'8 is enough': Hatton/Pacquiao - Who has the edge after round 9?

As the highly anticipated May 2nd showdown between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao approaches, the questions, predictions, and subplots continue to mount like there's no tomorrow. Among the many equations being tossed around is one that may very likely predict the final outcome.

Some feel there's no need to question what will happen in the later rounds because it probably won't go that far, however, the more I think of the two men involved, the more inclined I am to lean towards that frame of the fight - (aptly dubbed the championship rounds) - as I see it being perhaps the most critical.

Under the tutelage of Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton has appeared better conditioned and a lot more skilled in the execution of his game-plan which has helped him to preserve energy for a stretch run that typically finds him gassed out.

It'll take that type of energy conservation to even give him a chance when things really get heated late in the fight, for that's when Manny Pacquiao will undoubtedly be at his peak point.

Breaking things down on paper it appears pretty even for the late rounds with Ricky Hatton going 11-1 beyond the ninth round in his career and Manny Pacquiao 10-1 in that same frame, but as we've learned, paper burns.

How will Pacquiao's body hold up from the severe banging to the ribs that Ricky Hatton will definitely hone in on? How will Hatton hold up from the staggering power shots that managed to halt the legendary Oscar De La Hoya after only 8 rounds? Some think conventional logic points to a short night, but I just can't follow that train of thought. If it were that easy to dissect, the fight wouldn't be happening.

When it all boils down, this is either mans fight to win or lose, and both men stand a helluva chance. Yes, Hatton can be beaten, and despite it not happening in recent times, the great Manny Pacquiao can lose as well.

I'm not quite sure how it'll all unfold, but one thing for sure, when it's time to play for all the marbles and the fight itself is hanging in the balance, one of these two men will step up big and seize the moment. History indicates that they're both capable, but as we all know, in the end there can only be one!

Source: examiner.com