Micky Cantwell
11 February 2009 - 12:14
by Micky Cantwell
I’m excited to learn that Ricky Hatton’s fight with Manny Pacquiao is going ahead in Las Vegas on May 2 this year.
Before the bout was finalised there was a lot of talk about the money side of it. Pacquiao has now agreed to a 52-48 split in his favour. Personally, I don’t think the Filipino deserves more money than The Hitman.
The stakes are very high and I feel Ricky is entitled to a 50-50 share. He brings an awful lot to the table: a massive support, and a large British TV audience. The viewing figures for the Floyd Mayweather fight broke all records.
When I heard that Manny had started to go back on the 50-50 deal they agreed and had demanded a 60-40 split on the cash in his favour, I questioned his motives. It’s unusual for a boxer to demand a split like this.
Maybe he didn’t fancy fighting Hatton. Maybe he was deliberately trying to price himself out of a deal.
Potential 2009 opponents for Ricky
Ricky’s camp is open to all offers. I can see The Hitman taking on the winner of the Juan Manuel Marquez vs Juan Diaz fight at some stage. I can see Marquez coming out on top there, and he’d be a great opponent for Ricky.
There’s some talk of a Hatton-De La Hoya fight, but personally I hope that doesn’t happen. It’s just not a fight that people will want to see.
A bout against Marquez or Diaz – that’s what people want to see.
Ricky’s retirement date
Having seen at first hand his last training camp and the Paulie Malignaggi fight, I’d say Ricky is as ring hungry as he’s ever been. I was amazed how happy and comfortable he looked in that camp. Looking at him, I’d never seen him so happy. He had the face of a man still in love with the sport.
Before the bout, I went to watch Malignaggi train. People were impressed by him – how sharp he was, how quick he looked. I told them to wait until they saw Ricky Hatton.
Look at what he did to Malignaggi. He absolutely destroyed him. Paulie was impressive, but The Hitman was on a different level.
That’s why I believe he’s got a couple of years left in him.
Calzaghe hanging up his gloves
It’s a great thing that he bows out unbeaten. There was talk about Bernard Hopkins coming over to Wales to fight Joe at the Millennium Stadium and I thought that would have been a good send-off.
But remaining unbeaten is the pinnacle for a boxer – it’s almost unheard of. Calzaghe can be proud of that for the rest of his career. He has left a legacy on boxing.
British boxing’s promising future
These are exciting times for British boxing. It’s a big year coming up.
Amir Khan against Marco Barrera is mouthwatering fight. Barrera is a former three-weight world champion, so he’s a tough opponent for Amir. I think Khan will win that one on points.
Then there’s David Haye, who impressed everyone when defeating Monte Barrett. You’d hope that he isn’t far away from landing a bout against one of the Klitschko brothers. Let’s not forget Kevin Mitchell, either – the list goes on and on.
Young boxers with the star quality
One name stands out: James De Gale. This kid could be a superstar. What I like about De Gale is that he’s passionate about his sport. You talk to him and you can tell he lives boxing. He knows the sport inside out – the strategy, the past greats.
I’m so excited to see this boy in the ring. Frank Warren has plans to fight them once a month to build them up gradually. Start with a few four-round fights and build from there.