Yesterday, former boxing champion and giant British star Ricky Hatton declared his retirement. Hatton was the champion at 140 lbs for a few years after beating Hall of Famer Kostya Tszyu. He went on to fight and lose to Floyd Mayweather, before building himself back up to a top contender. It was then Hatton had his last fight, against the current pound for pound best in the world Manny Pacquiao. It was Pac Man’s destruction of Hatton that expanded Pacquiao’s greatness a whole new level. That was the fight that started the Pacquiao rocket to ipad commercials or whatever he makes.
Part of Hatton’s appeal was is that he was just like you and I. He was a fighter yes, but in between, he was the guy you see at the pub. He got the nickname Ricky Fatton because his weight would balloon between fights. Hatton walked to the ring in a fat suit to play up to that image. There is also a Ricky Fatton song I believe. What made Hatton’s career stand out is the fact that his fans loved him. British fans are known for their wild cheers and singing, and Hatton received them full throat for his biggest fights. Especially with the song Hatton Wonderland. Take a look:
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZRIBDGz6mZk&w=480&h=390]
And that’s not even at a fight. Hatton was made better by the support he received from his fans. He had a homefield advantage anywhere he went because of that. Rowdy crowds in basketball and football are expected. People talk about how the players feed off that and rise to the next level. It happened with Hatton. If he had the crowd reaction of Glen Johnson, I doubt he would have risen to the heights he did. Hatton gave them everything, so they gave Hatton everything. In a way, it’s what sports are all about. This last video is a little long, but it’s awesome. It’s the Mayweather-Hatton weigh in. Yeah, that crowd for a weigh in. I hope that UC sports fans become as dedicated and loud this season. It’s a challenge thrown down by me. Make it happen.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PweMADtEmWI&w=480&h=390]
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