By Liam Santiago: I recently posted an article questioning the idea of Matthew Hatton fighting for a world title. Hatton was in talks over a fight for the IBO world welterweight title against Lovemore N’Dou, but as the deal fell through Hatton decided to take on Zab Judah, who has shared the ring with Kostya Tszyu, Cory Spinks, Mayweather Jnr and Miguel Cotto.
I received much criticism for the article, with many readers claiming Matt Hatton was ready for that step. Would it not be more sensible for Hatton to take on the likes of Jon Thaxton at this stage?
Jon Thaxton is a well known journeyman in Britain who has recently lost on points to part time boxer, full time brick layer, Tom Glover. Thaxon constantly absorbed Glover’s left hook in every round and he simply could not produce an answer. However, Thaxton was in line to fight 26 year old British prospect, John Murray. Murray is undefeated in 26 bouts but is totally untested. To be honest, Thaxton is probably on the same level as Murray now. I think Matthew Hatton vs Jon Thaxton would be a great fight. They are both tough durable boxers. Thaxton would have the power advantage, and in all fairness, he would have many more advantages. However, since Thaxton moved up to welterweight for his last fight, instead of jumping to the world level, why not take on this tough, well known, fighter, in a bout which would be a very good ticket seller.
I would love Matthew Hatton to go over to America and beat Zab Judah. But, unfortunately it is not going to happen. Hatton is not at that level and sadly never will be. He has lost four times to journeymen, drawn once and has beaten a string of journeymen. He shows no footwork or head movement, simply walking onto shots with his best asset being able to take them. His last defeat came to fellow Manchester boxer, Craig Watson, on the under card of older brother Ricky Hatton’s fight with Juan Lazcano. If you don’t know who Ricky is he’s the man who lost to Manny Pacquiao due to being badly prepared by trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr.
What has Matt done to fight at world level? He was going to fight for a world title. Why? Who sanctioned that move? If he could beat Jon Thaxton, he might then be in line for a big fight with he much over rated, Jon Murray. If he could beat Murray, then he could proceed to the World level. Is that not a better move? Why skip straight to the USA, lose to Zudah and then start again? If he feels to great to share a ring with Thaxton, why not go at it with the man who beat Thaxton, Tom Glover. Glover is only a part time boxer so it shouldn’t be that hard if Hatton classes himself along side Zab Judah, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather Snr.
If the Manchester journeyman wants advice on fighting Thaxton he could always turn to his brother Ricky. Ricky once thought Thaxton what was an absolute toe to toe bloodbath. Bar Pacquiao and Mayweather it had to be the hardest fight of Ricky’s life. If Matthew reads this I hope he takes my advice. Beating Thaxton could line Hatton up for better things. Losing to Zab lines you up for nothing. Now you want my prediction my Hatton vs Zab ; Zab on points. For Thaxton/Hatton; Thaxton on points.
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