My take on the SUPERFIGHT that is Pacquiao v Hatton!

I can't even express how excited I am that this fight is happening.

- Two of the world's top 10 fighters clashing for The Ring title.

- The undisputed best light-welterweight in the world taking on the undisputed world pound-for-pound number 1.

- Pacquiao is going for a world title at a SIXTH weight division, Hatton is protecting his unbeaten record at 140lbs and bidding to become one of the best fighters to ever fight at that weight.

- Two brave, honourable men putting it all on the line.

- Two of the world's most highly rated trainers in either corner.

Think for a moment - just how many punches are going to be thrown in this fight?? How many backward steps are going to be taken?? The potential for knockdowns and/or a stoppage is high - thrilling excitement is guaranteed from two of the best warriors in the game.

Boxing does not need PBF to have a real superfight in '09.


If I was pushed, I think Pacquiao will win, but I say that without much confidence. I felt more confident picking Manny immediately after his win over Oscar, but in the cold light of day I view this fight very much as a 50-50.

Ricky would be a murderous opponent for anyone at 140lbs, any natural light-welter never mind a former flyweight world champ.

He showed improved use of the jab and improved defence against Malignaggi - two aspects of his game which will be crucial against Pac. And of course these honed aspects were complimented by Ricky's formidable natural strength and workrate.

I view this as a very, very dangerous assignment for Pacquiao. Don't get me wrong, Pac has improved immeasurably since his first fight with Morales, but alarm bells keep sounding in my head - if Erik could outbox and outjab him before Pac worked him out by the 2nd fight and asserted his superiority, couldn't someone far naturally bigger and stronger like Hatton do the same??


And yet, I really think Pacquiao has become a very special fighter now. When push comes to shove, I will back him to take another difficult step towards immortality in this one.

Although it may seem a rather reductive way of looking at a 50-50 fight between two top top fighters, I keep coming back to one phrase: Speed kills.

Ricky's head movement and defence looked better against Malignaggi - but can Ricky's head movement and defence really ever be good enough to elude the rapier-like, varied, thrusting attacks from Manny Pacquiao? Pacquiao is surely far fleeter of hand and foot than anyone else in the junior-welterweight division - and anyone Ricky has ever fought IMO.

I have my doubts whether even Floyd Sr can refurbish Ricky's defensive game to a state where he can effectively defend against Pacman for 12 hard rounds.

And I trust Pac's chin and his stamina a little more than I trust Ricky's.


I expect this fight to be an absolute war. Both men will have their moments in a very even fight, both will be hurt at points and both will still fancy their chances two-thirds of the way in

However, I expect Manny's speed and remorseless attacks to begin to tell by around the 10th. He will wear Ricky down, and the referee will intervene in the 11th or 12th.

But it wouldn't surprise me one bit if it went down the other way, with Ricky's bodyshots and pressure grinding the smaller man to a halt.


Either way, the victor will deserve all the credit in the world, as this is a great great fight!!

:bbb

 

Ricky will be far tougher than Oscar was, and is far better than David Diaz. I still think it will be a very tough, close fight.

 

Good opening post. It is indeed a fight to look forward too.
My take is Ricky has his work cut out here but has two main factors going for him, one of them tangible, the other a possibility.
First of all Hatton is the stronger guy out of the two, if he can find a way to make that work in his favour, and he has the right man in his corner to help, then he has a big chance.
the other factor is that people now believe that Manny is established as a heavier fighter, LWW or WW standard. This is going off what happened with DLH. in my opinion for Manny to believe that could be very dangerous, DLH was so poor that night that to think that fight suggests he is defineatly suited to that weight could be way off the mark and he may be surprised by Hattons natural size and strength come fight night.
To me Pacquio is a favorite for this, he is truly a special fighter. However, if Hatton turns up and somehow pulls out a Tszyu like performance, in Manny's face all night upsetting his rythym, then no doubt Hatton can do it.

Can't wait, i have a alot of respect for both men, my kind of fighters.

 

My sentiments exactly.

 

You've never been so confident?! That is a bold bold statement amigo!!

I agree that Pac is on a different level to Ricky, but do you not think that Ricky's natural advantages in size and strength will close the gap somewhat on the night?

 

Exactly, Pac has the advantages in ability but Hatton has the size ,strength and experience at the weight . **** i'm getting wet just thinking about it