Ricky Hatton believes Paddy Pimblett should take better care of his body
The former professional boxer does not agree with Pimblett’s alarming level of weight gain between fights. Hatton had won multiple world championships at light-welterweight and one at welterweight to become an endeared figure in the UK.
Now that he sees another rising prospect from the country, Hatton shared some insight for Pimblett.
Paddy Pimblett advised by Hatton to take better care of his body
Following a first-round finish win over Rodrigo Vargas at UFC Fight Night 204, ‘The Baddy’ made headlines again for gaining copious amounts of weight. He shared his celebratory feasts of over 10,000 calories that included a 3,000 caloric intake of just chocolate and candies.
In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Ricky Hatton shared his suggestions for Paddy Pimblett when it comes to taking care of his health.
“I would advise him, listen no I mean for the short, and it’s a short career, it comes and goes in the blink of an eye. Anything you can do to damage your body, stay away from it, you know what I mean? Just for them few years to dedicate yourself and then you know when you’re sat in your big house, you’ll sit back and go, ‘you know what? I did right then.'”
Hatton highlighted the work ethic of the undefeated Floyd Mayweather to be a source of inspiration for other athletes.
“No, no, no, live life like Floyd Mayweather, live everyday as a professional and I tell you what it’s not just his ability why Floyd’s what he is, it’s why he’s where he’s now today. He’s still in unbelievable shape because he looks after his body and that’s what you’ve got to do.”
Hatton reflects back on his career
During the same interview, Hatton shared his thoughts about the ups and downs of his time as a professional boxer. He acknowledged the public’s admiration for his raw approach that made him more relatable but conceded that he would recommend a healthier lifestyle over his to any upcoming prospects.
“I would advise him too yeah to be honset with you. Me personally, I think people follow Ricky Hatton because I was down to earth, had me feet on the ground, I never, never bad mouthed an opponent, I was good fun to be around, I was humourous, I was funny, and my style of fighting, body punching and attacking and the fact that I had moved up and down in weight, said I’d fight anybody.
“I think that’s why I have my fan base but I think people followed me because I was, there’s a saying in England, scallywag, a bit of a jack the lad, you know, that type and because I’d finish a fight then I’d be down at the pub and then I’d be in the McDonald’s. Then, playing dance in the pub and you’d see me on the turnstiles at Man City.”
“People used to, they could relate to me because I was no different to the people that supported me and I think that’s why my fan base, why still is popular as it is now because it wasn’t just the boxing with me”
Hatton believes that he could’ve been a better boxer or had better longevity in the sport if he took better care of himself.
“I train about five or six, seven unbeaten professional prospects all coming through and I tell them, I say, ‘do as I say, not as I do’. Do you know what I mean? It’s one of them with me. I weigh them before every session, I weigh them after every session. If they have a few weeks off in between the fights, they’ve got to come back a certain way because I’m a firm believer, I think I could’ve been an even better boxer, maybe could’ve got a few more years out of me career if I’d looks after meself you know what I mean?”
TJ Dillashaw had criticized Paddy Pimblett for the lack of professionalism. His weight gain during the off-season has worked incredibly in his favor as his stardom continues to reach new heights. However, doubts still remain whether he will be able to fulfill his potential or not.
