::12.01.08:: Hatton Dominates Malignaggi

The last post for this autumn's boxing season sees Ricky Hatton come back to form in a big way and some new talent make bigger names for themselves.

:Sat.11.22.08:
[C] IBO Light Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton TKO11 Paulie Malignaggi [HBO]
--I didn't have Hatton winning this won, as I thought that Malignaggi would use his speed to take control of the fight and prevent the Hitman from getting too close. That, however, never materialized, as Hatton lived up to his moniker and spent essentially the whole fight pummeling the New Yorker. This was not the same man from previous times, as the brawler showed off much more polished boxing skills and discernible slickness, no doubt valuable improvements learned from new trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. (whose son beat down and KO'd him just earlier this year). Hatton's posture was more upright and he utilized his jabs and some good combo and foot work to prevent Malignaggi from finding his rhythm and going to work. It was definitely his best performance to date and the change in tactics will certainly elongate his career and chances. For Malignaggi, perhaps he should have been allowed to save face rather than have trainer Buddy McGirt, Jr. throw in the towel against his will, but it was reasonable given the prolonged beating he was suffering.


Not Previously Mentioned
[C] :Sat.11.29.08: (Vacant WBO Light Middleweight Championship) Paul Williams TKO8 Verno Phillips [HBO]
--Decent fight, with Williams picking up a victory versus a game Phillips, but he should have put him away about two to four rounds earlier instead of having the officials stop it. Phillips had little chance of hurting him or even giving him much trouble, yet Williams was seemingly intent on taking his time and just picking off shots (even when the veteran was just barely holding on). That can definitely be a hazard if he should ever get too comfortable in a fight against a major competitor, such as Antonio Margarito (who he beat last year) or Miguel Cotto, or a hungry unknown.
:Sat.11.29.08: Chris Arreola TKO3 Travis Walker (Heavyweight) [HBO]
--Not too bad of a short scrap (though there have been better), with Arreola making good on a momentary pause in the action due to Walker's lost mouthpiece, and the fighter's lack of a guard, to deliver two big knockdowns to stop the fight--after already suffering one of his own. While Arreola's stock rose, I'm still unimpressed by him and actually found myself more impressed with Walker, who displayed some nice skills and ability for a heavyweight. Now if he can just get himself to employ some better defense...
:Sat.11.29.08: Jason Estrada UD(8) Derek Bryant (Heavyweight)
:Sat.11.22.08: Heriberto Ruiz UD(8) Rey Bautista (Super Bantamweight)
--The once-promising Bautista slips once again after a three-fight win streak following his destruction at the hands of Daniel Ponce de Leon last year...
:Sat.11.22.08: Matthew Hatton UD(10) Ben Tackie (Welterweight)
:Sat.11.29.08: Demetrius Andrade TKO4 Eric Marriott (Light Middleweight)
--The former Olympic hopeful (and mentoree of Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick) notch his second TKO victory in his second fight in his second month of professional action.