Hatton's deadly combination

Ricky Hatton says Manny Pacquiao's vaunted speed will not be enough to beat him in Las Vegas on May 2.

'Pac Man' was just brilliant last December when he cemented his status as the reigning pound-for-pound king by destroying a faded Oscar De La Hoya.

And in the countdown to the big clash with 'The Hitman' he has been dazzling television audiences with his gym work on hit show 24/7.

But Hatton says that when the pair finally meet in the ring he will have the skills to more than match the Filipino icon.

Advantage

He said: "Most people are looking at the fight as power and strength versus speed, but I don't see it that way. I'm not looking at it that way.

"I am the bigger man and I am the stronger man and I am the harder hitter, not to be disrespectful of Manny's punching power - he can knock anybody out. But I think I do have the advantage in that.

"But also I think my speed is underestimated. A lot of people thought Paulie Malignaggi would outspeed me and it was the opposite. Now I've had a longer training camp and I believe I'm even faster now.

"You can have the fastest hands in the world but if you don't throw them at the right time you don't get the desired effect. I think it's all about timing, making your opponent miss.

"One thing I've always been is very fast, very explosive and very quick to move in on my opponents. Kostya Tszyu tried to keep the fight at distance but he couldn't hold me off him, although Manny is quicker. As fast as Manny moves back I believe I'll be able to move in just as quick."

Improvement

After a second camp with trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr, Hatton is looking sharp in the gym and exuding confidence ahead of his date with destiny in the MGM Grand.

"I've got fast hands myself now, along with the power and the pressure, and there's no reason I shouldn't be confident of winning this fight," he said.

"But I am aware of the dangers - if Manny wins this fight, Ricky Hatton will be the first to walk over and shake his hand. But I just think I've got too much in my armoury now."

Source: skysports.com