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I used to run the old Hatton forum and broke the story of the comeback earlier this year after a friend in the know said he'd gone to Italy under the pretence of a holiday, but was actually doing some training out there to shift the weight.
When I heard he was going straight in with a 10-rounder I was surprised, given Erik Morales looked atrocious in his comeback after 3 years out against a journeyman. He eventually put a few wins together, pushing Maidana close and doing better than Khan against Garcia.
But whilst Erik kept his hand in at the gym, Ricky did little except balloon and drink. Recruiting Bob Shannon was also slightly short sighted given he couldn't compare Ricky today and Ricky from 3 years ago. They should have got Lee Beard back involved because he's not a yes-man and would have told him straight. He would also have seen what's missing that Ricky had previously.
The timing, sloppiness and just the way he followed Senchenko round the ring, instead of cutting him off, getting in range and unloading showed he was trying to fight on memory and had basically not learned anything in camp about who he used to be.
He should have done 6-rds unannounced on an undercard, to avoid the crowds and should have had lee beard as trainer. Then he might have been more polished. Regardless I think it's better he was beaten now - than against a true world class puncher at welter, because he'd have gotten destroyed.
He was never a welter. |
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Author: DrWise
22-11-2019 04:50:59
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