Floyd Saves His Entertaining For Outside The Ring.
Hatton Looks To Save His For Inside The Ring.

Photos & Report by Bret “the Threat” Newton

Floyd Mayweather and Ricky Hatton were face to face at the Universal City Walk press conference in Hollywood, Ca. yesterday where many fans of both fighters swarmed the outer gate, but the press turnout was surprisingly small. A similar set up to “The World Awaits” Hollywood press conference, with great audio and video output through large speakers and a giant overhead screen that surely got any passerbyers attention. The commercial for “Undefeated” was played back to back with clips of both Hatton and Mayweather, inside and out of the ring. The press conference began after noon and the outer gate that kept all non media fans out was packed. Both Mayweather and Hatton fans eager to snap a photo, get an autograph or just shake their hands, packed the City Walk along with fans upstairs on the balcony of some of the restaurants just across. The red carpet was laid out that stretched to the main stage and podium. Oscar DeLaHoya would be the first to walk the carpet.

Michael Buffer (congratulations on your recent engagement) took the podium and all was quiet. An anthem for Great Britain along with some clips of Hatton on the big screen began to play. The main clip would be of Hatton mocking Mayweather’s “Dancing With The Stars” involvement as he had a personal dancing judge in the ring with himself. Trying to get a few pointers on how to get close to his opponent, Hatton on the big screen said, “My opponent Floyd is always backing up”. A few tango moves were offered between the two before a final punch from Hatton sent the judge to the canvas as he dazed the word, “Floyd?”. Huge laughs from the crowd began as the clip ended, and Buffer began to introduce, “Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton”. Hatton came down the isle with a British flag in one hand and a crown on his head.

Next up, the Mayweather montage that mainly showed clips of his fights, nothing playful, which demonstrated some of his fast counters and knockdowns scored in his most recent fights. Buffer at the microphone brought in “ ‘Pretty Boy’ Floyd Mayweather”. Mayweather came out in typical dressed to kill fashion, with two American flags in his hands.

Oscar DeLaHoya then took the podium and announced the December 8th, “Undefeated” fight, which takes place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, shown Live on HBO PPV. “This fight has potential to be one of the most exciting fights in boxing history.” DeLaHoya then introduced Hatton to the podium.

Ricky Hatton: “I’d like to thank Floyd for taking the crown of me, because actually I think personally I looked more like Burger King to be honest with you. I just never really dreamed these days were going to happen. I have the chance to fight the best Pound4Pound fighter in the world. It’s a wonderful clash of boxing worlds and a wonderful clash of personalities. We should’ve met maybe a couple of times over the past few years. I wanted the biggest guy out there which is obviously Floyd. I'm just happy to be here. On December the 8th, I’ll be the one coming forward. Thank you.”

The podium was then turned over to Leonard Elerbe to say a few words and introduce Mayweather, but not before he ripped a few opinions directly to Hatton. “This aint one of those bums you’ve fought over in England. You’re fighting the Pound4Pound best fighter in the world, and on December 8th, Floyd’s gonna’ tear your ass from your frame.”

Floyd Mayweather: “Come December 8th, it’s gonna be the same Floyd Mayweather. He wants a toe-to-toe battle, so that’s what I'm gonna give you, if that’s what you want. I aint gonna dance on my toes. I'm gonna dance, but I'm gonna ‘Dance With The Stars’. You gettin’ lucky, you gettin’ you’re biggest payday. Once I dust you off in the U.S., take you over to England, dust you off there. You can get two for the price of one if that’s what you want. I take the least punishment, but make the most money in this sport. It’s about being smart. I can even do the cha-cha.” Mayweather then brought up his ‘Dancing With The Stars’ partner Karina Smirnoff and offered up a few moves for the audience.

Mayweather took the mic again, “He fought so many fighters that’s over the hill, you gonna be over the hill soon too. After I dust you off, I don’t know who’s next.”. Mentions of “Mosley and Cotto” from the crowd were replied by Mayweather with, “That aint on paper, baby, I like that big money.”

Finally it was time to pose the fighters. Mayweather was already out of his seat and in the center stage, “Come on, get over here and pose Vicky.”. Hatton took his time and met Mayweather in the center who got right in his face and never turned around. The two were directly in the center, Floyd mouthing off silently to Hatton, “Make one move and I’ll break your jaw. Make one move. Go ahead. I’ll bust you up.”.

The talk resumed for the entire stare down. The two were slowly drifting to the right as Hatton was apparently backing up, very slowly. Mayweather was already pressuring Hatton who could not stand his ground or keep a straight face. Hatton looking around at the cameras with Floyd directly in his face, who then leaned over to Hatton’s ear to whisper a few choice words. Hatton winked at us, smiled, while Mayweather kept on flapping his lips.

Mayweather’s P.R. Kelly Swanson tried her best to get Mayweather to turn around and face the cameras for a pose, but he refused, taking his arm away from her more than once. Finally the two were too far off to the right that Leonard Elerbe had to get Mayweather off of Hatton.

Hatton smiled, took the opportunity to go down the steps and do television interviews behind stage. Mayweather said, “I’m going over there too.”, but was talked out of it so he could do his own tv interviews. Mayweather smiled and liked the idea.

Lunch at the Hard Rock Café was shortly after were DeLaHoya and Hatton came up to sit and relax,

...while Mayweather was still downstairs, playing to the crowd and signing autographs for fans.

Was this a sign of things to come? Did Hatton show the signs of an already loser by getting backed up from the taller Mayweather? Or is he hoping for Mayweather to keep bringing the pressure which could benefit him inside the ring, which is what Hatton truly wants? And is that what Hatton truly wants, Mayweather to bring his A-Game and to finally put on a show for the crowd? Or will Mayweather be shocked, and stunned in a styles-make-fights type of match-up that we get ever so often? These, and the rest of everyone’s questions will be answered on December 8th.


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