‘Hitman’ focused on beating Pacquiao, says dad

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Hatton’s father, Ray, said his son has one thing in mind. Beat Manny Pacquiao in their May 2 (May 3) bout at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The older Hatton, according to British online newspaper The Telegraph, said the “Hitman’s" mindset and focus is the same when he fought Kostya Tszyu for the International Boxing Federation light welterweight crown in 2005.

“I've not seen Ricky in this frame of mind since 2005, when he was preparing for the biggest step up in his life," the older Hatton said, who’s son defeated Tszyu to take the IBF light welterweight crown.

Now Hatton is preparing to take on the reigning pound-for-pound king where he hopes to take the title away from Pacquiao and end the Filipino icon’s nine-match winning streak.

“I will give Manny Pacquiao the hell of a fight; I am the stronger and the bigger man," said Hatton, who’s own goal is to remain world champion. “I beat Tszyu when he was the number two pound-for-pound and if I beat the number two the only way I can go further is number one – and that's Manny Pacquiao."

Despite playing in a sport that is filled with thrash talking, Hatton remains an English gentleman. “It’s going to be an honor to fight (Pacquiao) the best pound-for-pound champion in the world, but I think we’re going to do it."

“Manny should be worried about my power. I think it's going to be a fantastic fight," said Hatton.

Hatton will put his IBO light-welterweight title on the line in the same venue where he suffered his lone defeat, at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007.

Souce: gmanews.tv