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Clive Bernath (Editor in Chief SecondsOut)
I just cannot see Hatton beating Tszyu. Tszyu is just too good an all round fighter. Forget his age Tszyu is in tremendous condition. A 35 year-old Tszyu is I believe not only fitter than the 26 year-old Hatton but also faster and stronger. Tszyu is the consummate professional and I'm afraid Hatton is in for a rough night. I would love to be proved wrong but I see Tszyu slowly breaking a brave Hatton down for a late stoppage or points win.

Ant Evans (News and Content Editor, SecondsOut)
I don't think this is the straightforward blast-out for Tszyu that so many are expecting. Too much emphasis has been placed on the fact Eamonn Magee dropped and hurt Hatton three years ago. One knockdown - plus a couple of 'buzzes' here and there in fights with the likes of Ben Tackie - do not a brittle chin make. Is Tszyu chinny because he got stopped by Vince Phillips and was dropped twice by Diosbelys Hurtado? I see Hatton having success early on - the kid can box - but slowly Tszyu will find the range and force the Hitman to stand and trade. Proud and brave, I see Hatton finally falling around the ninth or tenth.

Patrick Kehoe (Contributing Editor, SecondsOut)
Ricky Hatton certainly has put in serious training for his fight with jr. welterweight world champion Kostya Tszyu; he's hungry, fighting at home and prepared wage a war of attrition to prevail. Genetics and craft are however, STILL, on the champion's side even at 35, having fought only once in eons. Tszyu is fit, focused, tactically mindful, defensively improved, while being a clinical power hitter with hall of fame experience. So, home court or not, it's gotta be Kostya by a knockout in the 10th.

Steve Farhood (Showtime and Boxing Monthly)
Unlike most of my American colleagues, I give Hatton half a chance. His energy will enable him, at least initially, to get inside and disrupt Tszyu's rhythm. But staying close, he'll negate many of the champion's advantages. Tszyu's experience and big right hand very well might eventually wear down Hatton, but until that point, Ricky will be more than competitive. The big concern: Will cuts again prove troublesome for Hatton? Tszyu on points.

Pat Brogan (British promoter, former fighter)
"Tszyu in five rounds. Ricky can fight but he'll hit fresh air with this guy. Thinking with my head, not my heart because Ricky's a great kid, I think it'll be over in four, five rounds. Ricky is 26 but he is more than 30, 32 in his body because he's abused his body between fights. He goes up to 12st 7lbs (175lbs) between fight and that will have aged him. Meanwhile, Tszyu has lived the life and is a young 35. Physically, Hatton could be as old as Tszyu and Tszyu is a much bigger puncher, a much better fighter and I think he won't be able to miss Ricky coming in."

Richard Williams (junior middleweight contender)
"Tszyu on points. He's too good for Ricky and will outbox him and maybe drop him. Ricky will put up a hell of a fight and can box too good to get stopped but he'll lose after 12 hard rounds."

Richard Poxon (Matchmaker and trainer, Clinton Woods)
It would be great for boxing in Britain if Hatton won but I just can't see it. I just can't see Hatton winning unless Tszyu gets old over night. Tszyu has a hell of a lot more experience at the top level whereas Ricky will be facing his first live genuinely world rated fighter. I go for a late stoppage or retirement.

Vivian Harris (WBA junior welterweight champion)
"I don't think Hatton has any chance. The guy is so lucky he's been protected in that place (the MEN Arena) for so long. A lot of fighters would kill to have the kind of sport - and entire country - behind them like Hatton has. But his fans can't fight the fight for him."

Miguel Cotto (WBO junior welterweight champion)
"It is a one-sided fight which Tszyu will win easily. Tszyu is too strong, it too experienced and punches too hard for Hatton, whose only chance is if he can take Tszyu's power. Tszyu has fought a higher calibre of opposition and should win in seven rounds."

Vince Phillips (only man to defeat Tszyu, lost to Hatton)
"Hatton is world class and there are plenty of top fighters he can beat, but not Kostya Tszyu. Tszyu just hits too hard."

Sam Soliman (IBF No.1 middleweight who spars Tszyu)
"I train hard but keeping up with Kostya has been hell! I wish Hatton luck but he won't win this fight."

Henry Foster (manager, Glen Johnson)
"I'm moderately impressed with Hatton but I'm very, very impressed with Tszyu. There's a chance this could be a blow out. Tszyu is so damn strong, I think he could steam roll Hatton. Hatton has to do something real special to get out of the first three rounds. I think Tszyu will stop him inside four or five."


Robert Waterman (Promoter, Fight Academy)
I believe Kostya Tszyu will stop Hatton in three rounds. I just think that Tszyu is a real pro and much more experienced than Hatton. Of course I'd like to see Hatton win as it would be great for British boxing and Tszyu could get old over night but I think Tszyu will just be too strong and apply too much pressure.

Diego Corrales (WBC/WBO lightweight champion)
"I think Hatton is a very exciting fight, great hear. I'm not convinced that he's got the experience or has fought the kind of guys he needs to have fought to prepare him for a professional life Tszyu, though."


Dennis Hobson (promoter, Fight Academy)
"If Tszyu is still ambitious and hasn't lost his edge he should win inside the distance."

Richie Woodhall (commentator, former WBC 168lbs champ)
"Hatton will push Tszyu all the way but will lose on cuts."

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