Big fight preview - Ricky Hatton v Juan Lazcano by Kevin Roberts May 23rd 2008

It's been a bit rough lately – Rees gallantly stopped by Kotelnik, big Clinton soundly beaten by Tarver, Lynes robbed, jobbed whatever you wish to call it in Italiano.  Surely Ricky Hatton can stop the rot against Juan Lazcano on Saturday night? Even the good notes recently are tinged with a bit of negativity – Calzaghe according to many lucky against old Bernard and Alex Arthur...well, just plain lucky! To cap it all off Mr Witter has now gone and lost his world title, so bang goes that domestic fight we were all waiting for. So, come Saturday night it's up to everyone's favourite good guy Mr Hatton to restore some pride and re-build his reputation in the hope at having a second crack at ‘Money Mayweather'. This Saturday on home turf at the spanking Eastlands stadium, home of Man City we see Ricky Hatton square off against Juan ‘The Hispanic Causing Panic' for the IBO title at 10 stone. The problem in many people's eyes is that Juan has not really caused anyone any panic for a while and in many quarters this is seen as a poor fight, especially for a stadium fight in front of a huge crowd. As expected demand for tickets has been great and a crowd in access of 50,000 is expected to roar Ricky on in his quest to re-establish his credentials as the premier 10 stone fighter in the world. It is fair to say there is no disputing that Hatton is the best at light-welter, even more so since Witter's shock loss. Unbeaten at the weight Hatton has turned back many decent operators, wins over Tackie, Maussa, Urango, Magee and Oliveira topped off by the memorable win against Kosta Tszyu cement Hatton's place at the top of the 10 stone tree. In a 40+ plus fight career Ricky has bludgeoned his way to the top using exceptional heart, work rate, superb body punching and it has to be said no little skill. We are now reaching the end of the road and Hatton sees Lazcano as the perfect pick me up fight before a showdown with flashy New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi then the golden goodbye against Floyd. So what about Saturday – well it's hard to see anything else but a Hatton victory. Lazcano whilst undoubtedly tough does not seem to possess the form at the required level or anything special is his make-up to beat Hatton. However Lazcano has operated at world class for a while now and make no mistake this could be a tough fight, depending upon which Hatton turns up. The Hatton of the Tszyu fight wins easily, the same Ricky who has laboured against the likes of Urango could be in a bit of bother, especially as Lazcano has a marked reach advantage. However, Ricky will be all business I feel, he will look to start fast and will probe the body in the hope that he will wear down Lazcano late on. For his part Lazcano will hope that Ricky is on the slide, coupled with Hatton's now infamous lifestyle choices Lazcano will hope that all the fry ups and Guinness will have finally taken there toll and his arm will be raised at the end. However, for my money Hatton is a different animal at 10 stone than the fighter we have seen at welter. I expect Hatton to be fully focused in front of his own people and I foresee a superb looking Hatton on Saturday. Look for Hatton to start fast, experience one or two hairy moments in the middle rounds but ultimately triumph either via stoppage around the tenth or as a clear points winner.

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