Thanks for digging up the Hatton/Malig thread, Ghost Kid. I flip-flopped on it, final decision is Hatton small risk or no play, maybe a Paulie dec prop if I can get +300ish.
I don't like the Paulie-McGirt pairing, and I don't think Paulie has the power or the slickness to keep Hatton off him for 12 rounds. Hatton also has more promo pull and can make TONS of money for everyone in future fights, I see him getting the nod if it's close. Don't be surpirsed if DLH/Hatton comes off next year.
People point to the Cotto fight as proof of Paulie's chin, but Hatton doesn't work your chin, he works your stamina and your willpower. I can see a stoppage win for Hatton, just on accumulation, bodywork, frustration, and fatigue in the Malig corner. Plus McGirt has no gameplan, so if things start to get rough, don't expect any strategic adjustments.
Im suspicious of how much Mayweather Sr can teach Hatton in 2 months, especially when he's crticizing Hatton for being a boozebag and out-of-shape. If they spend the camp making weight, then of what use was Sr?
IMO, Hatton's trainer is neutral, Paulie's is a negative.
As for Molitor/Callabero, I also think it's a high-risk pick. I've seen Molitor several times, he lives and fights in the same province as me. If I wasn't such a lazy dough-head, I could've attended this fight live.
Molitor can fight. He has sufficient punching power but has been facing some iron-chinned opponents as of late. It's not so much power as it is accuracy and timing, he's a true boxer. He doesn't hang around the pocket much and should be able to get in and out vs a tall fighter like Callabero. Great footwork and combintions, strong chin, solid power, great stamina. He had bad cuts in his last 2 fights, but they were so close it could've been unhealed scar tissue, he's had decent rest since then. There's also an intensity about him, he's very serious and seems genuinely committed to boxing greatness moreso than money and fame. There's no charisma or showmanship, he really wants to be the best, and train's like a mofo.
In his fight against Battery, Molitor went nuts for the first 7 rounds going for the KO, and looked sloppy and undisciplined. Since then he's fought more smoothly and tactically, not looking for the KO, just methodically outboxing his opponents through 12. If he has to stick to a strict gameplan vs Callabero, I trust he can do ti without fatiguing late.
I haven't seen enough of Callabero to judge him. Looks like we have some youtubing ahead of us!
