I assume most will say Hatton, but I dont think its that simple. For one, Hatton's one division size edge aside.... Mancini was a big ass lightweight and assuming he moved up during his prime I'm sure he'd handle 140 well. Ray was also freakishly strong physically, and in this mauling type of fight, I'm not sure Ricky would be able to physically man handle him as he did most. Also, and this is a given.... Mancini was a better infighter than Ricky, and didnt need to utilize Hatton's grappling tactics to do well on the inside. But Mancini's BIGGEST edge on Hatton is definitely stamina! I dont think that area is even up for debate.... Mancini could fight at a HIGH pace for 15 rounds, while Hatton just couldnt match that type of pace. Probably due to Ricky's lifestyle. I'd say that Mancini had a better chin also. Hatton's edge on Mancini, besides size, is that he's more athletic, though even that isnt a huge edge. Mancini was hardly slow. All and all.... I think I'll pick the upset. Mancini outfights Hatton late, and comes away with the decision. In a 12 rounder. In a 15 rounder.... I'll take Ray by TKO.
Im with you, X... You need to be more of a range puncher to beat Mancini, either that or an a truly great inside fighter like a Chavez or a Duran... Mancini is interesting, there are some guys that he could never beat because they are either too slick and fast (think Whitaker or Locche or Floyd) or they are too good at long range (Arguello, obviously, as well as Hoya, Bramble... DeJesus, while not tall, had outstanding range... Cervantes, etc) ... but you give him a guy who is going to be in tight with him and the guy better be really fucking good or he's in for a hellish ride... the impressiveness of Mancini's total domination of Jose Luis Ramirez while fighting what was absolutely the fight Ramirez would be expected to do best at is truly remarkable and is not talked about nearly as much as it should be... he didnt just win the fight, he pushed Ramirez around like he was beating up a featherweight, just completely dominated one of the strongest lightweights of all time... a serious achievment... you look at Whitaker and Camacho, they beat Ramirez with speed and defense... Mancini beat him by brawling with him, and did it better than Arguello or Chavez managed... that is very significant
If we're taking the prime version of Mancini and morphing him into a 140 lb fighter... I guess I'd lean towards him to edge out Hatton. If we're talking about the actual version of Mancini that fought at 140 towards the end of his career, then I like Ricky. Not big, but no worse than close-but-clear.
