Pacquiao KO2 Hatton! Poll results inside!

Really hard fight to pick.

I keep saying from day one if it was an orthodox vs. orthodox fight, I'd probably pick Hatton, the bigger, stronger man with underrated speed, huge, compact physical power and very effective pressure style which is a nightmare for brawlers like JLC or Manny, who's not exactly Floyd Mayweather Jr. on the defensive. But PacMan is a lefty, and Hatton really needed to be an A+++ student in the Floyd Sr. gym to work on the mistakes he makes vs. lefties... or let's put it this way: the mistakes he usually makes he makes them 5 times worse vs. lefties. Of course, PacMan has awesome speed, but speed can be killed by pressure. PacMan also has the skill advantage, but forcing him to the ropes and make it an inside rough fight can neutralize that, look at the Tszyu fight. Hatton is also very effective on the inside, especially dangerous to the body, but wide open to the straight lefts, which is southpaw PacMan's best weapon. PacMan depends on his rhythm, that's where his speed, movement, balance and these crazy angles are coming from. Hatton needs the jab to upset the rhythm and controlled aggression to force PacMan fighting backwards. But PacMan is also very good on the inside, and it's not easy to push him back.

I think neither fighter will be looking for the KO and risk getting KO'd himself, so I think Hatton will have a very good start with PacMan being in danger on the inside, hurt a couple of times (that's where Hatton can finish him), but Manny will be extra tough, work his way to the 2nd part where the physically slightly over the hill Hatton (watch him vs. Floyd from R6) will tire get tagged more and more, having a hard time in the last 2 rounds. I predict Hatton finishing on his feet and losing his 140 titles by close UD.

Of course, I'm rooting for Hatton bigtime and wishing both guys well, but hoping for Ricky to be too strong there and do enough damage to get the stoppage. But as far as my prediction goes, hoping to eat my words afterwards:

Pacquiao by decision!