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Joe Giltrap : Boxers set standard for fans to respect  IT
is a long time since I have seen anything like the hype generated by the
Ricky Hatton v Floyd Mayweather fight.
I did not actually see the fight on the night but I did manage to catch
some of it later.
Ricky Hatton was predictably courageous but totally outclassed by a superior
and superb craftsman.
The outclassing did not just confine itself to the ring.
Mayweather is a class act and it is a crying shame Hatton’s supporters
could not have matched even a fraction of that class.
The booing of the American national anthem was a disgrace.
How can these morons claim to be sports fans?
They don’t even know the meaning of the word sport.
If they want to be treated with respect when they travel abroad then they
have to give respect.
Surely the most basic principle of sport is that you show respect for
your opponent and his national anthem.
It is a universally accepted practice.
Boxing is a hard and dangerous sport and if the two boxers in the ring
can command respect from each other why can the fans not do the same?
The sight of two men hugging at the end of a gruelling, punishing contest
is one of the things that defines boxing and sets it apart from other
sports. There is no quarter asked or given but when the final bell goes
so does any animosity.
They are warriors for the duration of the fight.
I don’t think some boxing fans quite get that simple fact.
Ricky Hatton did not let them down. He gave it his best shot and nobody
can fault him there but in reality it never looked as if he might succeed.
Alas, his supporters could not match his efforts.
Whatever you may think about Ricky Hatton, there is no denying that he
is a brave warrior in a high-risk occupation and the booing brought nothing
but shame on his supporters and the sport.
I hope they feel that shame in the cold light of day.
They let Ricky Hatton and themselves down. I think his brave attempt to
be recognised as the best in the world at his weight deserved better behaviour. |
