The Life of a retired fighter can conjure thoughts of the fabled Elysian Fields to many, as the thoughts of greener pastures and not having to endure brutal training camps and injuries while enjoying the prize money earned is a means to an end. Many fighters take up their newly found free time by opening gyms and training fighters or taking up hobbies. For one particular English fighter, it seems in his new found free time has he watched a few UFC cards from time to time.
Boxing legend and undoubtedly the UK’s biggest boxing draw, Ricky Hatton who won major world titles at junior welterweight and welterweight has joined the list of many other boxers (Mike Tyson, David Haye, Bernard Hopkins) who slowly have become fans of mixed martial arts. Hatton, who spoke to our fight correspondent based in the UK, Nigel Turner admits he wasn’t a fan at first, but as the sport continues to push into the mainstream he took notice. “The more I watch it, slowly but surely I am becoming a bit more of a fan.” This is just a hunch, but I have a feeling that Hatton is a fan of people beating the snot out of each other a view shared by us over here at Fight Hub TV.
It is one that we wished was shared by the more polarizing figures on all ends of the spectrum as Boxing should not been seen as a has been sport with no action to MMA diehards (as boxing is a part of MMA) while old school boxing fans should not see MMA as barbaric as the science and techniques of grappling take years to master. All in all, crossover fans see and respect both sports athletes for what they are, dedicated warriors to their chosen craft and it is one that should be preached as both sports will continue to co-exist and can help both grow.
