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The World Is Watching

posted by Kathleen Holland on May 15, 2008, in Punch Lines By Judi Abate

By Judi Abate
Boxing Diva
Photo by Chris McGee

I was very excited about today's conference call involving Ricky Hatton ( 43-1-0) and Juan Lazcano ( 37-4-0) regarding their May 24th bout in Manchester, UK. Ricky Hatton was up first, he was extremely polite as well as super positive about this upcoming contest. ( And we can't forget about his great British accent.)

Ricky was pleased to be back in action and very happy to be on his home turf. This fight is in all actuality a thank you to his legions of fans who have supported him in the Mayweather fight and also all his bouts at home.

I was a little frustrated by all the questions thrown at Ricky about his loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Yes, it was a big loss, yes it was by KO and yes it erased his undefeated record however it was what it was and now it is time to move on. Ricky was polite in answering all of these questions but I couldn't help but wonder how he can concentrate on the fight at hand with all the sports media going back to that one moment in time. I believe Ricky said it best when he said, "There is no shame in defeat."

"Most of the world's famous boxers have had to deal with a loss on their records. The most important aspect of having a loss is how you bounce back from it." Ricky is looking forward to this fight and will show his fans that he is ready to fight and his boxing is even better than before.

There was some discussion about a fight with Paulie Malignaggi in the near future as well as a rematch with Mayweather. But wisely Ricky said, "I am not looking past this fight with Juan." He also reminded the media that he did not feel this was a " build up fight" it was more of a homecoming fight in order for him to show his boxing ability and to also put on a good performance for his fans.

Juan Lazcano also proved to be a very upbeat and relaxed kind of guy. Juan is very excited about going to the UK and fighting Hatton. He explained how much of an honor it truly was and how grateful he was for this opportunity. He also had a positive attitude about what he was going to the Uk to accomplish- he wants to win.

Juan is prepared and ready to go. Even though he has never fought in front of the kind crowd expected in Manchester (55,000) he is not nervous and has stated he is a respectful fighter. Juan says, "This fight is a great match up and will be a battle of wills and hunger." Juan mentions how spirituality will be playing a large role in this bout. He feels there has been a resurrection in himself and as well as his boxing ability." Juan gave Ricky his kudos acknowledging that," Hatton is a warrior, has tremendous heart and is a tough son of a gun."

I expect this to be an excellent, exciting, as well as a very entertaining fight. Filled with challenges as well as thrills. Each man believes they are the best man to win. Only one can win and whoever that is....will have nothing left to prove to all the fans around the world who will be watching and waiting.

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