FILIPINO fight fans turned Manchester into Manny-chester when their hero came face to face with Ricky Hatton.
Hatton and ther world pound-for-pound number one Manny Pacquiao smiled and laughed together as they met at the Trafford Centre today, to officially launch their super-fight on May 2 in Las Vegas.
It was intended as a fan rally, with Hatton fans showing up to cheer and sing for the Hitman – but around 200 Pacquiao fans stole the show.
They had come from all over the country – including a delegation from the Philippines embassy in London – and at first made themselves heard as they shouted and cheered their man, who had God-like status among his people.
Pacquiao was delighted with his reception: “This is my first time in England and I would like to thank everyone for turning out.
“The fight will be a great challenge because Ricky is a great fighter. It will be a once in a lifetime fight, the kind you only see once in boxing history.”
Hatton was confident that the fact he is unbeaten at light-welterweight – his only defeat coming when he moved up to welterweight to face Floyd Mayweather Junior – was crucial.
“I am unbeaten at 140 pounds, and believe I am unbeatable at that limit. This is a fight between two nice men, but there is nothing nice about either me or Manny when we get inside the ring.
“We are both aggressive, but in recent fights everyone has been a bit worried about Manny’s aggression. I know a man who won’t be bothered by it, and that’s me.”
Hatton’s fans, backed by the Sheffield Wednesday band, rallied behind their man, as bemused shoppers looked on.
The turn-out by Filipino fans did not surprise Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum, who said: “When Manny goes into the ring he fights for the 90million people in his country, and the ten million Filipinos who live around the world.
“He is a tremendous athlete and unlike any other champion we have ever promoted.
“When Manny walks to the ring he carries the weight of his country on his shoulders and he fights with all of his heart, every second of every round.”
With the two fighters greeting each other with cordial respect, it was left to the trainers to provide the first bad blood of the build-up.
Americans Floyd Mayweather Senior and Freddie Roach have a long history of mutual hatred, and Mayweather’s face was like thunder when Arum introduced Pacquiao’s trainer Roach as “the greatest trainer in the world.”
Mayweather, never shy of controversy, grabbed the mike and said: “If anybody thinks Freddie ‘the Joke’ Roach can out-train me, they have to be sick.”
Roach retorted: “It’s a shame Floyd senior isn’t in the Hall of Fame.”
“He should be in the Hall of Shame!” crowed Hatton’s man, as the two boxers looked on and laughed.
Mayweather had to have the last word, poetically predicting Hatton would de-throne Pacquiao: “When he beat the world legend Oscar de la Hoya, he was over the hill, now it’s time for you to swallow the same old pill.
“When it comes Manny, then you had better be ready, because I don’t want you to blame it on Freddie.”
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Hatton beats Pacquiao (at darts)!
6,000 fight fans, surprisingly about a third of them Filipino, turned out at the Trafford Centre in Manchester, England for a kick-off press conference for the May 2 ‘The East vs the West’ world title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky HAtton at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. “On May 2 I’ll be the new pound-for-pound king,” promised Hatton. “I’ve never been beaten at 10 stone (140lbs). This is my weight. This is where I do best. I promise all my fans I’ll win for Manchester!” Pacquiao wished Ricky good luck and stated “I’m going to win it for the Philippines. Ricky’s a very good fighter.” Pacman’s promoter Bob Arum promised victory “for all our Filipino brothers and sisters.” Manny will face Ricky in a darts competition at a pub in Manchester this afternoon.
As expected, Ricky Hatton was victorious over Manny Pacquiao in a game of darts on Saturday afternoon at the New Inn in Manchester, England. Playing a game of 501, “The Hitman” won in sixteen throws, nailing a double two to end it as the place went wild. Darts is a pro sport as well as a traditional pub game in the United Kingdom. After the match, Hatton presented Pacquiao with a Manchester City football jersey.
———-
Later, trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr. and Freddie Roach met in a special challenge match: the first to get a bullseye wins. The match ended in a draw after fifteen shots each with no bullseyes for either side.
Source: fightnews.com
Roach: Manny can finish off Hatton in 10 rounds
Filipino boxing idol Manny Pacquiao can finish off British champion Ricky Hatton after 10 rounds during their May 2 face-off in Las Vegas, Nevada, coach Freddie Roach said.
"I think it's a big possibility. Yes I do," Roach said when asked by ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau's Danny Buenafe if Pacquiao can finish the May 2 fight in 10 rounds.
Roach, however, admitted that Hatton poses a greater danger to the Filipino boxing idol as he is a "tougher, younger and fresher" fighter than Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya, who lost to Pacquiao in "The Dream Match" last December.
"He is tougher. He is younger. He is fresher. I think he will be more of a problem to us because he has the will to win," Pacquiao's coach said.
Pacquiao, who arrived in London on Saturday, declined to predict the outcome of his upcoming fight against Hatton.
"Ayaw kong mag-predict, basta lahat ng puwede kong gawin, gagawin ko lang (I don't want to make a prediction. I'll just do what I can [to win])," the Filipino champion said upon arrival at London's Heathrow airport.
He, however, said he is confident that he can stop Hatton with his speed. He added that he will remain on top if he stays alert during their fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao flew to London for a three-day promotional tour for his upcoming fight against Hatton.
The Philippine pride left Manila Friday morning with the rest of his team on board a Cathay Pacific flight. He was scheduled to visit Hatton’s hometown in Manchester.
The Filipino boxer said he is ready for some heckling from Hatton's fans in Manchester.
The boxing idol, however, said he is counting on Filipinos in London to support him during the three-day tour.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
"I think it's a big possibility. Yes I do," Roach said when asked by ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau's Danny Buenafe if Pacquiao can finish the May 2 fight in 10 rounds.
Roach, however, admitted that Hatton poses a greater danger to the Filipino boxing idol as he is a "tougher, younger and fresher" fighter than Golden Boy Oscar de la Hoya, who lost to Pacquiao in "The Dream Match" last December.
"He is tougher. He is younger. He is fresher. I think he will be more of a problem to us because he has the will to win," Pacquiao's coach said.
Pacquiao, who arrived in London on Saturday, declined to predict the outcome of his upcoming fight against Hatton.
"Ayaw kong mag-predict, basta lahat ng puwede kong gawin, gagawin ko lang (I don't want to make a prediction. I'll just do what I can [to win])," the Filipino champion said upon arrival at London's Heathrow airport.
He, however, said he is confident that he can stop Hatton with his speed. He added that he will remain on top if he stays alert during their fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao flew to London for a three-day promotional tour for his upcoming fight against Hatton.
The Philippine pride left Manila Friday morning with the rest of his team on board a Cathay Pacific flight. He was scheduled to visit Hatton’s hometown in Manchester.
The Filipino boxer said he is ready for some heckling from Hatton's fans in Manchester.
The boxing idol, however, said he is counting on Filipinos in London to support him during the three-day tour.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
HATTON CONFIDENT OF VEGAS TRIUMPH
Ricky Hatton insists his invincibility at the 140lbs light-welterweight limit will help him win his super-fight with Manny Pacquiao when the pair clash in Las Vegas on May 2.
Hatton and Pacquiao today met face-to-face for the first time since announcing their showdown, appearing in front of 6,000 cheering fans - many of them Filipino and supporting their own hero - at Manchester's Trafford Centre.
Later, Hatton nailed double two to beat Pacquiao at a game of darts, and he is convinced history will repeat itself in the ring and help him erase memories of his painful knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather.
Hatton, who moved up to 147lbs to fight Mayweather and subsequently enlisted the services of his trainer father Floyd Snr, said: "I am unbeaten at 140lbs and I believe I am unbeatable at that limit.
"This is a fight between two nice men but there is nothing nice about either me or Manny when we get inside the ring. We're both aggressive but where some other fighters have been worried about him, he certainly won't worry me."
Pacquiao is visiting England for the first time and said he was impressed by his welcome. He is next set to move on to London on Monday for an official press conference at the Imperial War Museum.
The Filipino national hero was cheered by a delegation including members of his country's embassy and he said: "This is my first time in England and I would like to thank everyone for turning out.
"This fight will be a great challenge because Ricky is a great fighter. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime fight, the kind you only see once in boxing history."
Source: sportinglife.com
Hatton and Pacquiao today met face-to-face for the first time since announcing their showdown, appearing in front of 6,000 cheering fans - many of them Filipino and supporting their own hero - at Manchester's Trafford Centre.
Later, Hatton nailed double two to beat Pacquiao at a game of darts, and he is convinced history will repeat itself in the ring and help him erase memories of his painful knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather.
Hatton, who moved up to 147lbs to fight Mayweather and subsequently enlisted the services of his trainer father Floyd Snr, said: "I am unbeaten at 140lbs and I believe I am unbeatable at that limit.
"This is a fight between two nice men but there is nothing nice about either me or Manny when we get inside the ring. We're both aggressive but where some other fighters have been worried about him, he certainly won't worry me."
Pacquiao is visiting England for the first time and said he was impressed by his welcome. He is next set to move on to London on Monday for an official press conference at the Imperial War Museum.
The Filipino national hero was cheered by a delegation including members of his country's embassy and he said: "This is my first time in England and I would like to thank everyone for turning out.
"This fight will be a great challenge because Ricky is a great fighter. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime fight, the kind you only see once in boxing history."
Source: sportinglife.com
Pacman will KO Hatton, says Roach
Fresh from crossing the Atlantic, trainer Freddie Roach didn’t waste time in telling everyone that Manny Pacquiao will end up a big winner in his much-awaited match with Ricky Hatton on May 2.
Roach, who was warmly welcomed by Pacquiao outside the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Friday, started by praising Hatton but in the end he predicted that the British slugger will suffer the fate of Oscar De La Hoya.
The American legend was soundly beaten by the Gensan bomber in eight brutal rounds late last year.
"Hatton is younger, fresher, believes in himself," said Roach, who has been calling the shots in the Filipino pound-for-pound king’s corner since June 2001. "He’s a great body puncher. But we’re still going to knock him out. We will have a much different game plan than the one we used to beat De La Hoya."
Roach, who planed in alongside Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, sad: "Manny fought a very smart fight against De La Hoya (and) Manny is a quick learner. He did everything we trained against De La Hoya. When we return to Los Angeles (on Tuesday), I will present to him the how-to-beat Hatton game plan."
Roach is expected to be upstaged by Hatton chief trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., who will make his presence felt during a rally for Hatton at The Food Court @ The Trafford Centre in Manchester begining at 12 noon.
Both fighters take a break from their hectic schedules on Sunday when Pacquiao gets the opportunity to make rounds of places where Filipinos frequent, according to Arum, pointing to a visit to the Philippine Embassy and hearing Mass as tops on Team Pacquiao’s agenda.
Mayweather’s tirade should extend well into Monday when Pacquiao and Hatton stage a joint press conference starting at 11 a.m. at The Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, in London.
Mayweather, who took the job of Hatton’s top strategist last year when the fighter decided to break away from long-time tactician Billy Graham, has promised to make Hatton even better and deadlier for the Pacquiao brawl.
After the UK gig, a huge press conference is being planned by Arum and Hatton’s promoter Golden Boy Promotions in late-March in Los Angeles.
Hatton has already started training as early as two weeks ago, while Pacquiao will only begin his on March 4 at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.
Another red-letter day as far as Pacquiao is concerned is April 21 in San Francisco where a fans day will be held simultaneous with the boxer throwing the ceremonial pitch at the AT&T Park where the SF Giants play the San Diego Padres.
Source: mb.com.ph
Roach, who was warmly welcomed by Pacquiao outside the Grosvenor Hotel in London on Friday, started by praising Hatton but in the end he predicted that the British slugger will suffer the fate of Oscar De La Hoya.
The American legend was soundly beaten by the Gensan bomber in eight brutal rounds late last year.
"Hatton is younger, fresher, believes in himself," said Roach, who has been calling the shots in the Filipino pound-for-pound king’s corner since June 2001. "He’s a great body puncher. But we’re still going to knock him out. We will have a much different game plan than the one we used to beat De La Hoya."
Roach, who planed in alongside Top Rank big boss Bob Arum, sad: "Manny fought a very smart fight against De La Hoya (and) Manny is a quick learner. He did everything we trained against De La Hoya. When we return to Los Angeles (on Tuesday), I will present to him the how-to-beat Hatton game plan."
Roach is expected to be upstaged by Hatton chief trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., who will make his presence felt during a rally for Hatton at The Food Court @ The Trafford Centre in Manchester begining at 12 noon.
Both fighters take a break from their hectic schedules on Sunday when Pacquiao gets the opportunity to make rounds of places where Filipinos frequent, according to Arum, pointing to a visit to the Philippine Embassy and hearing Mass as tops on Team Pacquiao’s agenda.
Mayweather’s tirade should extend well into Monday when Pacquiao and Hatton stage a joint press conference starting at 11 a.m. at The Imperial War Museum, Lambeth Road, in London.
Mayweather, who took the job of Hatton’s top strategist last year when the fighter decided to break away from long-time tactician Billy Graham, has promised to make Hatton even better and deadlier for the Pacquiao brawl.
After the UK gig, a huge press conference is being planned by Arum and Hatton’s promoter Golden Boy Promotions in late-March in Los Angeles.
Hatton has already started training as early as two weeks ago, while Pacquiao will only begin his on March 4 at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.
Another red-letter day as far as Pacquiao is concerned is April 21 in San Francisco where a fans day will be held simultaneous with the boxer throwing the ceremonial pitch at the AT&T Park where the SF Giants play the San Diego Padres.
Source: mb.com.ph
Thursday, February 26, 2009
PACQUIAO vs HATTON: UNSTOPPABLE MEETS UNMOVABLE
For now a calm climate is set for the impending Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao super fight. However, on the horizon, a dark and powerful storm full of electricity is waiting to strike. When fight night finally arrives, the age old question of what happens when an unstoppable object meets an unmovable force will be answered.
Many fights have promise of being great but few deliver. I have a feeling we will not be disappointed with this one. Both Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao always roll deep with fans making the crowd for this showdown worth the price of admission in itself. The MGM arena can unbolt the seats and throw them away for this fight because they won’t be used once the bell rings. Every super fight of the past decade has been billed -either on paper or on people's minds- as the fight that saves boxing. A few years back Oscar de la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. brought that burden into the ring with them. it was laid upon them to save boxing. Truth is boxing doesn’t need saving, it needs more fights like Hatton vs Pacquaio.
As heavily anticipated as the De La Hoya vs Mayweather was, this upcoming fight simply has a completely different feel to it. It won’t be a chess match or a match-up of skills. This fight comes down to two things, toughness and balls, and luckily for us both men will bring them into the ring. Now don’t get me wrong, both Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao have acquired great skills in their art. It’s just that their brush paints a more brutal picture than others. I might be getting a bit carried away with the fight still a little more than two months away, but how can you not be excited about this fight?
Most of us began playing the fight out in our heads as soon as the ink dried and the fight was announced. Will the naturally bigger Hatton be able to bully and work his thumping hooks to the head and body of Manny Pacquiao? Perhaps it will be Pacquiao’s speed and straight left hand that will make the difference.
On May 2nd, flesh will be bruised and battered and bodies will hit the canvas. Who’s arm will be raised in victory and which head will hang in defeat? We ask you, the fans, for your vote.
Source: braggingrightscorner.com
Many fights have promise of being great but few deliver. I have a feeling we will not be disappointed with this one. Both Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao always roll deep with fans making the crowd for this showdown worth the price of admission in itself. The MGM arena can unbolt the seats and throw them away for this fight because they won’t be used once the bell rings. Every super fight of the past decade has been billed -either on paper or on people's minds- as the fight that saves boxing. A few years back Oscar de la Hoya and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. brought that burden into the ring with them. it was laid upon them to save boxing. Truth is boxing doesn’t need saving, it needs more fights like Hatton vs Pacquaio.
As heavily anticipated as the De La Hoya vs Mayweather was, this upcoming fight simply has a completely different feel to it. It won’t be a chess match or a match-up of skills. This fight comes down to two things, toughness and balls, and luckily for us both men will bring them into the ring. Now don’t get me wrong, both Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao have acquired great skills in their art. It’s just that their brush paints a more brutal picture than others. I might be getting a bit carried away with the fight still a little more than two months away, but how can you not be excited about this fight?
Most of us began playing the fight out in our heads as soon as the ink dried and the fight was announced. Will the naturally bigger Hatton be able to bully and work his thumping hooks to the head and body of Manny Pacquiao? Perhaps it will be Pacquiao’s speed and straight left hand that will make the difference.
On May 2nd, flesh will be bruised and battered and bodies will hit the canvas. Who’s arm will be raised in victory and which head will hang in defeat? We ask you, the fans, for your vote.
Source: braggingrightscorner.com
Ricky Hatton's excesses tamed as he prepares for Manny Pacquiao arrival
According to several insiders from Ricky Hatton's camp, the thoughts of trainers Floyd Mayweather Snr and Lee Beard on Hatton's excesses between fights have found a foothold.
Hatton has not 'binged' on his family holiday this year, and is believed to have had an earlier 'cut-off' point in his celebrations. Hatton is deadly serious about this contest, having felt he underperformed when he fought the then world No 1 pound for pound fighter in Floyd Mayweather Jnr 15 months ago.
It also appears that Hatton has grown tired of looking 'big' next to his upcoming opponents, with Manny Pacquiao due for a public fan rally in Manchester on Saturday, with the pair then heading down to London for a press open day at the Imperial War Museum on Monday.
Several times now, Hatton the man who has promoted his contest three months before on a press tour is not the man who appears in front of the fans and media in fight week.
Hatton is serious - and that can only be good, as Manny Pacquiao has the potential to close Hatton's career if he is not in tip-top shape.
Beard insists fans should not worry. "Ricky is coming along and is in great shape."
Pleasing for the camp, is that Hatton has passed several early fitness tests with flying colours. It is also a sign of growing maturity with the Mancunian, who wants two more fights after this, potentially against Floyd Mayweather Jnr, and one other major name,
For now, having been dismantled by Pacquiao, last December, Oscar De La Hoya would seem out of the equation. Beard is insistent on having Mexican sparring partners to approximate the Pacquiao style, admitting there is no-one in the UK capable of creating the havoc that the Filipino can generate in a ring.
Beard, who has been studying Pacquiao's style in minute detail, said the hallmarks of Hatton's opponent were "extremely strong fighter, very active and throws every punches in the book, allied with variety of punches, good on his feet and fine defensively or offensively going forward or backwards." No wonder Hatton is already in shape !
The business begins this weekend. It will be a long haul until the moment they meet at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on May 2.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Pacquiao, Hatton promo tour begins in Hitman’s hometown
MANILA, Philippines – The first step in the blockbuster showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton takes place over the weekend when the two popular boxers meet in Manchester, England to promote their May 2 title fight.
If his hectic schedule was followed according to plan, the 30-year old Filipino boxing idol and his entourage had already left for London early Friday morning via Cathay Pacific.
His entourage includes legal counsel Atty. Jing Gacal, close adviser Michael Konz and trainer/friend Buboy Fernandez. Team Pacquiao will have a brief stopover in Hong Kong, before proceeding to the England capital for the initial leg of his promotional tour with Hatton.
This will be Pacquiao’s first trip to the United Kingdom, a modern unitary state whose principal head, Queen Elizabeth I), was to whom the boxing champion named after his new-born daughter.
In London, Pacquiao will hook up with promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank as the two are expected to be together during the fan rally kicking off the promo tour in Manchester on Saturday (UK time).
The fan rally takes place in the Great Hall of the Trafford Centre.
On Monday, a press event highlights the two boxing icons’ stay in London, where Hatton commands a big following.
From there, the promo tour proceeds to the US where a similar trip will be held in New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco, where a large community of Filipino is based.
After the whirlwind promotional trip, hard work begins for the current world pound-for-pound fighter as he reports for the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles on March 4 where chief trainer and corner man Freddie Roach is waiting.
Roach has prepared a grueling eight-week training for Pacquiao with the next two months reserved for keeping him in shape against the hard-punching Hatton.
Source: gmanews.tv
If his hectic schedule was followed according to plan, the 30-year old Filipino boxing idol and his entourage had already left for London early Friday morning via Cathay Pacific.
His entourage includes legal counsel Atty. Jing Gacal, close adviser Michael Konz and trainer/friend Buboy Fernandez. Team Pacquiao will have a brief stopover in Hong Kong, before proceeding to the England capital for the initial leg of his promotional tour with Hatton.
This will be Pacquiao’s first trip to the United Kingdom, a modern unitary state whose principal head, Queen Elizabeth I), was to whom the boxing champion named after his new-born daughter.
In London, Pacquiao will hook up with promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank as the two are expected to be together during the fan rally kicking off the promo tour in Manchester on Saturday (UK time).
The fan rally takes place in the Great Hall of the Trafford Centre.
On Monday, a press event highlights the two boxing icons’ stay in London, where Hatton commands a big following.
From there, the promo tour proceeds to the US where a similar trip will be held in New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco, where a large community of Filipino is based.
After the whirlwind promotional trip, hard work begins for the current world pound-for-pound fighter as he reports for the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles on March 4 where chief trainer and corner man Freddie Roach is waiting.
Roach has prepared a grueling eight-week training for Pacquiao with the next two months reserved for keeping him in shape against the hard-punching Hatton.
Source: gmanews.tv
Hatton admits he's brutal
IBO lightwelterweight champion Ricky Hatton, the personification of a British Bulldog, was quoted in the March 2009 issue of Boxing Digest Magazine as considering a shift to mixed martial arts because in his own words, “I’m a brutal fighter.”
Hatton, 30, is booked to stake his crown against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2.
“You can never say no,” said Hatton, referring to the possible move. “MMA is a little bit brutal and I’d say I’m a brutal fighter. But boxing is very much my sport and I’d like to think I have a few more years in that yet.”
Trying to soften his image, Hatton recently turned his proposal of marriage to long-time girlfriend Jennifer Dooley into a publicity stunt. They’ve been living together for four years but Hatton popped the question only last Valentine’s Day during a Caribbean cruise.
Hatton, who has a son Campbell from a previous relationship, is known as a beer-guzzling, fastfood-eating, irreverent barroom brawler whose shocking lack of manners belies a rough upbringing. He met his fiancée when they were five-year-old schoolmates in the primaries.
Obviously, Hatton is courting widespread support from English fans – educated or otherwise – to back up his bid to dethrone Pacquiao as the world’s No. 1 boxer, pound-for-pound. Turning romantic had to be part of a script.
* * * *
Ring Magazine editor Nigel Collins said in the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, “we can expect a vast contingency of Brits to make the pilgrimage (to Las Vegas) and even more to watch at home on pay-per-view...when Hatton fought (Floyd) Mayweather in 2007, the US PPV was a healthy 850,000 but that paled in comparison with the 1.4 million buys generated in the UK...so regardless of the venue, (the fight) promises to be a major international attraction.”
In his fight contract, Pacquiao is guaranteed a purse of $13 million plus a 52 percent share of the pay-per-view upside or after cable distribution and operating expenses on both sides of the Atlantic.
Collins described Hatton as “another everyman who remains close to his roots regardless of the size of his bank balance.” Hatton is being packaged in English media as a folk hero in an attempt to offset Pacquiao’s iconic global popularity.
Although news of Hatton’s proposal spread far and wide, no date was set for the marriage. Hatton could be taking everyone, including Jennifer, for a ride.
* * * *
By the way, London-based Filipino accountant Jerome Levi Reyes – who’s a regular Star blogger as morpheus with the Wanbol Uni group – recently sent an e-mail sharing his experience with two English boxing fans.
Here’s what he said:
“I was buying a copy of Boxing Monthly, featuring the up-and-coming mega fight of Hatton and Manny, at the W. H. Smith bookstore near my office and as I queued to the cashier, the British lad in front stared at me and asked, ‘Are you a Filipino?’ Surprised by his query and thinking he just seemed to notice my tanned Asian features, I replied, ‘Yes, why?’ ‘Damn, your guy is great,’ he answered back. Having no idea at first of what he was talking about until I saw him holding the same boxing magazine, I somewhat understood he was referring to Manny. ‘You mean, the Pacman?’ I clarified and pointed to Manny’s picture on the magazine cover.
“He nodded then began to animatedly narrate Manny’s masterful demolition of Oscar de la Hoya. The other guy at the back joined our chat which slowly shifted to the Hatton fight and we discussed how Hatton would fare against Manny. To my surprise, they were split on their take – one picking Hatton and the other Manny.
“It was a strange experience, being in the middle of two passionate British fans debating on Hatton’s chances against my kababayan. I couldn’t help but feel proud that in this part of the world, they knew the Pacman, more than I do, well, almost.
“Although we wish to see them fight at Wembley Stadium in front of cheering Filipinos and a record-breaking crowd, we’re not complaining in any way. We’ll still watch the fight on TV in the wee hours of May 2 (or will it be May 3 in London?), perhaps with the barkada in one roof, with sisig and kilawin on the table and some beers to boot – as we always do. We will watch Manny gladly carry the weight of the entire Philippines into the ring with him, just like he always does.
“And for sure at around 5 a.m., we may awake the neighbors in the adjoining flats with our roaring cheers every time Manny lands his punches on Hatton. They may call 999 and summon the police but who cares? As long as we see Manny put up a gallant stand and win the fight, we don’t care spending the rest of the day at the police station.”
Source: philstar.com
Hatton, 30, is booked to stake his crown against Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2.
“You can never say no,” said Hatton, referring to the possible move. “MMA is a little bit brutal and I’d say I’m a brutal fighter. But boxing is very much my sport and I’d like to think I have a few more years in that yet.”
Trying to soften his image, Hatton recently turned his proposal of marriage to long-time girlfriend Jennifer Dooley into a publicity stunt. They’ve been living together for four years but Hatton popped the question only last Valentine’s Day during a Caribbean cruise.
Hatton, who has a son Campbell from a previous relationship, is known as a beer-guzzling, fastfood-eating, irreverent barroom brawler whose shocking lack of manners belies a rough upbringing. He met his fiancée when they were five-year-old schoolmates in the primaries.
Obviously, Hatton is courting widespread support from English fans – educated or otherwise – to back up his bid to dethrone Pacquiao as the world’s No. 1 boxer, pound-for-pound. Turning romantic had to be part of a script.
* * * *
Ring Magazine editor Nigel Collins said in the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, “we can expect a vast contingency of Brits to make the pilgrimage (to Las Vegas) and even more to watch at home on pay-per-view...when Hatton fought (Floyd) Mayweather in 2007, the US PPV was a healthy 850,000 but that paled in comparison with the 1.4 million buys generated in the UK...so regardless of the venue, (the fight) promises to be a major international attraction.”
In his fight contract, Pacquiao is guaranteed a purse of $13 million plus a 52 percent share of the pay-per-view upside or after cable distribution and operating expenses on both sides of the Atlantic.
Collins described Hatton as “another everyman who remains close to his roots regardless of the size of his bank balance.” Hatton is being packaged in English media as a folk hero in an attempt to offset Pacquiao’s iconic global popularity.
Although news of Hatton’s proposal spread far and wide, no date was set for the marriage. Hatton could be taking everyone, including Jennifer, for a ride.
* * * *
By the way, London-based Filipino accountant Jerome Levi Reyes – who’s a regular Star blogger as morpheus with the Wanbol Uni group – recently sent an e-mail sharing his experience with two English boxing fans.
Here’s what he said:
“I was buying a copy of Boxing Monthly, featuring the up-and-coming mega fight of Hatton and Manny, at the W. H. Smith bookstore near my office and as I queued to the cashier, the British lad in front stared at me and asked, ‘Are you a Filipino?’ Surprised by his query and thinking he just seemed to notice my tanned Asian features, I replied, ‘Yes, why?’ ‘Damn, your guy is great,’ he answered back. Having no idea at first of what he was talking about until I saw him holding the same boxing magazine, I somewhat understood he was referring to Manny. ‘You mean, the Pacman?’ I clarified and pointed to Manny’s picture on the magazine cover.
“He nodded then began to animatedly narrate Manny’s masterful demolition of Oscar de la Hoya. The other guy at the back joined our chat which slowly shifted to the Hatton fight and we discussed how Hatton would fare against Manny. To my surprise, they were split on their take – one picking Hatton and the other Manny.
“It was a strange experience, being in the middle of two passionate British fans debating on Hatton’s chances against my kababayan. I couldn’t help but feel proud that in this part of the world, they knew the Pacman, more than I do, well, almost.
“Although we wish to see them fight at Wembley Stadium in front of cheering Filipinos and a record-breaking crowd, we’re not complaining in any way. We’ll still watch the fight on TV in the wee hours of May 2 (or will it be May 3 in London?), perhaps with the barkada in one roof, with sisig and kilawin on the table and some beers to boot – as we always do. We will watch Manny gladly carry the weight of the entire Philippines into the ring with him, just like he always does.
“And for sure at around 5 a.m., we may awake the neighbors in the adjoining flats with our roaring cheers every time Manny lands his punches on Hatton. They may call 999 and summon the police but who cares? As long as we see Manny put up a gallant stand and win the fight, we don’t care spending the rest of the day at the police station.”
Source: philstar.com
Pointers on how Hatton can beat Pacquiao
No beating around the bush: Ricky Hatton can beat Manny Pacquiao.
But hold it, not so fast please.
For that bizarre event to happen, it would require an upheaval, a very personal one.
How could Hitman Hatton beat Manny the Pacman?
It won’t be easy.
Pacquiao has got to lose to himself for Hatton to win come May 2 in Las Vegas.
* * *
That’s corny, stupid.
How could Pacquiao lose to himself?
Unthinkable, that’s as bad, dirty as saying Pacquiao could take a dive.
It’s a mindless proposition.
It will never happen.
* * *
Sorry, but this intriguing prescription comes from a great boxing mind.
Yes, that’s the only way Hatton could prevail, explains lawyer-sportsman Rudy Salud, founding sec-gen of the World Boxing Council.
Señor Salud is the prizefight craftsman who framed the World Boxing Council constitution and by-laws, the former boss of over-staying WBC president Jose Sulaiman.
This is the same fellow who, much ahead of Freddie Roach, said Oscar De La Hoya could no longer swing it and therefore stood no chance whatsoever against Pacquiao.
* * *
Anyway, for the record, Salud foresees a mismatch in the Pacquiao-Hatton bout.
However, he says it should be a lot more exciting than the Pacquiao-De La Hoya sleeper last December.
Skills wise, the two combatants are poles apart.
They are not of the same level and class, Salud observes.
Pacquiao, a certified KO artist, has developed tremendously into a complete boxer.
Hatton, on the other hand, has remained a very predictable slugger.
* * *
Pacquiao possesses better skills and deeper ring craft.
Therefore, the only chance left for Hatton is for the real Pacquiao not to show up for the fight.
Bring in instead the one-dimensional slugger who lost his first bloody fight against Erik Morales in March 2005 and Hatton could have a chance.
Pacquiao could also come half-prepared.
Or he could allow himself to be blinded silly by over-confidence.
* * *
These, of course, are a big no-no, knowing how Pacquiao kills himself in training.
The Pacman also never forgets what’s at stake both for his country and adoring people.
However, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton’s trainer, has been saying that it will be a different Hatton who’ll show up for the Pacquiao fight.
The English Hitman will be a lot sharper and stronger, the famous trainer maintains.
Still, that’s no vouch Hatton could provide a decent challenge to the world pound-for-pound king.
* * *
But don’t go away, yet.
There’s one final option left for the brawling British boxing icon.
How? Hatton could jump ahead into the ring.
He could then kick, bang and knock out the referee.
With no official or policeman around, he could next hit and tear down Pacquiao.
He could throw all available foul weapons—elbows, head butts, knees, etc.—on the opponent.
Of course, that would be easier said than done.
The Pacman, in case they’ve forgotten, is also a born brawler, if not reputedly as dirty as the English Hitman.
Source: inquirer.net
But hold it, not so fast please.
For that bizarre event to happen, it would require an upheaval, a very personal one.
How could Hitman Hatton beat Manny the Pacman?
It won’t be easy.
Pacquiao has got to lose to himself for Hatton to win come May 2 in Las Vegas.
* * *
That’s corny, stupid.
How could Pacquiao lose to himself?
Unthinkable, that’s as bad, dirty as saying Pacquiao could take a dive.
It’s a mindless proposition.
It will never happen.
* * *
Sorry, but this intriguing prescription comes from a great boxing mind.
Yes, that’s the only way Hatton could prevail, explains lawyer-sportsman Rudy Salud, founding sec-gen of the World Boxing Council.
Señor Salud is the prizefight craftsman who framed the World Boxing Council constitution and by-laws, the former boss of over-staying WBC president Jose Sulaiman.
This is the same fellow who, much ahead of Freddie Roach, said Oscar De La Hoya could no longer swing it and therefore stood no chance whatsoever against Pacquiao.
* * *
Anyway, for the record, Salud foresees a mismatch in the Pacquiao-Hatton bout.
However, he says it should be a lot more exciting than the Pacquiao-De La Hoya sleeper last December.
Skills wise, the two combatants are poles apart.
They are not of the same level and class, Salud observes.
Pacquiao, a certified KO artist, has developed tremendously into a complete boxer.
Hatton, on the other hand, has remained a very predictable slugger.
* * *
Pacquiao possesses better skills and deeper ring craft.
Therefore, the only chance left for Hatton is for the real Pacquiao not to show up for the fight.
Bring in instead the one-dimensional slugger who lost his first bloody fight against Erik Morales in March 2005 and Hatton could have a chance.
Pacquiao could also come half-prepared.
Or he could allow himself to be blinded silly by over-confidence.
* * *
These, of course, are a big no-no, knowing how Pacquiao kills himself in training.
The Pacman also never forgets what’s at stake both for his country and adoring people.
However, Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton’s trainer, has been saying that it will be a different Hatton who’ll show up for the Pacquiao fight.
The English Hitman will be a lot sharper and stronger, the famous trainer maintains.
Still, that’s no vouch Hatton could provide a decent challenge to the world pound-for-pound king.
* * *
But don’t go away, yet.
There’s one final option left for the brawling British boxing icon.
How? Hatton could jump ahead into the ring.
He could then kick, bang and knock out the referee.
With no official or policeman around, he could next hit and tear down Pacquiao.
He could throw all available foul weapons—elbows, head butts, knees, etc.—on the opponent.
Of course, that would be easier said than done.
The Pacman, in case they’ve forgotten, is also a born brawler, if not reputedly as dirty as the English Hitman.
Source: inquirer.net
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Pacquiao Beats "one-dimensional" Hatton, Says Juan Diaz
Former lightweight champion Juan Diaz recently gave his thoughts on the outcome of the May 2 bout between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton. Diaz doesn't think Hatton has what it takes, skill-wise, to beat the more polished Pavquiao. He feels Hatton's is a one-dimensional fighter and has a style that will play into Pacquiao's hands.
“It's gonna be two good guys facing against each other but I think Manny Pacquiao has improved as far as his boxing skills are concerned. The fact that Ricky Hatton is a one-dimensional fighter, he just comes forward a lot, I think Manny Pacquiao can expose that and beat him,” Diaz told Dennis Principe during his dzSR’s Sports Chat.
He said Pacquiao's power is well-known, but it's going to be his boxing skills that win him the fight.
“We all know that he has the power to knock a guy out and he did that from junior featherweight, feather weight all the way up to welterweight. I think his boxing skills is gonna take him over to win against Ricky Hatton,” Diaz said.
Diaz returns on Saturday in Houston, Texas and takes on Juan Manuel Marquez for the vacant WBA/WBO lightweight titles.
boxingscene.com
“It's gonna be two good guys facing against each other but I think Manny Pacquiao has improved as far as his boxing skills are concerned. The fact that Ricky Hatton is a one-dimensional fighter, he just comes forward a lot, I think Manny Pacquiao can expose that and beat him,” Diaz told Dennis Principe during his dzSR’s Sports Chat.
He said Pacquiao's power is well-known, but it's going to be his boxing skills that win him the fight.
“We all know that he has the power to knock a guy out and he did that from junior featherweight, feather weight all the way up to welterweight. I think his boxing skills is gonna take him over to win against Ricky Hatton,” Diaz said.
Diaz returns on Saturday in Houston, Texas and takes on Juan Manuel Marquez for the vacant WBA/WBO lightweight titles.
boxingscene.com
Boxing writers make early prediction on Pacquiao-Hatton fight
MANILA, Philippines – The promo tour has not even started. Both fighters have yet to start their respective training sessions. But this early online boxing writers are already predicting a winner for the scheduled May 2 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.
Some say the reigning pound-for-pound king and Filipino boxing icon would dance his way against Hatton. Others believe the British boxing superstar nicknamed The Hitman would floor Pacquiao.
The debate goes on for Pacqman and Hitman fanatics, who are eagerly waiting for both fighters to step in the ring and box their way around the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Some say Pacquiao, with the same speed that he showed against Oscar De La Hoya in their December 2008 bout, will demolish Hatton.
According to Leo Reyes, of digitaljournal.com, Hatton will be surprised when Pacquiao uses his speed and punching power to neutralize his aggressiveness early in the match and would finish off the British boxer in the later rounds.
Pete Parry also pointed out Pacquiao will use an array of lightning fast combination's while avoiding return fire from Hatton.
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach needs to review the tapes of Hatton’s two previous big fights against Paulie Malignaggi and Floyd Mayweather Jr. in order to devise a new game plan. Mayweather is the lone boxer who put a blot on Hatton's nearly perfect record.
Gerry Balasta, of 8countnews.com, predicted Pacquiao would be successful in beating Hatton to a pulp but a bloodied Hitman would put up a fight in the latter stages.
Balasta wrote Hatton would sneak in a huge blow on Pacquiao’s left kidney, which would force the Filipino boxing icon to kiss the mat in the 11th round.
According to Balasta, that hit to the left kidney is the same power punch that brought down boxing legends De La Hoya, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman and Mike Tyson against Bernard Hopkins, Marvin Hagler, Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis.
Jake Roberts, meanwhile, foresees a Hatton win by way of knockout in the later rounds. He said that Hatton’s strength and aggressive body shots will be the factor of his win against Pacquiao.
While others sided with Pacquiao or Hatton, Vivek Wallace of BoxingExaminer.com played it safe saying it will be up to both fighters on who would win on that day adding that he would feel sorry for the guy who missed the fight of the year and have to wait for the morning paper to read the story.
Source: gmanews.tv
Some say the reigning pound-for-pound king and Filipino boxing icon would dance his way against Hatton. Others believe the British boxing superstar nicknamed The Hitman would floor Pacquiao.
The debate goes on for Pacqman and Hitman fanatics, who are eagerly waiting for both fighters to step in the ring and box their way around the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
Some say Pacquiao, with the same speed that he showed against Oscar De La Hoya in their December 2008 bout, will demolish Hatton.
According to Leo Reyes, of digitaljournal.com, Hatton will be surprised when Pacquiao uses his speed and punching power to neutralize his aggressiveness early in the match and would finish off the British boxer in the later rounds.
Pete Parry also pointed out Pacquiao will use an array of lightning fast combination's while avoiding return fire from Hatton.
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach needs to review the tapes of Hatton’s two previous big fights against Paulie Malignaggi and Floyd Mayweather Jr. in order to devise a new game plan. Mayweather is the lone boxer who put a blot on Hatton's nearly perfect record.
Gerry Balasta, of 8countnews.com, predicted Pacquiao would be successful in beating Hatton to a pulp but a bloodied Hitman would put up a fight in the latter stages.
Balasta wrote Hatton would sneak in a huge blow on Pacquiao’s left kidney, which would force the Filipino boxing icon to kiss the mat in the 11th round.
According to Balasta, that hit to the left kidney is the same power punch that brought down boxing legends De La Hoya, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman and Mike Tyson against Bernard Hopkins, Marvin Hagler, Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis.
Jake Roberts, meanwhile, foresees a Hatton win by way of knockout in the later rounds. He said that Hatton’s strength and aggressive body shots will be the factor of his win against Pacquiao.
While others sided with Pacquiao or Hatton, Vivek Wallace of BoxingExaminer.com played it safe saying it will be up to both fighters on who would win on that day adding that he would feel sorry for the guy who missed the fight of the year and have to wait for the morning paper to read the story.
Source: gmanews.tv
Monday, February 23, 2009
Manny: Hatton will be harder to top than De La Hoya
Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao admits that Britain's Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton is a tougher opponent than either David Diaz, whom he demolished in nine rounds or Oscar De La Hoya, who quit at the end of eight in December.
Pacquiao who flies to London and Manchester at the end of February to kick-start a promotional tour for their "Battle of East and West" in Las Vegas on May 2 said, "I consider this my hardest fight because Hatton doesn't know anything else other than to keep throwing punches."
Pacquiao said that in addition Hatton "is strong and an excellent boxer and I cannot be overconfident." He said "it's my honor to fight Hatton who is one of the great fighters and we will soon know who is the best on top of the ring."
Pacquiao stressed that he was both physically and mentally ready to take on Hatton would "train hard and I'm not nervous or afraid."
Source: foxsports.com
When reminded that he is considered the world's No.1 pound-for-pound fighter Pacquiao replied with a broad grin and said, "I am just an ordinary fighter but I can beat a good fighter" and then burst out laughing.
Pacquiao who flies to London and Manchester at the end of February to kick-start a promotional tour for their "Battle of East and West" in Las Vegas on May 2 said, "I consider this my hardest fight because Hatton doesn't know anything else other than to keep throwing punches."
Pacquiao said that in addition Hatton "is strong and an excellent boxer and I cannot be overconfident." He said "it's my honor to fight Hatton who is one of the great fighters and we will soon know who is the best on top of the ring."
Pacquiao stressed that he was both physically and mentally ready to take on Hatton would "train hard and I'm not nervous or afraid."
Source: foxsports.com
When reminded that he is considered the world's No.1 pound-for-pound fighter Pacquiao replied with a broad grin and said, "I am just an ordinary fighter but I can beat a good fighter" and then burst out laughing.
Pacquiao to use footwork vs. Hatton
Good footwork is a key element of Manny Pacquiao’s successful boxing career, a tool he used to advantage in pummeling to submission the bigger and stronger Oscar De La Hoya in their December 6 fight.
It’s a device he would need to employ again to the hilt when he tangles with British junior welterweight star Ricky Hatton in their coming May 2 bout, according to his renowned trainer Freddie Roach.
Nigel Collins, editor-in-chief of The Ring Magazine, observed that the signature move Pacquiao used in his “Dream Match” against De La Hoya carried the Filipino icon to his upset victory by “largely nullifying Oscar’s biggest weapon, his concussive left hook.”
“Pacquiao would step in quickly, deliver a rapid combination, pivot to his right, bend at the knee, and duck low,” Collins, a veteran boxing writer, wrote in his article “The Lost Art of Footwork” in the April issue of The Ring.
It is a routine that Pacquiao mastered at training camp and employed to near perfection during the fight, and handed De La Hoya, boxing’s biggest draw, his worst beating in his entire career.
“We developed that move especially to take away Oscar’s bread-and-butter [left hook] and work on it throughout camp,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainor for more than eight years. “Footwork is something of a lost art, but it was the key to Manny’s victory over Oscar.”
Collins observed that the top four boxers in The Ring’s current pound-for-pound ratings—Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins—are all known for employing intelligent footwork.
“Overlooked, misunderstood, and difficult to master, footwork [and its co-joined twin, balance] has always been and remains and remains the hallmark of the great fighter down throughout the generations,” said Collins, a keen student of The Sweet Science.
He said that among the iconic heavyweights, Jim Corbett, Jack Johnson, Gene Tunney, Joe Walcott, Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes were all gifted hoofers.
Collins said good movement in the ring also played a major role in the success of fighters not normally associated with fancy legworks, noting how the likes of Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, or better yet, Roberto Duran cut off the ring in their prime.
Among active fighters, Collins mentioned the ageless Bernard Hopkins, who practically gave unbeaten middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik a boxing clinic using excellent footwork.
“It’s all about footwork, footwork and balance. They’re together,” Hopkins told Collins.
Hopkins said that “70 percent to 80 percent of winning a fight is based on positioning,” adding that it is proper footwork that allows a fighter to be in position to attack or defend himself.
Hopkins said the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard both had great footwork, a quality that helped earn them their status as best among the elite boxing greats in the history of the sport.
According to Collins footwork has always been a part of the development of boxing since the time of the bare-knuckle prizefighters of the 18th and 19th century.
“Footwork has always been the shifting foundation upon which boxing excellence is built,” Collins said.
Source: manilatimes.net
It’s a device he would need to employ again to the hilt when he tangles with British junior welterweight star Ricky Hatton in their coming May 2 bout, according to his renowned trainer Freddie Roach.
Nigel Collins, editor-in-chief of The Ring Magazine, observed that the signature move Pacquiao used in his “Dream Match” against De La Hoya carried the Filipino icon to his upset victory by “largely nullifying Oscar’s biggest weapon, his concussive left hook.”
“Pacquiao would step in quickly, deliver a rapid combination, pivot to his right, bend at the knee, and duck low,” Collins, a veteran boxing writer, wrote in his article “The Lost Art of Footwork” in the April issue of The Ring.
It is a routine that Pacquiao mastered at training camp and employed to near perfection during the fight, and handed De La Hoya, boxing’s biggest draw, his worst beating in his entire career.
“We developed that move especially to take away Oscar’s bread-and-butter [left hook] and work on it throughout camp,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainor for more than eight years. “Footwork is something of a lost art, but it was the key to Manny’s victory over Oscar.”
Collins observed that the top four boxers in The Ring’s current pound-for-pound ratings—Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins—are all known for employing intelligent footwork.
“Overlooked, misunderstood, and difficult to master, footwork [and its co-joined twin, balance] has always been and remains and remains the hallmark of the great fighter down throughout the generations,” said Collins, a keen student of The Sweet Science.
He said that among the iconic heavyweights, Jim Corbett, Jack Johnson, Gene Tunney, Joe Walcott, Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes were all gifted hoofers.
Collins said good movement in the ring also played a major role in the success of fighters not normally associated with fancy legworks, noting how the likes of Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, or better yet, Roberto Duran cut off the ring in their prime.
Among active fighters, Collins mentioned the ageless Bernard Hopkins, who practically gave unbeaten middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik a boxing clinic using excellent footwork.
“It’s all about footwork, footwork and balance. They’re together,” Hopkins told Collins.
Hopkins said that “70 percent to 80 percent of winning a fight is based on positioning,” adding that it is proper footwork that allows a fighter to be in position to attack or defend himself.
Hopkins said the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard both had great footwork, a quality that helped earn them their status as best among the elite boxing greats in the history of the sport.
According to Collins footwork has always been a part of the development of boxing since the time of the bare-knuckle prizefighters of the 18th and 19th century.
“Footwork has always been the shifting foundation upon which boxing excellence is built,” Collins said.
Source: manilatimes.net
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Roach no good trainer, says Mayweather
MANILA, Philippines - Floyd Mayweather Sr. yesterday kept the fire burning by saying Manny Pacquiao would be better off under a trainer other than Freddie Roach.
Mayweather, who will train Ricky Hatton for the British superstar’s May 2 bout with the Filipino superstar, is running a word war with his counterpart.
“People talk all this and that about Freddie Roach, but Pacquiao could be a better fighter if he had a different trainer,” said the self-acclaimed best trainer in boxing.
“What has Freddie Roach done? You can’t say he trained James Toney and you damn sure can’t say he trained Mike Tyson. And I look at Pacquiao and he could be a lot better fighter than what he is right now if he didn’t have him.”
Mayweather, the most flamboyant trainer there is, issued the harsh comments in an interview with fighthype.com. He even went below-the-belt by saying why Roach has been elevated to the Hall of Fame.
Roach, gentle as he looks, has been taking the cudgels for Pacquiao when it comes to word war with opposing camps. Against Oscar dela Hoya, he triggered it all by saying the Golden Boy can no longer “pull the trigger.”
Mayweather said Pacquiao will be in for some beating at the MGM Grand in May.
“One thing about it, man, they can believe Pacquiao is as great as they want to, but he has to fight the fight on May second. I said it before and I ain’t gonna stop saying it. Hatton is going to kick his ass. They gonna see,” he said.
Hatton is now in training at Ashton Under Lyme, outside of Manchester, and intends to stay there for five weeks before doing six weeks in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, on his part, has been taking it easy, receiving this and that award, closing some business deals, playing golf, studying and filming shoots.
He leaves for Los Angeles next week and should be in London for a press tour and a date with the British/international press.
Pacquiao starts training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood on March 1.
Source: philstar.com
Mayweather, who will train Ricky Hatton for the British superstar’s May 2 bout with the Filipino superstar, is running a word war with his counterpart.
“People talk all this and that about Freddie Roach, but Pacquiao could be a better fighter if he had a different trainer,” said the self-acclaimed best trainer in boxing.
“What has Freddie Roach done? You can’t say he trained James Toney and you damn sure can’t say he trained Mike Tyson. And I look at Pacquiao and he could be a lot better fighter than what he is right now if he didn’t have him.”
Mayweather, the most flamboyant trainer there is, issued the harsh comments in an interview with fighthype.com. He even went below-the-belt by saying why Roach has been elevated to the Hall of Fame.
Roach, gentle as he looks, has been taking the cudgels for Pacquiao when it comes to word war with opposing camps. Against Oscar dela Hoya, he triggered it all by saying the Golden Boy can no longer “pull the trigger.”
Mayweather said Pacquiao will be in for some beating at the MGM Grand in May.
“One thing about it, man, they can believe Pacquiao is as great as they want to, but he has to fight the fight on May second. I said it before and I ain’t gonna stop saying it. Hatton is going to kick his ass. They gonna see,” he said.
Hatton is now in training at Ashton Under Lyme, outside of Manchester, and intends to stay there for five weeks before doing six weeks in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao, on his part, has been taking it easy, receiving this and that award, closing some business deals, playing golf, studying and filming shoots.
He leaves for Los Angeles next week and should be in London for a press tour and a date with the British/international press.
Pacquiao starts training at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood on March 1.
Source: philstar.com
Hatton wants to train at home, not Vegas
Ricky Hatton of England is known to gain quite a bit of weight between fights. He likes to hang out with his buddies at the neighborhood pubs and drink lots of beer.
Hatton's trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., is stationed in Las Vegas. He would like Hatton to come to Las Vegas for eight weeks of training leading up to his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand.
But Hatton told British newspapers earlier this month that he doesn't want to be away from home for eight weeks. He said he would miss his girlfriend, his son and his favorite soccer team.
Hatton, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be facing the best pound-for-
pound fighter in the world. Yet he is worried about being away from home too long?
That's not a good thing.
But Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, said he is not concerned.
"I have two comments on that," Schaefer said this week. "One, he should talk to Bernard Hopkins. He'd make sure his priorities are straight."
Hopkins is 44, but still one of the best fighters in the world, pound-for-pound. Sheer dedication is one of the reasons.
"The other one is, I'm not really worried about it because the guy who is going to train him is Floyd Mayweather Sr.," Schaefer said. "I can assure you Floyd Mayweather Sr. is going to make him forget his girlfriend and whatever else he has in his life, because Floyd Mayweather Sr. is a trainer who does not accept any of that whatsoever."
Schaefer said that although every fighter boasts he is going to be in the best shape of his life for a given fight, Mayweather is the trainer who will make sure Hatton is just that.
Schaefer said Mayweather also wants to show that he can train a fighter to beat Pacquiao. Mayweather formerly was Oscar De La Hoya's trainer, but not when De La Hoya fought and lost decisively to Pacquiao in December.
Schaefer said that to Mayweather, a win over Pacquiao would prove that De La Hoya made the wrong choice by not having him work his corner for that fight.
"One thing the Mayweathers have is an incredible will to win," Schaefer said.
So how long is Hatton going to be in Las Vegas? Only the last four weeks of his training camp. The first four will be spent in England.
Source: presstelegram.com
Hatton's trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., is stationed in Las Vegas. He would like Hatton to come to Las Vegas for eight weeks of training leading up to his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand.
But Hatton told British newspapers earlier this month that he doesn't want to be away from home for eight weeks. He said he would miss his girlfriend, his son and his favorite soccer team.
Hatton, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be facing the best pound-for-
pound fighter in the world. Yet he is worried about being away from home too long?
That's not a good thing.
But Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, said he is not concerned.
"I have two comments on that," Schaefer said this week. "One, he should talk to Bernard Hopkins. He'd make sure his priorities are straight."
Hopkins is 44, but still one of the best fighters in the world, pound-for-pound. Sheer dedication is one of the reasons.
"The other one is, I'm not really worried about it because the guy who is going to train him is Floyd Mayweather Sr.," Schaefer said. "I can assure you Floyd Mayweather Sr. is going to make him forget his girlfriend and whatever else he has in his life, because Floyd Mayweather Sr. is a trainer who does not accept any of that whatsoever."
Schaefer said that although every fighter boasts he is going to be in the best shape of his life for a given fight, Mayweather is the trainer who will make sure Hatton is just that.
Schaefer said Mayweather also wants to show that he can train a fighter to beat Pacquiao. Mayweather formerly was Oscar De La Hoya's trainer, but not when De La Hoya fought and lost decisively to Pacquiao in December.
Schaefer said that to Mayweather, a win over Pacquiao would prove that De La Hoya made the wrong choice by not having him work his corner for that fight.
"One thing the Mayweathers have is an incredible will to win," Schaefer said.
So how long is Hatton going to be in Las Vegas? Only the last four weeks of his training camp. The first four will be spent in England.
Source: presstelegram.com
Friday, February 20, 2009
Hatton vs Pacquiao Prediction
On May 2nd, Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao will go toe to toe for what is the ‘P4P’ championship. It already has boxing fans salivating at the prospect of their two all-action styles clashing in Vegas. There are so many intangibles with this fight I don’t know where to start, so lets examine their recent performances. 2008 was a phenomenal year for the Pacman, starting with a razor thin split decision over world class Juan Manuel Marquez..
Despite the controversy, these two guys put on a breathtaking spectacle for twelve rounds and neither really deserved to lose. Next he disposes of the extremely game but limited David Diaz. Diaz was the perfect opponent for Manny’s lightweight debut; his plodding feet and not much head movement meant it was just target practice for the Philippines. Then in December he is catapulted into the big league with a dominant win over the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya. Whatever people say about this fight you cannot deny this was a masterpiece by the little man. Ok, so De La Hoya looked a bit shot but you could argue that Pacquiao made him look like that. The speed of his foot movement, his balance and combinations just blew him away.
On December 8th 2007, the Hitman was picked apart for the first time in his career by the surgeon Floyd Jr. This was a competitive bout for six rounds, but Maywether showed why he is the best in the world, taking advantage of Hatton’s increasingly gung ho tactics. Ricky still has frustration about the way the referee handled the bout. You may agree or disagree; personally I feel Joe Cortez was getting in way too much during the first four rounds. Whether that changed the result of the fight who knows, only a rematch in England would tell us. The ‘homecoming’ win over Juan Lazcano was a rusty performance, presumably because he was coming off such a crushing defeat. Then it emerges that training camps with Billy Graham are not what they once were resulting in Floyd sr taking over the reigns. This proved a wise decision after he took his nearest rival, Paulie Malignaggi to school for eleven rounds. As a result of his new trainer he showed more jabs, feints and head movement, which he will need in abundance against Pacquiao.
An obvious factor to look at in this fight is the weight and the size of the fighters. Hatton was born at 140 pounds and his best performances have come there. Pacquiao has never fought at 140 and is therefore an unknown quantity. The weight was not really an issue for him against De La Hoya because he was allowed to box his own fight, getting in and out quickly without wrestling and inside fighting. I imagine the first thing Hatton will do in this fight is get inside and see how strong he really is. In my opinion Hatton will throw him around like a rag doll, which will take a lot more out of Pacquiao. The tactical battle of both trainers will centre on this issue, with Hatton trying to impose his strength inside and Pacquiao trying to box from the outside.
Strength and punching power are two separate attributes, and although I’ve never been in a ring with Pacquiao, I imagine his punching power is more fearsome. He has scored some incredible knockouts, albeit in the lower divisions and because of this we don’t know if he really has the power to stop Hatton in his tracks. In contrast we know Hatton is a good puncher in this weight class, not a murderous puncher but one who can hurt you with the right shot. This could be a telling factor as the fight unfolds.
Pacquiao has a clear speed advantage of both hand and foot over his opponent. He has the ability to hit his rival with combinations and get out of range before they have time to react. This is the problem that De La Hoya and almost all his opponents have encountered. Hatton is no slouch either but he will have to be very sharp if he is going to catch him consistently.
This piece is entitled prediction, and as such I must give one despite my shocking record. I think Hatton knocks him out in the later rounds of what is a great fight. I feel his strength, body shots and aggression will pay dividends in the second half of the fight. My guess is that we will see an end similar to Cotto vs. Margarito where the little man simply has nothing left and folds. A fanciful idea I know, but I’ve got broad shoulders so the Pacquiao fans can unleash their bile on me.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Despite the controversy, these two guys put on a breathtaking spectacle for twelve rounds and neither really deserved to lose. Next he disposes of the extremely game but limited David Diaz. Diaz was the perfect opponent for Manny’s lightweight debut; his plodding feet and not much head movement meant it was just target practice for the Philippines. Then in December he is catapulted into the big league with a dominant win over the Golden Boy, Oscar De La Hoya. Whatever people say about this fight you cannot deny this was a masterpiece by the little man. Ok, so De La Hoya looked a bit shot but you could argue that Pacquiao made him look like that. The speed of his foot movement, his balance and combinations just blew him away.
On December 8th 2007, the Hitman was picked apart for the first time in his career by the surgeon Floyd Jr. This was a competitive bout for six rounds, but Maywether showed why he is the best in the world, taking advantage of Hatton’s increasingly gung ho tactics. Ricky still has frustration about the way the referee handled the bout. You may agree or disagree; personally I feel Joe Cortez was getting in way too much during the first four rounds. Whether that changed the result of the fight who knows, only a rematch in England would tell us. The ‘homecoming’ win over Juan Lazcano was a rusty performance, presumably because he was coming off such a crushing defeat. Then it emerges that training camps with Billy Graham are not what they once were resulting in Floyd sr taking over the reigns. This proved a wise decision after he took his nearest rival, Paulie Malignaggi to school for eleven rounds. As a result of his new trainer he showed more jabs, feints and head movement, which he will need in abundance against Pacquiao.
An obvious factor to look at in this fight is the weight and the size of the fighters. Hatton was born at 140 pounds and his best performances have come there. Pacquiao has never fought at 140 and is therefore an unknown quantity. The weight was not really an issue for him against De La Hoya because he was allowed to box his own fight, getting in and out quickly without wrestling and inside fighting. I imagine the first thing Hatton will do in this fight is get inside and see how strong he really is. In my opinion Hatton will throw him around like a rag doll, which will take a lot more out of Pacquiao. The tactical battle of both trainers will centre on this issue, with Hatton trying to impose his strength inside and Pacquiao trying to box from the outside.
Strength and punching power are two separate attributes, and although I’ve never been in a ring with Pacquiao, I imagine his punching power is more fearsome. He has scored some incredible knockouts, albeit in the lower divisions and because of this we don’t know if he really has the power to stop Hatton in his tracks. In contrast we know Hatton is a good puncher in this weight class, not a murderous puncher but one who can hurt you with the right shot. This could be a telling factor as the fight unfolds.
Pacquiao has a clear speed advantage of both hand and foot over his opponent. He has the ability to hit his rival with combinations and get out of range before they have time to react. This is the problem that De La Hoya and almost all his opponents have encountered. Hatton is no slouch either but he will have to be very sharp if he is going to catch him consistently.
This piece is entitled prediction, and as such I must give one despite my shocking record. I think Hatton knocks him out in the later rounds of what is a great fight. I feel his strength, body shots and aggression will pay dividends in the second half of the fight. My guess is that we will see an end similar to Cotto vs. Margarito where the little man simply has nothing left and folds. A fanciful idea I know, but I’ve got broad shoulders so the Pacquiao fans can unleash their bile on me.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Inevitable war of words in Pacquiao-Hatton superfight
Boxing's pound-for-pound No 1 Manny Pacquiao has hit back at Lee Beard's comments that Pacman "makes mistakes" in the ring, that there are flaws in the great Filipino's technique, and that Beard, Floyd Mayweather Sr and essentially, Ricky Hatton, will attempt to expose them come fight night on May 2.
"Let your ward train hard and good luck come fight night" was Pacman's response.
Part of the cut and thrust of a superfight are the intricacies, the discussions of styles, how they will meet, the records, the mutual opponents. One of the great aspects to this contest is that there are no mutual opponents, and that Pacquiao has never fought at 140lbs.
It has, and is generating, at times, fairly vitriolic debate. (Perhaps that is only to be expected with arguably two of the world's most popular boxers each with their own fervent following meeting in the square ring).
They say Pacquiao is more dangerous when riled. Like a coiled cobra. And that the more silent he is, the more dangerous he becomes. Humble men are often that way. There are similarities with Hatton. Focus is his key. He lost it against Mayweather. And I'm talking about the build-up in fight week here. So many fans, so much adrenalin. The finger across the throat stuff...just not Hatton.
It was good to see Hatton - back in light training this week - calm and collected about his fight with Pacquiao. And see him complimenting his opponent. "It's going to be an outstanding fight. None of us are ever in a dull fight. I don't think I've ever seen Manny in a boring fight. If I wasn't fighting Manny, I think I'd be a fan of him because he's always in outstanding fights." I assume the same will come from Pacquiao. Seeing him at Freddie Roach's gym it is clear that he lets his work ethic do the talking.
However, the likelihood is that Mayweather will get under the skin of the opposing camp for this fight, that Freddie Roach will bite, because the two have history. Beard also seems to have adopted the stance that he, too, will speak out and be vocal.
The diverse trainer-fighter relationships will have a bearing on this fight. They are stark in contrast.
Roach on Pacquiao: "Manny is like a son to me, he's more than just my fighter."
Mayweather on Hatton: "I will need more than a few weeks to teach him to box like my son, but you are going to see a different Ricky Hatton come fight night." I do not buy the arguments that Hatton can only brawl. I have watched almost all his fights, and there was a marked improvement in his fitness, movement and ring generalship against Paulie Malignaggi, who admittedly, was not a heavy puncher.
But criticism of Hatton's hit-and-hold tactics do not hold water. What he does, the way he fights, is within the rules. Look at the wily skills of Bernard Hopkins in defence. I believe we should admire fighters for their survival instincts.
One of the keys to the outcome of the fistic meeting between Pacquiao and Hatton may lie in whether Hatton can get Pacquiao onto the ropes, or into corners, to nullify his great lateral, bouncing, movement, which forms part of his great defence, honed and developed under Roach.
Long before we get to see these things, however, we are likely to have a protracted war of words between the camps. It just seems inevitable. What are the odds on Mayweather throwing the first verbal punch ? Odds-on.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Signs that Hatton already focused on 'fighting dirty' to dismantle Pacquiao ? Nonsense
Manny Pacquiao scheduled for UK next week
The world's pound-for-pound boxing champion is scheduled to arrive in the United Kingdom late next week for a whistle-stop tour of the UK, taking in Hatton's native Manchester, before meeting the British/international press in London. It will be Manny's first exposure in front of the UK press corps.
Pacquiao and Hatton are to hold a rally at The Trafford Centre, in Manchester, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, NOT February 27 as reported by some sources.
They will then convene before the media for a press conference in central London - I'm hearing that the Imperial War Museum could be the venue - on Monday, March 2. Fitting venue, perhaps, to mark the start of their duel.
Hatton, Pacquiao and their trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather Snr will be in attendance. I understand that Pacquiao will then go on to the United States to train ahead of the contest on May 2.
Where is evidence for Hatton being "one of the dirtiest fighters out there" ?
Ray Hatton sprang to the defence of his son this week after Hatton Jnr was accused by as little known trainer of being "one of the dirtiest fighters out there". Rightly, Ray Hatton pointed out that Hatton has never used his elbows to hit, or hit head to butt. Yes, Hatton hits and holds, but that is hardly dirty.
Hatton was back in training this week, at Ashton Under Lyme, on the outskirts of Manchester. He has been on a talking tour of the UK, has been joined by former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno, but now it is back to the business of the fight game.
Hatton, his girlfriend and his son, plus his extended family - father Ray, mum Carol - his brother Matthew, his girlfriend and their child, now just over a year old, enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, but now Hatton falls under the tutelage of Floyd Mayweather Sr. and co-trainer Lee Beard, the man who brought Mayweather and Hatton together.
Hatton enjoys being 'schooled' by Mayweather, and having spent time around their camp when they worked together for the Paulie Malignaggi fight last November, it is plain to see there is a great chemistry there, and a deep respect from Hatton towards Mayweather. At this stage in his career, Hatton needed that. Forget those who say Hatton was looking desperately for a coach to lean on. Hatton and Graham had worn their ways thin, and in this case, a change was needed. It is tangibly better for Hatton.
Hatton will train for about eleven weeks for the Pacquiao fight, a longer camp than usual. Five weeks in Manchester, and then on to Las Vegas for the final six weeks of training, a longer period than he normally trains. Mayweather will have him running the hills at Mount Charleston. Pacquiao is expected to have around nine weeks of training.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
The world's pound-for-pound boxing champion is scheduled to arrive in the United Kingdom late next week for a whistle-stop tour of the UK, taking in Hatton's native Manchester, before meeting the British/international press in London. It will be Manny's first exposure in front of the UK press corps.
Pacquiao and Hatton are to hold a rally at The Trafford Centre, in Manchester, at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 28, NOT February 27 as reported by some sources.
They will then convene before the media for a press conference in central London - I'm hearing that the Imperial War Museum could be the venue - on Monday, March 2. Fitting venue, perhaps, to mark the start of their duel.
Hatton, Pacquiao and their trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather Snr will be in attendance. I understand that Pacquiao will then go on to the United States to train ahead of the contest on May 2.
Where is evidence for Hatton being "one of the dirtiest fighters out there" ?
Ray Hatton sprang to the defence of his son this week after Hatton Jnr was accused by as little known trainer of being "one of the dirtiest fighters out there". Rightly, Ray Hatton pointed out that Hatton has never used his elbows to hit, or hit head to butt. Yes, Hatton hits and holds, but that is hardly dirty.
Hatton was back in training this week, at Ashton Under Lyme, on the outskirts of Manchester. He has been on a talking tour of the UK, has been joined by former world heavyweight boxing champion Frank Bruno, but now it is back to the business of the fight game.
Hatton, his girlfriend and his son, plus his extended family - father Ray, mum Carol - his brother Matthew, his girlfriend and their child, now just over a year old, enjoyed a Caribbean cruise, but now Hatton falls under the tutelage of Floyd Mayweather Sr. and co-trainer Lee Beard, the man who brought Mayweather and Hatton together.
Hatton enjoys being 'schooled' by Mayweather, and having spent time around their camp when they worked together for the Paulie Malignaggi fight last November, it is plain to see there is a great chemistry there, and a deep respect from Hatton towards Mayweather. At this stage in his career, Hatton needed that. Forget those who say Hatton was looking desperately for a coach to lean on. Hatton and Graham had worn their ways thin, and in this case, a change was needed. It is tangibly better for Hatton.
Hatton will train for about eleven weeks for the Pacquiao fight, a longer camp than usual. Five weeks in Manchester, and then on to Las Vegas for the final six weeks of training, a longer period than he normally trains. Mayweather will have him running the hills at Mount Charleston. Pacquiao is expected to have around nine weeks of training.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Ricky Hatton, Manny Pacquiao - The Battle Of East vs West - A Simple Conclusion
I am not solely a diehard Ricky Hatton fan. I am a fan of boxing, a fan of the sport of Kings where chance does not often come into the equation, where blood sweat and tears are left in the ring, where the best man wins. If that man is Manny Pacquiao I will not be sad..
I spend much of my time on boxing websites, I study all future fights in extreme detail, I won nearly $2000 on old man Hopkins destruction of hard hitting Kelly Pavlik, picked an old ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley to destroy Antonio Margarito. I look deeply at statistics, study past fights and consider in depth and great details the outcomes of many fights. After reviewing and considering many factors relating to the fight of the century between two battle hardened warriors Hatton and Pacquiao I have come to the conclusion that the answer is simple.
It is not too difficult to pick Pacman from a writer’s perspective. Pacquiao had a marvellous 2008. He not only beat but destroyed the Golden boy himself at an unfamiliar weight class, demolished top 5 ranked strong lightweight David Diaz at his first fight at 135lbs and beat (yet in my opinion not convincingly) number #2 P4P Juan Manuel Marquez. Not bad for a year’s work. An awful lot of writers find it hard to go against Pacquiao against any possible opponent at this time. He is quite simply the man to beat. #1 P4P. Surely he must defeat a brawler like Hatton who was kayoed against a brilliant Mayweather, a fighter of Pacquio’s calibre? I have however always been one to go against the grain. Or not jump on the bandwagon.
Without diminishing Pacquiao’s accomplishments in 2008 I feel each fight should be looked at realistically on a one by one basis considering time and circumstances without getting carried away with names. Juan Manual Marquez, yes a fabulous and extremely talented boxer but he beat Pacquiao. Period. David Diaz was a champion and a brave one but was also cherry picked opponent who was never going to offer any major resistance to Pacmans bid for a piece of the gold at lightweight. He was simply too slow and Pacquiao’s promoter knew this. Oscar dela hoya was a mere image of his former self, was severely weight drained and quite simply couldn’t ‘pull the trigger’ like Freddie Roach correctly spotted.
Ricky Hatton is a rugged brawler from Manchester and an experienced pro in the light welterweight division. Aside from his transitions up to the welterweight division I have not seen anything at 140lbs to suggest hatton can be beaten. Yes he is not a slick boxer, does not have the skill set of Mayweather or Mosley, does flaunt the rules ever so slightly but he is a beast at 140lbs and in his last performance against powder puff Malignaggi he resembled a jack hammer versus a tooth pick. Pacman does not and has not fought at 140lbs. Yes he destroyed De la hoya at welterweight but come on, let be honest? Was that really the de la hoya of old, or a weight drained shadow of his former self? Hatton on the other hand has spent his entire career at 140lbs and has never been beaten. He has beaten seasoned pros such as Kosta Tsyzu, Vince Phillips and a prime Ben Tackie and has rarely struggled at the weight class he calls home and now has the exceptional skills and guidance of Mayweather snr at his side. Pacquiao has the power, speed and southpaw stance to cause Hatton problems but I firmly believe when Hatton get Pacquiao in a corner its game over.
We all know as Freddie Roach among many others state that ‘speed kills’, but what we all need to remember is so can a jack hammer. Power versus speed, power takes this one.
It’s as simple as that.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
I spend much of my time on boxing websites, I study all future fights in extreme detail, I won nearly $2000 on old man Hopkins destruction of hard hitting Kelly Pavlik, picked an old ‘Sugar’ Shane Mosley to destroy Antonio Margarito. I look deeply at statistics, study past fights and consider in depth and great details the outcomes of many fights. After reviewing and considering many factors relating to the fight of the century between two battle hardened warriors Hatton and Pacquiao I have come to the conclusion that the answer is simple.
It is not too difficult to pick Pacman from a writer’s perspective. Pacquiao had a marvellous 2008. He not only beat but destroyed the Golden boy himself at an unfamiliar weight class, demolished top 5 ranked strong lightweight David Diaz at his first fight at 135lbs and beat (yet in my opinion not convincingly) number #2 P4P Juan Manuel Marquez. Not bad for a year’s work. An awful lot of writers find it hard to go against Pacquiao against any possible opponent at this time. He is quite simply the man to beat. #1 P4P. Surely he must defeat a brawler like Hatton who was kayoed against a brilliant Mayweather, a fighter of Pacquio’s calibre? I have however always been one to go against the grain. Or not jump on the bandwagon.
Without diminishing Pacquiao’s accomplishments in 2008 I feel each fight should be looked at realistically on a one by one basis considering time and circumstances without getting carried away with names. Juan Manual Marquez, yes a fabulous and extremely talented boxer but he beat Pacquiao. Period. David Diaz was a champion and a brave one but was also cherry picked opponent who was never going to offer any major resistance to Pacmans bid for a piece of the gold at lightweight. He was simply too slow and Pacquiao’s promoter knew this. Oscar dela hoya was a mere image of his former self, was severely weight drained and quite simply couldn’t ‘pull the trigger’ like Freddie Roach correctly spotted.
Ricky Hatton is a rugged brawler from Manchester and an experienced pro in the light welterweight division. Aside from his transitions up to the welterweight division I have not seen anything at 140lbs to suggest hatton can be beaten. Yes he is not a slick boxer, does not have the skill set of Mayweather or Mosley, does flaunt the rules ever so slightly but he is a beast at 140lbs and in his last performance against powder puff Malignaggi he resembled a jack hammer versus a tooth pick. Pacman does not and has not fought at 140lbs. Yes he destroyed De la hoya at welterweight but come on, let be honest? Was that really the de la hoya of old, or a weight drained shadow of his former self? Hatton on the other hand has spent his entire career at 140lbs and has never been beaten. He has beaten seasoned pros such as Kosta Tsyzu, Vince Phillips and a prime Ben Tackie and has rarely struggled at the weight class he calls home and now has the exceptional skills and guidance of Mayweather snr at his side. Pacquiao has the power, speed and southpaw stance to cause Hatton problems but I firmly believe when Hatton get Pacquiao in a corner its game over.
We all know as Freddie Roach among many others state that ‘speed kills’, but what we all need to remember is so can a jack hammer. Power versus speed, power takes this one.
It’s as simple as that.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Pacquiao's Body Will Be Ricky Hatton's Main Target
Its becoming increasingly clear that Britain ’s Rickly “The Hitman” Hatton is going to concentrate on working to the body in his “East Battles West” showdown against Filipino ring hero Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2.
Speaking to BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports from the gym where Hatton works out in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lee Beard who is the IBO light welterweight champions British trainer said that “Ricky is known for being a body puncher and a lot of wins have come with shots to the body.”
Accentuating what is regarded as the strongest facet of Hatton’s offensive arsenal, Beard said it “doesn’t take a lot for Ricky to hurt somebody. He doesn’t need to unleash an accumulation of punches” to the body to take an opponent out.
He conceded that while Hatton “may not be the biggest puncher in the world, but he is a really, really heavy-handed, strong puncher. The one thing is he finds an opening to the body and he sets up his shots well so he doesn’t need to hit you nine or ten times to the body.”
Beard stressed “Ricky only needs to hit you once or twice before it starts to take effect.”
Although he conceded that Hatton’s “hand-speed is not as fast as Manny obviously, because Manny is extremely quick with his hands” Beard noted that Hatton “is also a fast-handed fighter and both fighters are very fast on their feet.”
Beard said Hatton had been working out in the gym prior to taking a family vacation on a Caribbean cruise and on his return “came up to the gym on Monday. This is the first stage of the training so he’s just settling himself into it, running and just warming his body back into it.”
Beard downplayed concern over Hatton’s tendency to bloat in-between fights because of his penchant for an excessive intake of junk food . This time around he said Hatton had “kept an eye on his junk food and kept on top of his weight because Ricky knows this is a massive fight for him.”
He said that Hatton “looks a bit lighter this time” when he reported to the gym compared to when he did prior to his last fight against Paulie Malignaggi. Beard said “I am not sure of his exact weight but Ricky looks good.”
Beard disclosed that he would continue to handle Hatton’s preparation until trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr’s scheduled arrival in Manchester on March 8 when the American trainer will take over. He said they would leave for Las Vegas five weeks before the fight.
The trainer noted that at the training c amp for Malignaggi “everything went really well. It was a really happy camp” and the result was a smashing victory for Hatton. He says they hope to duplicate the training camp environment for the Pacquiao fight which he predicted would be “an action-packed fight because Manny and Ricky both like to out on a show for the fans.”
Source: boxingscene.com
Speaking to BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports from the gym where Hatton works out in Ashton-under-Lyne, Lee Beard who is the IBO light welterweight champions British trainer said that “Ricky is known for being a body puncher and a lot of wins have come with shots to the body.”
Accentuating what is regarded as the strongest facet of Hatton’s offensive arsenal, Beard said it “doesn’t take a lot for Ricky to hurt somebody. He doesn’t need to unleash an accumulation of punches” to the body to take an opponent out.
He conceded that while Hatton “may not be the biggest puncher in the world, but he is a really, really heavy-handed, strong puncher. The one thing is he finds an opening to the body and he sets up his shots well so he doesn’t need to hit you nine or ten times to the body.”
Beard stressed “Ricky only needs to hit you once or twice before it starts to take effect.”
Although he conceded that Hatton’s “hand-speed is not as fast as Manny obviously, because Manny is extremely quick with his hands” Beard noted that Hatton “is also a fast-handed fighter and both fighters are very fast on their feet.”
Beard said Hatton had been working out in the gym prior to taking a family vacation on a Caribbean cruise and on his return “came up to the gym on Monday. This is the first stage of the training so he’s just settling himself into it, running and just warming his body back into it.”
Beard downplayed concern over Hatton’s tendency to bloat in-between fights because of his penchant for an excessive intake of junk food . This time around he said Hatton had “kept an eye on his junk food and kept on top of his weight because Ricky knows this is a massive fight for him.”
He said that Hatton “looks a bit lighter this time” when he reported to the gym compared to when he did prior to his last fight against Paulie Malignaggi. Beard said “I am not sure of his exact weight but Ricky looks good.”
Beard disclosed that he would continue to handle Hatton’s preparation until trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr’s scheduled arrival in Manchester on March 8 when the American trainer will take over. He said they would leave for Las Vegas five weeks before the fight.
The trainer noted that at the training c amp for Malignaggi “everything went really well. It was a really happy camp” and the result was a smashing victory for Hatton. He says they hope to duplicate the training camp environment for the Pacquiao fight which he predicted would be “an action-packed fight because Manny and Ricky both like to out on a show for the fans.”
Source: boxingscene.com
Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton: A Show of Speed and Power
Power and speed will determine who will emerge as winner in the upcoming superfight between Fililipno boxer Manny Pacquiao and England's Ricky Hatton on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada
The forthcoming fight between popular boxers Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of England will be show of power and speed.
Freddie Roach, now the world’s most popular trainer and owner of the famous Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California is so confident that his ward will finish Hatton in the later rounds. Asked why he thinks Manny will beat Hatton, Roach said ‘speed kills’, referring to Pacquiao’s trade mark fighting style.
Roach seems to be capitalizing on Pacquiao’s speed in his encounter with Hatton. It is possible that Roach will use Pacquiao’s speedy boxing style to neutralize Hatton’s aggressive stance.
Speed is indeed a potent weapon of Pacquiao and from all indications, Roach is determined to fine tune Pacquiao’s natural speedy boxing style. As a season boxing coach and trainer, Roach is expected to supplement Pacquiao’s hand and foot works with other techniques that will further enhance his speed power.
‘Speed kills’ as Roach appropriately coined for Pacquiao’s speedy fighting style, could be Roach major training direction that is specifically aimed at neutralizing Hatton’s bullfight boxing style. This simply means that changes and improvements on Pacquiao’s natural skills will be concentrated on the effective usage of his speed particularly his hands and footwork.
The last three or four fights of Pacquiao that included his “Dream Match’ with Oscar de la Hoya, saw Roach making creative changes in Pacquaio’s fighting style to address the known fighting trademark of each fighter. This was evident in Pacquiao’s fight with Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz. For each of these fighters, Roach made the necessary changes by enhancing Pacquiao’s known fighting styles.
On the other hand, Ricky Hatton may just abandon his known fighting trademark and surprise Pacquiao with a newfound technique that his equally able trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. will ask him to use in the early rounds and if found ineffective he can revert to his old fighting style where he is most effective.
In all probability, Hatton will capitalize on his punching power and will surely put to test his original fighting style with Pacquiao to see if it works. Hatton, the powerful and rugged brawler from Manchester will definitely be in great condition as he will fight in his comfortable weight range. He has been most effective in the 140 pound limit where he remained unbeaten and Pacquiao has never fought in the 140 pounds level. But he does not have the skill of Manny Pacquiao and if he is not careful with his defenses he will definitely hit the canvas and Pacquiao will finish him with his rapid and powerful punches.
Source: digitaljournal.com
The forthcoming fight between popular boxers Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of England will be show of power and speed.
Freddie Roach, now the world’s most popular trainer and owner of the famous Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California is so confident that his ward will finish Hatton in the later rounds. Asked why he thinks Manny will beat Hatton, Roach said ‘speed kills’, referring to Pacquiao’s trade mark fighting style.
Roach seems to be capitalizing on Pacquiao’s speed in his encounter with Hatton. It is possible that Roach will use Pacquiao’s speedy boxing style to neutralize Hatton’s aggressive stance.
Speed is indeed a potent weapon of Pacquiao and from all indications, Roach is determined to fine tune Pacquiao’s natural speedy boxing style. As a season boxing coach and trainer, Roach is expected to supplement Pacquiao’s hand and foot works with other techniques that will further enhance his speed power.
‘Speed kills’ as Roach appropriately coined for Pacquiao’s speedy fighting style, could be Roach major training direction that is specifically aimed at neutralizing Hatton’s bullfight boxing style. This simply means that changes and improvements on Pacquiao’s natural skills will be concentrated on the effective usage of his speed particularly his hands and footwork.
The last three or four fights of Pacquiao that included his “Dream Match’ with Oscar de la Hoya, saw Roach making creative changes in Pacquaio’s fighting style to address the known fighting trademark of each fighter. This was evident in Pacquiao’s fight with Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz. For each of these fighters, Roach made the necessary changes by enhancing Pacquiao’s known fighting styles.
On the other hand, Ricky Hatton may just abandon his known fighting trademark and surprise Pacquiao with a newfound technique that his equally able trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. will ask him to use in the early rounds and if found ineffective he can revert to his old fighting style where he is most effective.
In all probability, Hatton will capitalize on his punching power and will surely put to test his original fighting style with Pacquiao to see if it works. Hatton, the powerful and rugged brawler from Manchester will definitely be in great condition as he will fight in his comfortable weight range. He has been most effective in the 140 pound limit where he remained unbeaten and Pacquiao has never fought in the 140 pounds level. But he does not have the skill of Manny Pacquiao and if he is not careful with his defenses he will definitely hit the canvas and Pacquiao will finish him with his rapid and powerful punches.
Source: digitaljournal.com
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Ricky Hatton's Assistant Trainer Predicts 6th Round Stoppage Win Over Pacquiao!
Over the weekend, a news story was published in The Daily Telegraph that reported how Ricky Hatton's assistant trainer Lee Beard predicts a stoppage win for "The Hitman" in his mega fight against Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd. Beard even said which round he believes his fighter will score the KO or stoppage in - the 6th.
Naturally, such talk will be seen as nothing more than the usual bravado a fighter and/or his team members are expected to have when approaching a big fight. However, Beard says he has made his prediction based on a number of "mistakes" the Filipino great has been seen to make in a number of his more recent fights. According to the article, the assistant coach has also been present "a couple of times" when "Pac-Man" has been training in the gym. Here too, Beard claims he saw Pacquiao make mistakes his fighter Hatton will capitalise on come May 2nd.
"In this fight, I believe that Manny will make the same mistakes as normal and Ricky will capitalise," Beard is quoted as saying. "If Ricky does get his shots off when these mistakes are made, [then] this fight could be a lot easier for Ricky than people think."
An easy fight for Hatton!? This, of course, is very interesting. The assistant trainer did not reveal what Pacquiao's mistakes were/are, but it seems he meant what he said, as opposed to merely bluffing about the whole thing and that in fact he saw no obvious errors the southpaw dynamo makes in the ring. No fighter is flawless, obviously, but has Beard spotted some things errant in Manny's style that no-one has before?
Beard also added in the article that Hatton has been doing extremely well in camp, and that sparring has also been going very well - with Ricky sparring guys from the 130 to 135-pound range. Allegedly, Hatton knocked one of these fighters clean out during a session of sparring; with a single punch!
The experts are somewhat divided when it comes to picking a winner from this light-welterweight showdown. In no way is Pacquiao an overwhelming, can't-lose favourite. Yes, "Pac-Man" gets the nod from a few more experts than does Hatton, but this fight is definitely one that could go either way. Though he has looked quite awesome in his last few fights - especially last time out against Oscar De la Hoya - it must not be forgotten that Pacquiao will be the naturally smaller man come May 2nd, and that neither he nor anyone else is unbeatable.
It's been a while since Manny lost a fight - back in March of 2005, to Erik Morales - but he has yet to win a fight at 140-pounds. If Team-Hatton have indeed "seen something" that they plan to use to great effect in less than three months time, the super-fight we are all looking forward to just might be a bout that gives Manchester, England's finest boxer his career defining victory!
It goes without saying, however, that Team-Pacquiao will leave no stone unturned when it comes to pre-fight preparations themselves.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Naturally, such talk will be seen as nothing more than the usual bravado a fighter and/or his team members are expected to have when approaching a big fight. However, Beard says he has made his prediction based on a number of "mistakes" the Filipino great has been seen to make in a number of his more recent fights. According to the article, the assistant coach has also been present "a couple of times" when "Pac-Man" has been training in the gym. Here too, Beard claims he saw Pacquiao make mistakes his fighter Hatton will capitalise on come May 2nd.
"In this fight, I believe that Manny will make the same mistakes as normal and Ricky will capitalise," Beard is quoted as saying. "If Ricky does get his shots off when these mistakes are made, [then] this fight could be a lot easier for Ricky than people think."
An easy fight for Hatton!? This, of course, is very interesting. The assistant trainer did not reveal what Pacquiao's mistakes were/are, but it seems he meant what he said, as opposed to merely bluffing about the whole thing and that in fact he saw no obvious errors the southpaw dynamo makes in the ring. No fighter is flawless, obviously, but has Beard spotted some things errant in Manny's style that no-one has before?
Beard also added in the article that Hatton has been doing extremely well in camp, and that sparring has also been going very well - with Ricky sparring guys from the 130 to 135-pound range. Allegedly, Hatton knocked one of these fighters clean out during a session of sparring; with a single punch!
The experts are somewhat divided when it comes to picking a winner from this light-welterweight showdown. In no way is Pacquiao an overwhelming, can't-lose favourite. Yes, "Pac-Man" gets the nod from a few more experts than does Hatton, but this fight is definitely one that could go either way. Though he has looked quite awesome in his last few fights - especially last time out against Oscar De la Hoya - it must not be forgotten that Pacquiao will be the naturally smaller man come May 2nd, and that neither he nor anyone else is unbeatable.
It's been a while since Manny lost a fight - back in March of 2005, to Erik Morales - but he has yet to win a fight at 140-pounds. If Team-Hatton have indeed "seen something" that they plan to use to great effect in less than three months time, the super-fight we are all looking forward to just might be a bout that gives Manchester, England's finest boxer his career defining victory!
It goes without saying, however, that Team-Pacquiao will leave no stone unturned when it comes to pre-fight preparations themselves.
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Fighting is in Hatton’s blood
Fighting is in Hatton’s blood
By NICK GIONGCO
Fighting is in Ricky Hatton’s genes.
Hatton is slated to face Filipino star Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas and the British bomber should lean heavily on his boxing bloodline in his quest to wear the mythical crown of pound-for-pound king.
Daniel Slattery, a great-grandfather of Hatton, fought during the bare-knuckle era, while a great uncle, known as Spider Hatton, fought regularly during the 1930s.
"There are some boxing roots in my family," Hatton wrote in his autobiography, Ricky Hatton: The Hitman – My Story, that was released in Sept. 2006.
"My great uncle Spider Hatton was a very famous local fighter in the Manchester area in the days when there were shows all over the place. My dad also tells me that on my Irish side I have another relative, my great-granddad, who was called Daniel Slattery. He was famous across Ireland for his fighting ability," said Hatton.
Perhaps because of this trait, the most famous of all the Hattons hates losing and would do anything just to wound up with his arms raised, a trait that he is known for stretching back to his early amateur days.
"I don’t consider myself a dirty fighter, but I am a boxer who will do everything he can to win," said Hatton in his best-seller. "If my opponent slips in a few rabbit punches or, as in (Kostya) Tszyu’s case (in 2005), throws one into my knackers, rest assured, I’ll do exactly the same back, only harder."
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach has been widely quoted as saying that Hatton fights rough and tough that he will devise a plan aimed at preventing him from doing damage.
"Movement will be the key (for Pacquiao)," said Roach, who will focus all eight weeks beginning early-March to make sure Pacquiao executes the gameplan as he envisioned his prized puncher would.
Although Hatton has only lost once in 46 fights – a knockout to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a welterweight (147 lbs) match late-2007 – he is unbeaten at super-lightweight/junior-welterweight (140 lbs).
Pacquiao and Hatton will fight at 140 lbs, the first time Pacquiao will step into that territory.
Source: mb.com.ph
By NICK GIONGCO
Fighting is in Ricky Hatton’s genes.
Hatton is slated to face Filipino star Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas and the British bomber should lean heavily on his boxing bloodline in his quest to wear the mythical crown of pound-for-pound king.
Daniel Slattery, a great-grandfather of Hatton, fought during the bare-knuckle era, while a great uncle, known as Spider Hatton, fought regularly during the 1930s.
"There are some boxing roots in my family," Hatton wrote in his autobiography, Ricky Hatton: The Hitman – My Story, that was released in Sept. 2006.
"My great uncle Spider Hatton was a very famous local fighter in the Manchester area in the days when there were shows all over the place. My dad also tells me that on my Irish side I have another relative, my great-granddad, who was called Daniel Slattery. He was famous across Ireland for his fighting ability," said Hatton.
Perhaps because of this trait, the most famous of all the Hattons hates losing and would do anything just to wound up with his arms raised, a trait that he is known for stretching back to his early amateur days.
"I don’t consider myself a dirty fighter, but I am a boxer who will do everything he can to win," said Hatton in his best-seller. "If my opponent slips in a few rabbit punches or, as in (Kostya) Tszyu’s case (in 2005), throws one into my knackers, rest assured, I’ll do exactly the same back, only harder."
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach has been widely quoted as saying that Hatton fights rough and tough that he will devise a plan aimed at preventing him from doing damage.
"Movement will be the key (for Pacquiao)," said Roach, who will focus all eight weeks beginning early-March to make sure Pacquiao executes the gameplan as he envisioned his prized puncher would.
Although Hatton has only lost once in 46 fights – a knockout to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in a welterweight (147 lbs) match late-2007 – he is unbeaten at super-lightweight/junior-welterweight (140 lbs).
Pacquiao and Hatton will fight at 140 lbs, the first time Pacquiao will step into that territory.
Source: mb.com.ph
Hatton Back in Training, Prepares For Manny Pacquiao
Britain’s IBO light welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton start training this week for his showdown with Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2.
Hatton’s father Ray Hatton spoke to BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports after the family had returned to Manchester from what he termed “a very good" Caribbean cruise. Hatton said his son was “fine and eager to get back into the gym and is looking forward to the fight.”
He said Hatton will train for about eleven weeks for the Pacquiao fight. Plans call for Hatton to train for five weeks in Ashton-under-Lyne with his British trainer Lee Beard who will be joined by Floyd Mayweather Sr on March 8 after which they would “travel back together” to Las Vegas for the final six weeks of training.
Ray Hatton said his son “likes to feel the excitement of getting back into the gym He likes to get out and then get in” with Ricky claiming “I want to feel that I am doing everything I wanted to do.”
Ray Hatton said the IBO champion likes to be out of the gym so he is motivated to get back in.
Asked about the allegations by Craig Christian, the Australian trainer of WBA featherweight champion Chris Johnthat Hatton was “one of the dirtiest fighters out there and would rough up Pacquiao or try to for sure” Ray Hatton branded the claims “absolute nonsense.”
He said Hatton “never fought dirty in any of his fights” posing the question “when did he use his elbow? When did he use his head?”
At the same time Ray Hatton hadn’t apparently heard of Christian and asked
“Who is he? Is he an American? Is he a fighter or a trainer?” and passed it off by merely saying “some people want to be sensational.”
Ray Hatton also stated “Manny is not Gentleman Jim Corbett.” James John Corbett was heavyweight champion of the world and was dubbed "Gentleman Jim" by the media. He has been called the "Father of Modern Boxing" mainly due to his scientikfic approach and innovations in technique. He has been credited for changing boxingg from a brawl to an art form.
While Hatton is set to begin training Pacquiao is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles on February 24 and is expected to report to the Wild Card Gym for a few days before leaving for promotional tour stops in London and Manchester City, the hometown of Hatton. He is expected to have around nine weeks of training.
Source: boxingscene.com
Hatton’s father Ray Hatton spoke to BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports after the family had returned to Manchester from what he termed “a very good" Caribbean cruise. Hatton said his son was “fine and eager to get back into the gym and is looking forward to the fight.”
He said Hatton will train for about eleven weeks for the Pacquiao fight. Plans call for Hatton to train for five weeks in Ashton-under-Lyne with his British trainer Lee Beard who will be joined by Floyd Mayweather Sr on March 8 after which they would “travel back together” to Las Vegas for the final six weeks of training.
Ray Hatton said his son “likes to feel the excitement of getting back into the gym He likes to get out and then get in” with Ricky claiming “I want to feel that I am doing everything I wanted to do.”
Ray Hatton said the IBO champion likes to be out of the gym so he is motivated to get back in.
Asked about the allegations by Craig Christian, the Australian trainer of WBA featherweight champion Chris Johnthat Hatton was “one of the dirtiest fighters out there and would rough up Pacquiao or try to for sure” Ray Hatton branded the claims “absolute nonsense.”
He said Hatton “never fought dirty in any of his fights” posing the question “when did he use his elbow? When did he use his head?”
At the same time Ray Hatton hadn’t apparently heard of Christian and asked
“Who is he? Is he an American? Is he a fighter or a trainer?” and passed it off by merely saying “some people want to be sensational.”
Ray Hatton also stated “Manny is not Gentleman Jim Corbett.” James John Corbett was heavyweight champion of the world and was dubbed "Gentleman Jim" by the media. He has been called the "Father of Modern Boxing" mainly due to his scientikfic approach and innovations in technique. He has been credited for changing boxingg from a brawl to an art form.
While Hatton is set to begin training Pacquiao is scheduled to leave for Los Angeles on February 24 and is expected to report to the Wild Card Gym for a few days before leaving for promotional tour stops in London and Manchester City, the hometown of Hatton. He is expected to have around nine weeks of training.
Source: boxingscene.com
Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao Latest Betting Tips
While the bout only actually happens in two and a half months, the wagering markets have heated up considerably for the much-anticipated Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao title fight happening this May. We've been going out of our way to examine all of the different odds and markets you'll find at the top United Kingdom-based sportsbooks. As usual, Ricky Hatton is expected to be backed in big big numbers by his adoring public in the home nations.
anny Pacquiao has been considered the outright favourite for this fight since it was announced and the odds over at William Hill are indicative of that. At the time of this writing, Manny is listed at 8/15, which is better than the 2/5 you're seeing at most of the other sites.
In fact, you'll even find Hatton's odds are a little shorter than usual here and William Hill really seems to be a site where you should be backing Pacquiao instead of Hatton, as the outright odds aren't quite as generous. Ricky is listed at a mere 11/8 and they haven't quite put out all of the odds on the remaining markets quite yet, so be sure to check back at William Hill closer to fight time.
I'm confident that Manny's odds will drift shorter in the run-up to the actual fight itself. The site lists the draw at a juicy 20/1, but we all that isn't really a likely outcome. William Hill always has excellent odds on the outside round-by-round markets so I would be sure to check back closer to fight time to take advantage of those odds. On current odds though, I would suggest backing Pacquiao as the value is better at William Hill than many other wagering sites.
Source: bettingchoice.co.uk
Pacquiao bout may turn into bloodbath
MANILA, Philippines - The Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight may just turn out to be a bloody one.
Lee Beard, one of Hatton’s trainers, said recently there’s the possibility of headbutts, accidental or otherwise, during the fight scheduled for 12 rounds on May 2 in Las Vegas.
“Both fighters are similar in height and their styles could mean their heads clashing,” said Bear in an article that came out of Hatton’s own website, www.rickyhitmanhatton.com.
“So cuts are a concern,” said Beard who also predicted that Hatton, who puts his IBO light-welterweight crown on the line, is capable of knocking Pacquiao out inside six rounds.
Beard, however, said Hatton hasn’t been cut up in his most recent fights. Pacquiao, on the other hand, has had bloody fights against Eric Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Beard is no stranger to Pacquiao, showing up in Pacquiao’s Mandalay Bay suite the day after the Filipino crushed David Diaz last March and having some photos taken.
Beard then spoke of how amazing Pacquiao was against Diaz, and way back then he said a fight with Hatton should be a good one. Now he’s saying it might be bloody.
Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, knows Hatton too well.
“Hatton has a come-forward, aggressive approach, and in the past his style of fighting has led some people to claim he uses borderline illegal moves, such as using his elbows and shoulders, when in close,” he said.
Pacquiao is pretty much the same, except for the dirty tactics.
“Hatton is much younger (than Oscar de la Hoya), a more vibrant guy, and will give us more difficulties. He will come and truly believe in himself. And he is kind of a rough fighter who will come in with shoulders and elbows, and try to mug us a little bit,” Roach told eastsideboxing.com.
But Pacquiao is unfazed, having said before he’s going to be ready for anything Hatton will bring into the ring.
“Doon na lang magkaka-alaman sa ring (It will be known in the ring),” he told Pinoy scribes.
Source: philstar.com
Monday, February 16, 2009
Pacquiao warned vs Hatton’s ‘dirty tactics’
Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao was warned against Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton’s dirty tactics when they meet in their Las Vegas showdown on May 2.
The warning came from Craig Christian, the trainer of WBA featherweight champion Chris John’s Australian Craig Christian.
Australian Web site Sports Nut quoted Christian as claiming that Hatton was “one of the dirtiest fighters out there”
He said Hatton, the reigning IBO light welterweight champion, “will rough up Pacquiao or try to for sure” claiming the British fighter would use “the same brawling tactics that led to the knockout over Kostya Tzsyu.”
Although Christian said he thinks Hatton is too strong for Pacquiao at junior welterweight and even predicted a Hatton knockout victory in six rounds, the trainer said “it will be an action-packed fight because I don’t expect Pacquiao to back-off.”
Christian advised trainer Freddie Roach and Pacquiao’s handlers to expose Hatton’s dirty tactics before the fight “to put the referee on alert.”
Sulaiman predicts tough Pacquiao-Hatton fight
WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman, meanwhile, predicted that Pacquiao will have a tough fight against Hatton.
“I believe it will be a tough fight for Manny because Hatton has a very, very difficult style,” said Sulaiman.
He noted that Hatton “comes in with four, five punches and then holds so he won’t let the opponent punch back.”
He also pointed out that 140 pounds “is the natural weight for him (Hatton.)” and he personally didn’t want Pacquiao to fight Hatton but said the choice was up to Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum.
Pacquiao’s celebrated trainer Freddie Roach earlier said his ward's training against Hatton would be different this time.
“Of course Hatton's much younger, more vibrant guy,” Roach told 8Count.com’s Brad Cooney in a podcast interview. “He'll give us more difficulty… he's a rough fighter.”
The American trainer said Hatton has a more aggressive fighting style compared to de la Hoya, whom Pacquiao beat in eight rounds last December 6.
“It's a little bit different style we'll train for… I'll get the right sparring partners for Manny,” said Roach.
Roach believes Pacquiao's speed will still be the key in winning against the British toughie.
"It will be a tough fight but after six rounds Manny's speed will gonna take over," he said. "I think we'll get Hatton somewhere down the road."
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
The warning came from Craig Christian, the trainer of WBA featherweight champion Chris John’s Australian Craig Christian.
Australian Web site Sports Nut quoted Christian as claiming that Hatton was “one of the dirtiest fighters out there”
He said Hatton, the reigning IBO light welterweight champion, “will rough up Pacquiao or try to for sure” claiming the British fighter would use “the same brawling tactics that led to the knockout over Kostya Tzsyu.”
Although Christian said he thinks Hatton is too strong for Pacquiao at junior welterweight and even predicted a Hatton knockout victory in six rounds, the trainer said “it will be an action-packed fight because I don’t expect Pacquiao to back-off.”
Christian advised trainer Freddie Roach and Pacquiao’s handlers to expose Hatton’s dirty tactics before the fight “to put the referee on alert.”
Sulaiman predicts tough Pacquiao-Hatton fight
WBC president Don Jose Sulaiman, meanwhile, predicted that Pacquiao will have a tough fight against Hatton.
“I believe it will be a tough fight for Manny because Hatton has a very, very difficult style,” said Sulaiman.
He noted that Hatton “comes in with four, five punches and then holds so he won’t let the opponent punch back.”
He also pointed out that 140 pounds “is the natural weight for him (Hatton.)” and he personally didn’t want Pacquiao to fight Hatton but said the choice was up to Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum.
Pacquiao’s celebrated trainer Freddie Roach earlier said his ward's training against Hatton would be different this time.
“Of course Hatton's much younger, more vibrant guy,” Roach told 8Count.com’s Brad Cooney in a podcast interview. “He'll give us more difficulty… he's a rough fighter.”
The American trainer said Hatton has a more aggressive fighting style compared to de la Hoya, whom Pacquiao beat in eight rounds last December 6.
“It's a little bit different style we'll train for… I'll get the right sparring partners for Manny,” said Roach.
Roach believes Pacquiao's speed will still be the key in winning against the British toughie.
"It will be a tough fight but after six rounds Manny's speed will gonna take over," he said. "I think we'll get Hatton somewhere down the road."
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
Pacquiao to Hatton: ‘Train hard’
Manny Pacquiao laughed when asked what would help Ricky Hatton win over him on May 2 in Las Vegas.
"What do you think should you watch out for?" his caller from Manila asked yesterday afternoon.
"Nothing," Pacquiao answered, confident that long and hard training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card will negate whatever the British banger will bring to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on fight night.
"What if Hatton is allowed to carry an ax to the ring," the inquisitive interviewer said, obviously in the hunt for a peppery quote from boxing’s No. 1 fighter pound-for-pound.
It was at this time that Pacquiao let out a laugh, sounding amused that oddsmakers have installed the Filipino icon a 2-1 favorite even if the guy he is facing has never been beaten at super-lightweight/junior-welterweight (140 lbs).
Pacquiao had been quoted several weeks ago that Hatton is a livewire foe and that his relentless aggression makes him a threat all the time.
Although the 30-year-old Hatton is indeed armed and dangerous, Pacquiao sounded confident that he has the tools needed to stave off his bid of knocking the mythical crown of pound-for-pound crown from his head.
"Just tell Hatton to train hard," said Pacquiao, a statement that sounded more like a threat than an advice since he is up against somebody who has gained notoriety not only for scoring chilling knockouts but at the same time using tactics associated with mixed martial arts.
Pacquiao is so determined to put on another show of force that he wants to report for training camp as soon as he arrives in Los Angeles following a whirlwind tour of London and Manchester starting late this month.
Pacquiao is set to leave for the UK press tour on Feb. 24 with Los Angeles as kick-off point with Top Rank chief Bob Arum and choice members of Team Pacquiao.
But before Pacquiao leaves, he would still attend to some personal matters and other commitments like the conferment of a doctorate degree in Cebu on Feb. 18, the awards night of the Philippine Sportswriters Association on Feb. 20 and the baptismal of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth, on Feb. 20 in General Santos.
Source: mb.com.ph
"What do you think should you watch out for?" his caller from Manila asked yesterday afternoon.
"Nothing," Pacquiao answered, confident that long and hard training under Freddie Roach at the Wild Card will negate whatever the British banger will bring to the MGM Grand Garden Arena on fight night.
"What if Hatton is allowed to carry an ax to the ring," the inquisitive interviewer said, obviously in the hunt for a peppery quote from boxing’s No. 1 fighter pound-for-pound.
It was at this time that Pacquiao let out a laugh, sounding amused that oddsmakers have installed the Filipino icon a 2-1 favorite even if the guy he is facing has never been beaten at super-lightweight/junior-welterweight (140 lbs).
Pacquiao had been quoted several weeks ago that Hatton is a livewire foe and that his relentless aggression makes him a threat all the time.
Although the 30-year-old Hatton is indeed armed and dangerous, Pacquiao sounded confident that he has the tools needed to stave off his bid of knocking the mythical crown of pound-for-pound crown from his head.
"Just tell Hatton to train hard," said Pacquiao, a statement that sounded more like a threat than an advice since he is up against somebody who has gained notoriety not only for scoring chilling knockouts but at the same time using tactics associated with mixed martial arts.
Pacquiao is so determined to put on another show of force that he wants to report for training camp as soon as he arrives in Los Angeles following a whirlwind tour of London and Manchester starting late this month.
Pacquiao is set to leave for the UK press tour on Feb. 24 with Los Angeles as kick-off point with Top Rank chief Bob Arum and choice members of Team Pacquiao.
But before Pacquiao leaves, he would still attend to some personal matters and other commitments like the conferment of a doctorate degree in Cebu on Feb. 18, the awards night of the Philippine Sportswriters Association on Feb. 20 and the baptismal of his daughter, Queen Elizabeth, on Feb. 20 in General Santos.
Source: mb.com.ph
Friday, February 13, 2009
Hall of Fame honor adds to Pacquiao's motivation
MANILA, Philippines – Being enshrined to the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s (PSA) Hall of Fame will be an added motivation for Manny Pacquiao when he faces Ricky Hatton on May 2.
“This honor will motivate me to further increase my desire to make our country proud," Pacquiao said in Filipino.
The PSA will enshrine Pacquiao to the Hall of Fame during the PSA Annual Awards Night on February 20, Friday, at the Alegria Lounge of the Manila Pavilion Hotel, where other personalities will also be recognized for their contribution to Philippine sports.
This will be Pacquiao’s fifth PSA athlete of the year (AOY) award after earning the honor from 2002 to 2004 and in 2006. Going 3-0 in three different weight divisions last year was the reason why Pacquiao earned the award from the country’s oldest media organization.
He now join the likes of bowlers Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo, basketball greats Caloy Loyzaga and Lauro Mumar, pro boxers Pancho Villa and Gabriel “Flash" Elorde, amateur boxer Mansueto “Onyok" Velasco, track stars Lydia De Vega and Mona Sulaiman, swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, tennis player Felicisimo Ampon, Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, and golfers Ben Arda and Celestino Tugot in the Hall of Fame.
Pacquiao won his first PSA athlete of the year award in 2002 as a rising 22-year old boxer. He thanked the PSA for the award.
He equaled Henry Armstrong’s 80-year old record of fighting and winning in three weight divisions. He defeated Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz to claim the super-featherweight and lightweight titles in a span of three months.
Pacquiao’s claim to international boxing superstardom happened on December 6 when he scored an eighth-round stoppage of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya in a 147-pound non-title fight.
Pacquiao said trainer and coach Freddie Roach plans to have another eight-week training to prepare for his fight against Hatton the same way when he trained against De La Hoya.
He is currently busy shooting scenes for the upcoming TV series Totoy Bato with Robin Padilla and is expected to leave for the US by the end of the month to start promoting and training for the May 2 bout.
Pacquiao will face British boxing superstar Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas in a fight that nearly got cancelled because of disagreements in the revenue split.
Source: gmanews.tv
“This honor will motivate me to further increase my desire to make our country proud," Pacquiao said in Filipino.
The PSA will enshrine Pacquiao to the Hall of Fame during the PSA Annual Awards Night on February 20, Friday, at the Alegria Lounge of the Manila Pavilion Hotel, where other personalities will also be recognized for their contribution to Philippine sports.
This will be Pacquiao’s fifth PSA athlete of the year (AOY) award after earning the honor from 2002 to 2004 and in 2006. Going 3-0 in three different weight divisions last year was the reason why Pacquiao earned the award from the country’s oldest media organization.
He now join the likes of bowlers Paeng Nepomuceno and Bong Coo, basketball greats Caloy Loyzaga and Lauro Mumar, pro boxers Pancho Villa and Gabriel “Flash" Elorde, amateur boxer Mansueto “Onyok" Velasco, track stars Lydia De Vega and Mona Sulaiman, swimmer Teofilo Yldefonso, tennis player Felicisimo Ampon, Asia’s first Grandmaster Eugene Torre, and golfers Ben Arda and Celestino Tugot in the Hall of Fame.
Pacquiao won his first PSA athlete of the year award in 2002 as a rising 22-year old boxer. He thanked the PSA for the award.
He equaled Henry Armstrong’s 80-year old record of fighting and winning in three weight divisions. He defeated Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz to claim the super-featherweight and lightweight titles in a span of three months.
Pacquiao’s claim to international boxing superstardom happened on December 6 when he scored an eighth-round stoppage of the legendary Oscar De La Hoya in a 147-pound non-title fight.
Pacquiao said trainer and coach Freddie Roach plans to have another eight-week training to prepare for his fight against Hatton the same way when he trained against De La Hoya.
He is currently busy shooting scenes for the upcoming TV series Totoy Bato with Robin Padilla and is expected to leave for the US by the end of the month to start promoting and training for the May 2 bout.
Pacquiao will face British boxing superstar Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas in a fight that nearly got cancelled because of disagreements in the revenue split.
Source: gmanews.tv
Pacman not in mood to trade barbs
Manny Pacquiao is not about to be dragged into a verbal war with outspoken members of Ricky Hatton’s team, one of them even reciting poetry predicting Pacquiao’s demise and the other labeling the Filipino pound-for-pound king as a flawed fighter.
"He even asked me for an autograph and posed for a picture with me," Pacquiao, smiling, told the Bulletin yesterday from General Santos City in recalling an incident last year when Hatton training assistant Lee Beard showed up in his suite at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay the day after he knocked out David Diaz of the US.
Pacquiao and Hatton face off on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and with 10 weeks before the bout, there is so much excitement that virtually anything that comes out of each camp sees print.
Beard was widely quoted as saying in an interview that was posted in rickyhitmanhatton.com the other day that Hatton’s power will surprise Pacquiao, who he observes commits too many mistakes, en route to a knockout win inside six rounds by the British bruiser.
Early this week, chief trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., in his usual staccato tone, said Pacquiao will hit the floor as Hatton is the naturally stronger guy between the two.
Despite the avalanche of harsh words from Mayweather and Beard, Pacquiao remains cool and seemingly unaffected as he opted to sidestep questions about his personal views about his highly-touted rival from Manchester and tell his interviewer about what keeps him busy the past few days.
"I am here in GenSan attending to a few business that I am going to put up like this coffee shop that is similar to Starbucks and next week’s baptism of my daughter, Queen Elizabeth (on Feb. 22)," said Pacquiao, who leaves for the US on Feb. 24.
But before the topic shifts to a totally unrelated subject matter, Pacquiao revealed that his weight remains in check and he will be ready for whatever Freddie Roach will put him against once he shows up at the Wild Card in Hollywood in the first week of March.
"I’m a bit heavy right now since I’m not in training but there’ll be no problem going down in weight," said Pacquiao, who squares off with Hatton at super lightweight/junior welterweight (140 lbs).
"Don’t worry," he said, adding that at the moment he is at 155 lbs.
Source: mb.com.ph
"He even asked me for an autograph and posed for a picture with me," Pacquiao, smiling, told the Bulletin yesterday from General Santos City in recalling an incident last year when Hatton training assistant Lee Beard showed up in his suite at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay the day after he knocked out David Diaz of the US.
Pacquiao and Hatton face off on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and with 10 weeks before the bout, there is so much excitement that virtually anything that comes out of each camp sees print.
Beard was widely quoted as saying in an interview that was posted in rickyhitmanhatton.com the other day that Hatton’s power will surprise Pacquiao, who he observes commits too many mistakes, en route to a knockout win inside six rounds by the British bruiser.
Early this week, chief trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., in his usual staccato tone, said Pacquiao will hit the floor as Hatton is the naturally stronger guy between the two.
Despite the avalanche of harsh words from Mayweather and Beard, Pacquiao remains cool and seemingly unaffected as he opted to sidestep questions about his personal views about his highly-touted rival from Manchester and tell his interviewer about what keeps him busy the past few days.
"I am here in GenSan attending to a few business that I am going to put up like this coffee shop that is similar to Starbucks and next week’s baptism of my daughter, Queen Elizabeth (on Feb. 22)," said Pacquiao, who leaves for the US on Feb. 24.
But before the topic shifts to a totally unrelated subject matter, Pacquiao revealed that his weight remains in check and he will be ready for whatever Freddie Roach will put him against once he shows up at the Wild Card in Hollywood in the first week of March.
"I’m a bit heavy right now since I’m not in training but there’ll be no problem going down in weight," said Pacquiao, who squares off with Hatton at super lightweight/junior welterweight (140 lbs).
"Don’t worry," he said, adding that at the moment he is at 155 lbs.
Source: mb.com.ph
Hatton is a Very Tough Fight For Pacquiao, Says Sulaiman
World Boxing Council president Don Jose Sulaiman predicts that Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao will have a tough fight against Britain’s IBO light welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton in their showdown on May 2.
Titled the “Battle of East and West” the eagerly awaited clash will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with featherweight Bernabe Concepcion taking on WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano in a title fight on the undercard.
Sulaiman told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports “I believe it will be a tough fight for Manny because Hatton has a very, very difficult style.”
Sulaiman noted that Hatton “comes in with four five punches and then holds so he won’t let the opponent punch back.”
He also pointed out that 140 pounds “is the natural weight for him (Hatton.)” and he personally didn’t want Pacquiao to fight Hatton but said the choice was up to Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum.
Well known boxing writer Mark Vester reported in a story on Boxing Scene that he had spoken to Hatton’s trainer Lee Beard who will work alongside Floyd Mayweather Sr and that Beard doesn’t feel Pacquiao will be able to stay with Hatton for the first six rounds and claimed trainer Freddie Roach was “overestimating what Pacquiao can do.”
Beard said Roach’s views were based on Pacquiao’s 9th round demolition of lightweight champion David Diaz and his 8th round mauling of Oscar De La Hoya. Beard stressed that if Hatton fought Diaz he would be “way too fast, big and strong” and would have stopped Diaz between three to five rounds and if he was “in the ring with Oscar (De La Hoya) on that same night, it nwould have ended in four.”
Vester quoted Beard as saying he had been to the Wild Card gym to watch Pacquiao train and spar and witnessed his fights over the past few years adding “I’ve seen a lot of mistakes and they will automatically play into Ricky’s hands.”
He said Pacquiao makes the same mistakes “over and over again” although he wouldn’t reveal the mistakes Beard told Vester “I’m positive Ricky will knock Manny out within six rounds and I believe the fight won’t be as difficult as some may think.”
Source: boxingscene.com
Titled the “Battle of East and West” the eagerly awaited clash will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with featherweight Bernabe Concepcion taking on WBO featherweight champion Steven Luevano in a title fight on the undercard.
Sulaiman told BoxingScene.com, insidesports.ph, Standard Today and Viva Sports “I believe it will be a tough fight for Manny because Hatton has a very, very difficult style.”
Sulaiman noted that Hatton “comes in with four five punches and then holds so he won’t let the opponent punch back.”
He also pointed out that 140 pounds “is the natural weight for him (Hatton.)” and he personally didn’t want Pacquiao to fight Hatton but said the choice was up to Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum.
Well known boxing writer Mark Vester reported in a story on Boxing Scene that he had spoken to Hatton’s trainer Lee Beard who will work alongside Floyd Mayweather Sr and that Beard doesn’t feel Pacquiao will be able to stay with Hatton for the first six rounds and claimed trainer Freddie Roach was “overestimating what Pacquiao can do.”
Beard said Roach’s views were based on Pacquiao’s 9th round demolition of lightweight champion David Diaz and his 8th round mauling of Oscar De La Hoya. Beard stressed that if Hatton fought Diaz he would be “way too fast, big and strong” and would have stopped Diaz between three to five rounds and if he was “in the ring with Oscar (De La Hoya) on that same night, it nwould have ended in four.”
Vester quoted Beard as saying he had been to the Wild Card gym to watch Pacquiao train and spar and witnessed his fights over the past few years adding “I’ve seen a lot of mistakes and they will automatically play into Ricky’s hands.”
He said Pacquiao makes the same mistakes “over and over again” although he wouldn’t reveal the mistakes Beard told Vester “I’m positive Ricky will knock Manny out within six rounds and I believe the fight won’t be as difficult as some may think.”
Source: boxingscene.com
Pacquiao's training to differ for Hatton fight
Manny Pacquiao’s celebrated trainer Freddie Roach said handling British slugger Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton will be a different business compared with the strategy they used against Oscar de la Hoya.
“Of course, Hatton's much younger, more vibrant guy,” Roach told 8Count.com’s Brad Cooney in a podcast interview. “He'll give us more difficulty… he's a rough fighter.”
The American trainer said Hatton has a more aggressive fighting style compared to de la Hoya, whom Pacquiao beat in eight rounds last December 6.
“He'll come on with his shoulders and elbows, combinations…kind of nudge you a little bit,” said Roach.
He said that this is the reason why they will slightly modify Pacquiao’s training. Training partners will be important, too, he added.
“It's a little bit different style we'll train for… I'll get the right sparring partners for Manny,” said Roach.
Roach believes Pacquiao's speed will still be the key in winning against the British toughie.
"It will be a tough fight but after six rounds, Manny's speed will gonna take over," he said. "I think we'll get Hatton somewhere down the road."
Hitman’s trainer picks on Pacman’s style
Lee Beard, Hatton’s co-trainer, has pointed out some weaknesses in Pacquiao’s training style.
According to Gareth Davies of Telegraph.co.uk, Beard is the man who brought Ricky and Floyd Mayweather Sr. together.
“I have been to Pacquiao’s gym, and watched him train a couple of times, and he makes lots of mistakes, mistakes that he also makes in fights,” he said in an interview posted on www.rickyhitmanhatton.com.
Beard said mistakes could cost Pacquiao a lot inside the ring.
“Manny makes some massive errors, and he is very repetitive in some of his movements, and with certain punches, and the way he throws them,” he said.
Beard believes his ward can capitalize on these mistakes in the May 2 fight. He thinks it would be bad news for the Filipino champion.
“In this fight I believe that Manny will make the same mistakes as normal, and Ricky will capitalize… When Ricky hits Manny, he is going to be shocked at the power,” he said.
US promo tour called off
Meanwhile, the US promotional tour for the Pacquiao-Hatton match has been called off to give way for the boxers training.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said, however, that there will be a big media conference in Los Angeles in the last week of March after the initial kick-off in Britain. Earlier plans called for promotional tour stops in New York and San Francisco.
Arum said that after the trip to London and Manchester, Pacquiao would return to Los Angeles to start training while Hatton will train for two weeks in England before flying to Las Vegas to continue training under Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
“Of course, Hatton's much younger, more vibrant guy,” Roach told 8Count.com’s Brad Cooney in a podcast interview. “He'll give us more difficulty… he's a rough fighter.”
The American trainer said Hatton has a more aggressive fighting style compared to de la Hoya, whom Pacquiao beat in eight rounds last December 6.
“He'll come on with his shoulders and elbows, combinations…kind of nudge you a little bit,” said Roach.
He said that this is the reason why they will slightly modify Pacquiao’s training. Training partners will be important, too, he added.
“It's a little bit different style we'll train for… I'll get the right sparring partners for Manny,” said Roach.
Roach believes Pacquiao's speed will still be the key in winning against the British toughie.
"It will be a tough fight but after six rounds, Manny's speed will gonna take over," he said. "I think we'll get Hatton somewhere down the road."
Hitman’s trainer picks on Pacman’s style
Lee Beard, Hatton’s co-trainer, has pointed out some weaknesses in Pacquiao’s training style.
According to Gareth Davies of Telegraph.co.uk, Beard is the man who brought Ricky and Floyd Mayweather Sr. together.
“I have been to Pacquiao’s gym, and watched him train a couple of times, and he makes lots of mistakes, mistakes that he also makes in fights,” he said in an interview posted on www.rickyhitmanhatton.com.
Beard said mistakes could cost Pacquiao a lot inside the ring.
“Manny makes some massive errors, and he is very repetitive in some of his movements, and with certain punches, and the way he throws them,” he said.
Beard believes his ward can capitalize on these mistakes in the May 2 fight. He thinks it would be bad news for the Filipino champion.
“In this fight I believe that Manny will make the same mistakes as normal, and Ricky will capitalize… When Ricky hits Manny, he is going to be shocked at the power,” he said.
US promo tour called off
Meanwhile, the US promotional tour for the Pacquiao-Hatton match has been called off to give way for the boxers training.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said, however, that there will be a big media conference in Los Angeles in the last week of March after the initial kick-off in Britain. Earlier plans called for promotional tour stops in New York and San Francisco.
Arum said that after the trip to London and Manchester, Pacquiao would return to Los Angeles to start training while Hatton will train for two weeks in England before flying to Las Vegas to continue training under Floyd Mayweather Sr.
Source: abs-cbnnews.com
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