Hatton’s promotional knack produced the Mayweather fight. The “Hit Man” scored rugged Las Vegas victories over Luis Collazo in January and Jose Luis Castillo in June. Hatton’s dramatic left-hook body-punch finale to defeat Castillo placed an exclamation point on his 2007 campaign. He further excelled by appealing to Vegas fans, proclaiming his honor about fighting here and expressing the desire for a new boxing base.

Hattons stands 43-0 with 31 knockouts. Mayweather hardly needed this confrontation.

The Las Vegas resident, now 38-0 with 24 knockouts, delivered a rousing victory over Oscar De La Hoya in one of the year’s top bouts in May. De La Hoya-Mayweather not only produced box-office records, but will probably enable Las Vegas sports books to realize a record year. Victory over an icon lured Mayweather and his Hall of Fame credentials into retirement.

But Hatton goaded him out.

“There was more action in the four rounds of this fight than there has been in Floyd’s entire career,” Hatton proclaimed after defeating Castillo.

Challenge accepted. For Mayweather, who had nothing left to prove in boxing, this was an irresistible invitation. For boxing fans, it’s a chance to see two fighters with a combined record of 81-0.

Common opponents provide additional intrigue. Hatton knocked out Castillo, whom Mayweather twice decisioned, once closely. Mayweather says the Castillo bouts occurred six years ago and should not be compared with Hatton’s recent effort.

Hatton, who has been a world champion at 140 and 147 pounds, has labored to win bouts at the higher weight. This bout occurs at 147 pounds, which Mayweather considers important. Mayweather has won titles in division ranging from 130 to 154 pounds.

“He’s an OK fighter,” Mayweather says, “But we’re talking about a guy who is 140 and hasn’t done the things at 147 that other fighters have. You know, come December 8, we welcome the pressure.”

“I am honored to be facing the man boxing fans consider the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world,” Hatton observes. “I just honestly believe I can beat him. I can do to Floyd what no other boxing in the world has done and that is defeat him in the ring.”

De La Hoya came close, backing Mayweather up and assuming a lead after nine rounds. But Mayweather rallied and won convincingly. In the ultimate tribute, De La Hoya now promotes Mayweather. De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions has become a premier force in boxing, giving fighters like Bernard Hopkins, Shane Mosley and Mayweather their best paydays.


Lively Propositions

This is an interesting betting fight. Mayweather opened at nearly a 3-1 favorite, Hatton a 2-1 underdog. Those numbers will prompt reasonable betting interest, but the prop bets deliver high intrigue. Because experts consider the fight likely to go 12 rounds, prop bets return handsomely on knockouts. They range from 40-1 to 15-1 and are more attractive than usual. Mayweather often decisions fighters, but may step up the pressure based on being challenged.

Bettors anticipating a knockout can sprinkle some money across this lineup, if these number hold. Here’s a tip: If you like a knockout, break the scenarios down into early, mid or late rounds. Bankroll a number of consecutive rounds rather than try to nail one exactly. It may be smart to make an additional bet on your favorite round, but do it as an add-on strategy.

By Dave Bontempo

Casino Connection Sports Editor Dave Bontempo is an award-winning sports writer and broadcaster who calls boxing matches all over the world. He has covered the Philadelphia Flyers in the playoffs, as well as numerous PGA, LPGA and Seniors Golf Tour events, and co-hosted the Casino Connection television program with Publisher Roger Gros.

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