By Ronnie Nathanielsz, http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=sports1_jan5_2008 Pacman-Hatton possible TOP Rank promoter Bob Arum said a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky “Hitman” Hatton is a reality, but warned that to get to the British star, the Filipino ring idol has to win against Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15. In an overseas telephone conversation with Viva Sports/Standard Today, Arum, who was named Promoter of the Year for 2007 by boxing TV network HBO, said he was having lunch with Pacquiao at one of the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino restaurants when HBO president Ross Greenberg called. Arum put Pacquiao on the line to wish Greenberg a Happy New Year. “It was funny because he [Greenberg] was together with the Ricky Hatton people for lunch in New York and they were talking about fighting Manny at the end of the year. So that’s a reality,” said Arum. “Pacquiao now knows that he has the opportunity to really make history.” He said, in addition to fighting Marquez for the World Boxing Council super-featherweight title, he will be fighting for the lightweight title and the 140-pound title. “This could be a big year for him but he’s got to win this fight [against Marquez],” said Arum. Arum predicted it would be “a tough, tough fight,” but was obviously pleased that Pacquiao was “so relaxed now and was a good family man the entire trip,” with his wife Jinkee and their three children during the holiday season in Las Vegas. “I never saw him so focused,” said Arum, who also disclosed that Pacquiao, who was en route to Manila aboard a Philippine Airlines flight, was scheduled to arrive this morning. He returns to the United States on Jan. 13 to begin training at trainer Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles. Arum said he had planned a big publicity campaign to promote the fight and that he was looking to have Pacquiao as guest on the very popular Jay Leno show. He would also take some time to go to San Francisco to do a press conference, making it clear that they will “do a lot of things which don’t interfere with his training.” “Pacquiao really had a good time with his family and took his kids to see everything that Las Vegas has to offer including the shows. He was terrific. He enjoyed himself. It seems everybody was very happy.” Arum revealed that Pacquiao bought his wife Jinkee “a lovely present for her birthday and so everything seems like it’s nice.” Ronnie Nathanieslz
This is a stupid fight, but it brings good money for both Pacquiao and Hatton. Perhaps he is trying to cash out. Pacquiao should focus on Marquez because it's going to be a tough fight. By the way, Hatton KOs Pac
I just think its gonna be a zoo wherever they hold this fight. Filipinos and Brits everywhere. Great atmosphere...and its gonna be a great fight...meaning someone is gonna get knocked out.
Its stupid to me....Hatton is too big for Pac-Man...style-wise Pac-Man has the edge. He has faster hands, has improved and better boxing skills than Hatton, very strong for his size, and is as tenacious as Hatton. Hatton has the edge is size, they are both 5'6", also he has the edge in power and underrated handsspeed and footspeed. I say this should happen after Pac-Man makes noise at 135 first. It would be great for boxing.
this fight should happen but not very soon if it happens in '08, pac will be murdered. pac needs to get aquainted in fighthing bigger guys first, if he beats a bonafide lightwelter then that's the time he might consider fighthing hatton, this is possible if both guys are still on top of the food chain, but right now i dont think this fight will be a good idea.
For Roach and Arum to be talking about this, Pac must really be serious. If ever Pac wants to test his limit, he has to do it soon, while he's in his prime.
Hatton will completely slaughter Pac. :yep A complete mismatch of embarrassing proportion.:dead Can they just focus on his fight with JMM?
Pac isn't getting anywhere near the lightweights and higher because Marquez is going to end his superstardom in March. All this nonsense matchups are dumb and it isn't realistic at all.
I like PAC but getting in with hatton? thats just plain out crazy.... he should focus on 130 lbs. IF and only IF he gets past JMM... there's valero and guzman for him... or if he really wants to push it go to 135 and stay there until he retires... he would be very small at 140 even though he gets in at 144 in fight night.
John actually helped Marquez' career and you know why? That fight only made marquez realize that he should approach fights in a different way. After the John fight, Marquez turned into a different fighter, much more commited to his offense. After being disowned by so many fans, he said " **** it " and decided to go on a rampage as shown in the jandaeng and jaca fight. And look what he did to Juarez who nearly beat Barrera in their first encounter. Nobody has ever schooled juarez like that besides Soto.
