to gloat. It was just thanking him for everything he did for me – which he obviously deflected humbly. Gosh. I can’t believe I’m never going to talk to him again. Literally tears in my eyes. I was about to text him during the Canelo-Crawford broadcast complaining how late the main event is starting on the East Coast. Maybe I’ll start up my East Coast notebook for Ring again in memory of Tom. Man, this hurts. David Kolb MIKE MCCALLUM Thank you to The Ring for the article on the late, great Mike McCallum (September 2025). “The Bodysnatcher” was one of the best fighters of his era. May he rest in peace. Because he was so talented, he was among the most COME OUT WRITING
Contrary to the popular narrative that Crawford destroyed Canelo and dominated the fight, that simply isn’t accurate. This was a much closer contest than people realize. I encourage everyone to rewatch it – without commentary – and carefully score each round. Yes, Crawford did win, but by a razor-thin margin. His clean combinations against the so- called boogeyman of the 168-pound division naturally created excitement and earned him well-deserved credit. But let’s be clear: This was not a one- sided performance. Crawford pulled ahead in the final rounds, but it wasn’t domination – it was a tactical edge, and just barely. As a side note, Canelo looked like a man who’s lost some of his hunger. He came to box, not to destroy – and against an all-time great like Crawford, that’s a dangerous strategy. The Canelo who fought GGG or who stopped Caleb Plant would have had a much better shot here. With more aggression, motivation, better combination work and less telegraphing, he could’ve pushed Crawford into real trouble. If Canelo can make those adjustments – and rediscover that ruthless edge – a rematch could be a very different story. J. Armando Lopez I’ve been telling everyone that would listen that Crawford was going to win. He is too skilled to get caught by anything Canelo had. Real boxing fans won a lot of money on September 13. Ed Lysaght You always hear the old saying in boxing: “Styles make fights.” To me, that’s what this whole Crawford- Canelo fight came down to. Crawford’s ability to adjust, control range and set traps was always going to give him the edge. Canelo’s a powerhouse, no doubt, but I figured Crawford’s style – measured, patient – and boxing IQ would pile up the rounds on the scorecards. That’s why I leaned toward him winning a decision.
What I wasn’t sure about, though, was whether the judges would actually give it to him. I’ve watched enough boxing to know that sometimes the guy who deserves it doesn’t always get the nod (Triple G’s fights with Canelo still stick in my head). So, yeah, I had that concern in the back of my mind. But wow, what a fight, and was I happy with how it all turned out. Crawford showed why he’s special, and the right guy got the decision. Both guys carried themselves with class and respect after the fight. That’s the kind of thing boxing needs more of, and I hope we keep seeing it. Jason Young
room with my uncles. I was such a huge fan of him as a kid that I cried when he lost to Pacquiao. I couldn’t even watch boxing for a while after that. His style, attitude, look, resilience and overall personality were all just few of the many amazing qualities that Ricky Hatton had, not only as a fighter but as a human being. His ability to have an impact on so many people across the world is amazing to me, even to inspire some kid like I was. Rest in peace, Ricky. Kyzer Hehn In 2014, I was an aspiring boxing writer and produced some articles for free for various websites. I got in contact with Ricky’s agent, Paul Speak, for an interview with
strong, so determined, brought low by something that most of us are afraid to admit, was pure inspiration. Ricky was loved because he gave us all hope. Inside and outside of the ring, his heart won ours. During an interview, Ricky was asked how he’d like to be remembered, and he replied, “I’d like to be remembered as the world champion that was one of us.” There are billions of “us,” but there will only ever be one Ricky Hatton. Rest easy, champion. James Hack I fought and fought with my mother 20 years ago for her to let my uncle take me to the Tszyu-Hatton fight. What came in the aftermath of Ricky pulling it off was a buzz and a special bond where me and my mother would watch the big fights together. I was messaging her about how sad it was to see Canelo potentially past his best, though credit to Crawford. Then something really sad came along. Ricky was an icon in and out of the ring, and for me and many others, no doubt, gave people something to bond over and get behind, much like our football clubs. Gutted with the news. May he finally be at peace. A true legend of a man who had time for everyone. He will never be forgotten. Danny Selvidge The first superfight I attended was Gatti-Mayweather in 2005. After the bout’s conclusion, a potential matchup loomed between Mayweather and recently crowned lineal junior
A decade later, we would cross paths once again at the concessions for Mayweather-Pacquiao. Gracious as ever, he once again granted my request for a picture and said he remembered me when I shared my recollection of our previous interaction. I was elated to hear about his 2024 IBHOF induction. Ricky Hatton was a warrior and a class act who adored his fans. The boxing community has lost a legend. Thomas C THOMAS GERBASI I mourn the loss of Thomas Gerbasi with the rest of the Ring staff. He was a superlative, top-shelf boxing writer, a wordsmith, and anything he wrote was a delicious read. I would communicate with him complimenting his inspirational writing for many
Crawford outclassed Canelo with humility
and precision – no swagger, just fists writing legacy. Hatton, the “Hitman,” gave us nights of thunder, Blue Moon roaring, and later showed
years, and he was always sweet and gracious to me in his responses. He
Ricky for an article I was writing. Ricky took nearly 30 minutes out of
avoided (although I don’t believe Marvelous Marvin Hagler ducked anyone). McCallum’s biggest career mistake was joining the Kronk boxing team, turning many potential opponents into sparring partners. It wasn’t until he left
had a good sense of humor and was above all a good man with a kind heart. So sorry for our collective loss of a friend and great writer.
his day to happily chat to me on the phone and answer my questions. My name had no weight that I could bring to the table. This just summed Ricky up. A true man of the
his greatest fight in shedding weight and reclaiming health. Two champions, two eras, one truth: Greatness is grit.
Ricky Hatton will always be a true fan favorite.
Ron Lipton
and family
When hockey was on strike/lockout in the early and mid- 2000s, Tom gave me the opportunity to start covering boxing. Up to that point, I was just a massively passionate fan but learned from my dad about pugilism. But Tom got me involved. MaxBoxing, Ring Magazine, Yahoo, whatever… I owe all of my boxing memories to Tom. But it went deeper than that; he taught me how to write in long form. To tell a story. And that helped me win an Emmy Award in 2014 for Madison Square Garden (New York Rangers). And Tom was one of very few people I called after I won. But this call wasn’t
the Kronk gym and went to the Duvas that McCallum got fights with ex- stablemates David
people who had time for everyone. A rare trait for an athlete who reached the pinnacle of their sport, as he did. He really was just “one of the lads” that happened to gain fame. And it never, ever changed him. Frank Walsh When we talk about the greatest boxers of all time, we often discuss their impact both on the sport and outside of it, and to me, Ricky Hatton filled out both criteria. He had wars with some of the best of the generation; for a time, he seemed indestructible, which is why, when he opened up about his struggles, he became a hero. To see someone so
Tom Gerbasi’s contribution cannot be overstated.
Ingrid Windsor Joseph
RICKY HATTON While I never met or saw Ricky Hatton in person, I grew up watching him as a kid and was a huge fan. I grew up in the Arctic Region of Canada, where boxing is not a prominent sport, so I constantly watched it growing up, and some of the strongest memories I have are of watching Hatton vs. Malignaggi. I lost my mind over that fight. I even created my own homemade sign that said “Hitman” on there and would sing along with the crowd chants from the TV while watching it in the living
welterweight champion, Ricky “Hitman” Hatton. As the venue
Braxton and Milton McCrory. In McCallum’s greatest career victory, his KO of Donald Curry, he once again came from behind to launch that titanic, tremendous hook. In honor of Mike McCallum, The Ring should have a Mythical Matchup of The Bodysnatcher vs. Hitman Hearns.
emptied, I maneuvered my way toward the cage separating the floor from the lower bowl, hoping to get a glimpse of a celebrity or one of my boxing heroes. As one guard approached me to usher me from the arena, Hitman caught my eye maybe 50 feet beyond the barrier. I yelled out to him, “Mr. Hatton, would you be willing to take a picture with a fan?” He walked right up to me and, with the help of that same guard, my brother and I got a pic with the champ.
Wise E. Gardner II
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