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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

HBO Puts Marketing Muscle Behind Next '24/7' Fight Series

Looks To Draw Younger Viewers For 'Pacquiao/Hatton' Series, PPV Bout

HBO hopes a multiplatform marketing and promotional campaign for a preview series leading up to its May 2 Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton pay-per-view boxing event will attract younger viewers to the sport.

HBO's push for its four-part Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 series will include a Web-based sweepstakes offering a behind-scenes fight experience at the venue, HBO senior vice president of sports operations Mark Taffet said.

HBO wants the series, trailing Pacquaio and Hatton as they train for their mega PPV fight, to help draw 18-to-49-year-old males to a sport whose male median viewing age skews over 35.

Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 marks the fifth installment in the series, which debuted in 2006 ahead of an Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather bout. The first four installments have averaged 2.5 million viewers, according to HBO.

“The goal of 24/7 is not only to provide an all access look at the sport's biggest events, but also to reach out to the next generation of boxing fans and to engage them with a compelling program which speaks their language,” Taffet said.

The sweepstakes grand prize is a trip to Las Vegas for the three days leading up to the fight. The sweepstakes runs from March 30 through April 22 on HBO.com.

The winner and a guest will be filmed as they attend fight activities such as the weigh in and the pre-fight party, and attend the live event. A daily video journal will be posted on Facebook and HBO's YouTube site, according to Taffet. The winner also can have his or her photo on HBO.com.

HBO will back the sweepstakes with media buys on sports outlets including ESPN.com, Foxsports.com and Yahoo.com. It'll place postcards in college campuses, sports bars, bowling alleys, and boxing and sports gyms in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Miami.

For 24/7, HBO will have a “significant” presence on Facebook, HBO's YouTube page and HBO.com. Ads will run on ESPN.com, CBS SportsLine, Fox Sports.com, USAToday.com and Yahoo.com.

Ads also will run on ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, Versus, Fox Sports Net, YES Network and Spike TV, and in mixed-martial-arts-related programming and magazines and sports radio stations in the top 11 markets.

Source: http://www.multichannel.com/article/print/190842-HBO_Puts_Marketing_Muscle_Behind_Next_24_7_Fight_Series.php

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'The Hitman' KO's GDLA



Los Angeles (myFOXla.com) - Boxing champ Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton is making his only press appearance before he gets in the ring with Manny Pacquiao. He drops by “Good Day LA” to talk about his upcoming bout.

Source: http://www.myfoxla.com/dpp/good_day_la/The_Hitman_KO_GDLA_20090330

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Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Official Poster



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HBO to air Pacquiao-Hatton 24/7 episodes

US television cable giant Home Box Office (HBO) will run a four-episode feature on the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight starting April 11, according to a Broadcasting & Cable report.

Titled Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7, the feature will be similar to the show HBO aired for Pacquiao’s fight with boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya last year.

"This latest edition of 24/7 features two of the most talented and personable fighters in boxing today," said HBO Sports President Ross Greenburg.

"We look forward to bringing compelling storylines and personalities to our subscribers in what promises to be engaging television,” he added.

Among the highlights of the 24/7 feature will be the boxer's relationships with their trainers, particularly between Hatton and his controversial trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr..

Pacquiao is scheduled to challenge Hatton for the IBO and The Ring Magazine light welterweight title on May 2 at the MGM Grand Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/10/09/hbo-air-feature-pacquiao-hatton

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Pacquiao vs. Hatton 24/7 Schedules (debuting April 11)



Episode 1
APRIL 11

Episode 2
APRIL 18 (10:00-10:30 p.m. - PST)

Episode 3
APRIL 25 (9:35-10:00 p.m. - PST)

Episode 4
MAY 1 (9:30-10:00 p.m. - PST) (the night before the fight)

All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand.

Don't miss the exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews, as these determined warriors, both making their second "24/7" appearance, prepare for the first mega-fight of 2009. A hero in his native Philippines, the 30-year-old Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) is regarded by most boxing observers as the sport's unofficial pound-for-pound king. Demonstrating knockout power in five weight classes, his recent victory over his boxing idol, ring legend Oscar de la Hoya, was cause for national celebration in his homeland. Amid growing worldwide celebrity, he returns to the 140-pound division to take on the hard-hitting Hatton.

Hailing from the streets of Manchester, England, Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) has a tenacious fighting style and a devout following. The 30-year-old suffered his only professional loss in December 2007 when he battled future Hall of Famer Floyd Mayweather Jr. as a welterweight. Now back in the junior welterweight ranks, he wants to prove himself the most formidable fighter in the division.

Storylines for this fast-paced series will include the interaction between Pacquiao and his trusted trainer and friend Freddie Roach, as well as the fascinating alliance of Hatton and outspoken trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.

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Pacquiao - Hatton Los Angeles Press Conference - Part 3



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Pacquiao - Hatton Los Angeles Press Conference - Part 2



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Pacquiao - Hatton Los Angeles Press Conference - Part 3Pacquiao - Hatton Los Angeles Press Conference - Part 1



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Pacquiao vs. Hatton Press Conference at Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, California


Mickey Rourke holds up the fists of Manny Pacquiao, left, and Ricky Hatton, right, at a red carpet event at the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif., on Monday, March 30, 2009. The fighters were on hand to promote their May 2 World Championship Showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.[(Photo Credit: AP Photo/David Zentz)and Yahoo Boxing]


Manny Pacquiao, left, and Ricky Hatton pose at a red carpet event at the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif., on Monday, March 30, 2009. The fighters were on hand to promote their May 2 World Championship Showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.[(Photo Credit: AP Photo/David Zentz)and Yahoo Boxing]


Manny Pacquiao poses at a red carpet event in front of the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif., on Monday, March 30, 2009. The fighter was on hand to promote a May 2 World Championship Showdown against Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.[(Photo Credit: AP Photo/David Zentz) and Yahoo Boxing]


Ricky Hatton poses at a red carpet event in front of the Roosevelt Hotel in Los Angeles, Calif., on Monday, March 30, 2009. The fighter was on hand to promote a May 2 World Championship Showdown against Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
[(Photo Credit: AP Photo/David Zentz and Yahoo Boxing]


[Photo Credit: (AP Photo/David Zentz) and Yahoo Boxing]


Actor Mark Wahlberg talked to the press as he arrives on the red carpet at a press conference for the upcoming boxing match between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of Great Britain.
[Photo Credit: (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) and Yahoo Boxing]




[Photo Credit: (ROBYN BECK/AFP/Getty Images) and Yahoo Boxing]












Photo Credit: M. Legaspi | FilAmNation.com

Source: http://teampilipinas.info/2009/03/pacquiao-vs-hatton-press-conference-at_31.html

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HBO banks on Pacquiao, Hatton to draw younger viewers to boxing

MANILA, Philippines – Premium television programming giant HBO is banking on the huge popularity and appeal of both Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton to attract younger viewers to the sport as it unveils its Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 preview series.

Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 is a four-part series that will extensively chronicle the respective training of Filipino pound for pound king Pacquiao and British bomber Hatton for their May 2 pay-per-view fight in Las Vegas.

According to HBO senior vice president of sports operations Mark Taffet, HBO looks at Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 as a tool to draw 18- to 49-year-old males to a sport whose median viewing age skews over 35.

Towards this end, HBO has launched a multiplatform marketing and promotional campaign highlighted by a Web-based sweepstakes offering a behind-the-scenes experience right at the MGM Grand.

“The goal of 24/7 is not only to provide an all access look at the sport's biggest events, but also to reach out to the next generation of boxing fans and to engage them with a compelling program which speaks their language," Taffet said in an article posted at HBO.com.

Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 is the fifth installment of the acclaimed HBO sports series, which debuted in 2006 in the leadup to the Oscar De La Hoya-Floyd Mayweather, Jr. megafight. The first four installments have averaged 2.5 million viewers, according to HBO.

But given the two fighters’ tremendous draw among young fans, HBO is putting up promos that the target market can relate to, including the internet-based sweepstakes.

Up for grabs in the sweepstakes is a free trip to Las Vegas for the three days leading up to the fight. The sweepstakes runs from March 30 through April 22 on HBO.com.

The winner and a guest will enjoy access to fight activities such as the weigh in and the pre-fight party, and attend the live event. A daily video journal will be posted on Facebook and HBO's YouTube site, according to Taffet. The winner also can have his or her photo on HBO.com.

Leaving no stone unturned for the Pacquiao/Hatton 24/7 sweepstakes promo, HBO will do media buys on sports outlets including ESPN.com, Foxsports.com and Yahoo.com and also place postcards in college campuses, sports bars, bowling alleys, and boxing and sports gyms in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston and Miami.

Complementing these is a "significant" presence on Facebook, HBO's YouTube page and HBO.com as well as ads on ESPN.com, CBS SportsLine, Fox Sports.com, USAToday.com, and Yahoo.com. More ads will run on ESPN, ESPN2, TNT, Versus, Fox Sports Net, YES Network and Spike TV, and in mixed-martial-arts-related programming and magazines and sports radio stations in the top 11 markets.

Pacquiao, the only boxer in the running for a spot in TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the world for 2009, and Hatton, the International Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion, mix it up in a showdown many foresee as a potential fight of the year owing to the two’s aggressive, explosive styles. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154989/HBO-banks-on-Pacquiao-Hatton-to-draw-younger-viewers-to-boxing

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Pacquiao convinced of Mayweather’s comeback, welcomes possible duel

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao, the current pound for pound king, is convinced that his predecessor at the mythical P4P throne, Floyd Mayweather Jr, is all set to get back into the ring. And the Filipino ring sensation welcomes a possible megafight with the coming-out-of-retirement Pretty Boy Floyd.

According to a report by boxingscene.com, Pacquiao has received word from Mayweather’s camp that the old P4P superstar is on his way back to take on the challenge from the reigning big guns such as himself. Such feelers came at a time Mayweather has hit the gym anew, reportedly to seek a fight for July 11 or September.

"I think he's going to fight again. He's not really retired. I heard from Floyd Jr.'s camp that he's coming back to the ring," Pacquiao was quoted as saying.

Speculations are rife that Mayweather is eyeing a super bout with Pacquiao for his grand return or even a gig with world lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez as possible “tune-up" fight before taking on the “Pac-man." Marquez had called out Mayweather after winning the lightweight title and his promoters at Golden Boy Promotions are reportedly serious to pursue this fight.

But if you ask Pacquiao, he feels it would be a smart move if Mayweather tackles Marquez or anybody else before their ultimate battle but expressed willingness to take on Mayweather’s challenge should it materialize immediately.

"For me -- if I'm Floyd -- I would fight a tune-up fight and then fight me," Pacquiao said. "That's for me, but I don't know what his plan is. He might want to fight me right away."

The 30-year-old Pacquiao is set to battle Ricky “Hitman" Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas with the latter’s International Boxing Organization junior welterweight title on the line. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154910/Pacquiao-convinced-of-Mayweathers-comeback-welcomes-possible-duel

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Hatton: Pacquiao's De La Hoya win a fluke

LOS ANGELES — Ricky Hatton thinks Manny Pacquiao's big win over Oscar De La Hoya in December was a fluke. Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) is counting on beating the Filipino star on May 2 in Las Vegas.

"Any win against Oscar is a magnificent one. Is that the Oscar De La Hoya we have come to love? I don't think so," Hatton said. "And only Oscar can say what happened on the scales. He looked a shell of the Oscar we know. I don't think it was hard to beat Oscar that night."

Pacquiao (48-3-2) and Hatton were at a red carpet event at the Roosevelt Hotel in Hollywood to promote the junior welterweight title fight for the first and only time in the U.S.

Pacquiao wants the IBO title, which belongs to Hatton.

But Hatton thinks he will have a leg up against one of the sport's best pound-for-pound fighters.

"A lot of people are seeing it as size versus speed and a lot of people thought Paulie Malignaggi would outspeed me and that wasn't the case and that was only after seven weeks with my new training team," Hatton said.

"We're even quicker again. If you could see how fast I'm performing, there's not that big a gap there. Ultimately I think size will play a big factor. He has dangers in other areas, like his speed and footwork but I'm boxing a lot cuter than I was a few years ago."

Pacquiao is known for his speed. But he could be fighting his biggest opponent in Hatton. Pacquiao was fighting in the super featherweight division last March. He moved up to welterweight to fight De La Hoya, who lost weight for the matchup.

De La Hoya didn't come out of his corner after the eighth round. Hatton suggested that De La Hoya tried to make weight too early.

"That's what people believe. Maybe they were rooting for Oscar and maybe they were fans of Oscar," Pacquiao said. "It's hard to make reasons or alibis after the fight. It's not good."

Pacquiao told reporters he weighs 148 pounds (67 kilograms). He is training with Freddie Roach in Hollywood and said camp was going well.

Hatton, who is training in Las Vegas, said he was feeling good at 150 (68 kg).

"We started training camp earlier, started sparring earlier, started running earlier. It's just because of the size of the fight. It's a fight I massively believe I can win. A boxer can't get any higher if he's the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world, so I need to just go about me business more so than ever." -AP

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154919/Hatton-Pacquiaos-De-La-Hoya-win-a-fluke

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Pacquiao convinced of Mayweather’s comeback, welcomes possible duel

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao, the current pound for pound king, is convinced that his predecessor at the mythical P4P throne, Floyd Mayweather Jr, is all set to get back into the ring. And the Filipino ring sensation welcomes a possible megafight with the coming-out-of-retirement Pretty Boy Floyd.

According to a report by boxingscene.com, Pacquiao has received word from Mayweather’s camp that the old P4P superstar is on his way back to take on the challenge from the reigning big guns such as himself. Such feelers came at a time Mayweather has hit the gym anew, reportedly to seek a fight for July 11 or September.

"I think he's going to fight again. He's not really retired. I heard from Floyd Jr.'s camp that he's coming back to the ring," Pacquiao was quoted as saying.

Speculations are rife that Mayweather is eyeing a super bout with Pacquiao for his grand return or even a gig with world lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez as possible “tune-up" fight before taking on the “Pac-man." Marquez had called out Mayweather after winning the lightweight title and his promoters at Golden Boy Promotions are reportedly serious to pursue this fight.

But if you ask Pacquiao, he feels it would be a smart move if Mayweather tackles Marquez or anybody else before their ultimate battle but expressed willingness to take on Mayweather’s challenge should it materialize immediately.

"For me -- if I'm Floyd -- I would fight a tune-up fight and then fight me," Pacquiao said. "That's for me, but I don't know what his plan is. He might want to fight me right away."

The 30-year-old Pacquiao is set to battle Ricky “Hitman" Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas with the latter’s International Boxing Organization junior welterweight title on the line. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154910/Pacquiao-convinced-of-Mayweathers-comeback-welcomes-possible-duel

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Friday, March 27, 2009

Lea Salonga eyed to sing RP National Anthem in Pacquiao-Hatton bout

MANILA, Philippines – World renowned artist Lea Salonga is being eyed by Team Pacquiao to sing the Philippine National Anthem in Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming fight against Ricky Hatton.

The Pacquiao-Hatton bout, dubbed “The Battle of East vs. West," is scheduled on May 2 (May 3 in Manila) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena is Las Vegas, Nevada.

Aside from Salonga, the other Filipino singer being considered is Philippine concert king Martin Nievera according to entertainment blog Sassyqarla.com, which quoted Bulgar columnist Nap Alip.

Alip, in his column, said that Salonga leads Nievera since the Tony Award-winning actress is Pacquiao’s personal choice.

Artists who previously sang in Pacquiao’s previous fights were Karylle (against Oscar de La Hoya), Ciara Sotto (versus Juan Manuel Marquez), Nicole Angela Judalena (against David Diaz), Kyla (versus Marco Antonio Barrera) and Geneva Cruz (against Jorge Solis). – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154510/Lea-Salonga-eyed-to-sing-RP-National-Anthem-in-Pacquiao-Hatton-bout

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Pacquiao among Time's most influential people

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s influence transcends beyond the sport of boxing in the Philippines and this got noticed by Time Magazine in a recent poll out to find the world’s Top 100 most influential people.

The candidates list is a compilation of the most influential people in government, science, technology, the arts and sports.

According to the magazine’s website, the 30-year old Filipino boxing superstar earned a place in the list after he stunned the boxing world with an eighth-round technical knockout win over Oscar De La Hoya last December.

Pacquiao’s popularity in the sport of boxing is clearly etched in the Filipino minds consciousness that every time he climbs the ring the country experiences zero crime rate

But Pacquiao’s fame failed to propel him to victory when he decided to enter the political ring in 2007 where he suffered a knockout loss in his bid for a seat in the House of Representatives.

Fans of the Filipino boxing icon have been very vocal in discouraging Pacquiao to enter politics. He is again planning for another congressional bid in the 2010 national elections.

Pacquiao is currently ranked seventh among the Top 10 with 135,921 votes and a 26 average rating. He is behind TV comic Jon Stewart and is ahead of pop princess Britney Spears in the Top 10 list.

Leading the list is imageboard website 4chan.org followed by South Korean pop star Rain, TV host Stephen Colbert, former US presidential candidate Ron Paul and Rwanda President Paul Kagame in the Top 5.

Others in the Top 10 are American author Stephenie Mayer and rap artist T-Pain.

Pacquiao is ranked above the likes of Russian President Vladimir Putin, US President Barrack Obama, California Gov. Arnold Schwarznegger, radio host Rush Limbaugh, golfer Tiger Woods, Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim, athletes Lance Armstrong and Alex Rodriguez, the Dalai Lamai and media mogul Oprah Winfrey.

Pacquiao is only the second Filipino to be included in the Time 100 list next to former President Corazon Aquino. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154408/Pacquiao-among-Times-most-influential-people

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Pacquiao leads online poll for top P4P fighter

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is currently leading an online poll that hopes to crown the top pound-for-pound fighter in the last 20 years.

Boxing fans chose from the 10 boxers of the last 20 years compiled by examiner.com writer Marv Dumon.

Aside from Pacquiao, also included in the list are “Iron" Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr., Evander “The Real Deal" Holyfield, Julio Cesar Chavez, Felix Trinidad, Oscar “Golden Boy" De La Hoya, Bernard “The Executioner" Hopkins, “Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Pernell “Sweet Pea" Whitaker.

Pacquiao got 81 percent of the votes followed by Tyson with seven and Jones with three. Chavez, De La Hoya, Hopkins and Mayweather got one percent of the votes while Holyfield, Trinidad and Whitaker got none.

Dumon made the list based on “four criteria that stand out that differentiates a fighter from a crowd full of commendable talent."

Boxers were selected based on the following criteria: (1) Quality of opponents and willingness to face adversity; (2) Ring dominance: boxing skills, knockout power, fight intelligence; (3) Ability to “rise to the occasion", courage and “ring magic"; and (4) prestige, following, marketability (in sports, boxing and society). – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154381/Pacquiao-leads-online-poll-for-top-P4P-fighter

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‘Hitman’ plans two more fights after Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – British boxer Ricky Hatton plans to have two more fights after his bout with Manny Pacquiao before finally hanging up his gloves hoping to end his career as boxing’s top pound-for-pound fighter.

Hatton will face Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound king, on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and hopes to fight Juan Manuel Marquez, who is ranked second in the list, later this year.

“I would like to finish the year off fighting Juan Manuel Marquez – he's number two in the pound-for-pound ratings – and in doing that and establishing myself as number one," Hatton said in an interview with British news website Evening Standard.

Hatton believes beating Pacquiao and Marquez would give him the chance for a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather Jr., the only boxer who beat him. “I'd like to think I'd get a rematch with Mayweather."

Mayweather, who ended Hatton’s 43-match winning streak with a 10th round TKO in 2007, plans to get out of retirment and is looking for a megabuck deal among the sport's top draws. Hatton wants to capitalize on Mayweather’s planned return and is seeking for a rematch.

He, however, is currently focused training for his match against Pacquiao. “Those three fights will see me to the end of my career. But I can't look at Marquez or Mayweather yet as I’m fighting Pacquiao."

Helping him prepare against Pacquiao is Floyd Sr., Mayweather’s father. “Floyd (Sr.) has brought my boxing ability back, got me using my jab."

Hatton said he is comfortable with the older Mayweather’s training style. “When you think of the improvements in the Paulie Malignaggi fight – we were only together seven weeks and for the first two or three we had to get used to each other." – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154354/Hitman-plans-two-more-fights-after-Pacquiao

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Hatton credits Mayweather Sr. for getting him back in shape

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Hatton’s weight problems are a thing of the past, no thanks to the training he endured under Floyd Mayweather Sr.

The “Hitman’s" fluctuating weight is a well-documented event in Britain since Hatton regularly gains a few pounds in between fights.

But after completing the British leg of his preparations for his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao, Hatton says he feels fitter than ever. “My weight is right down, I'm in great shape. Ricky “Fatton" has disappeared."

“I've never been as down on my weight. I’m pretty much at the weight – 154lbs – which I will be on the night. As the fight gets nearer I will get faster, sharper and more explosive," said the reigning IBO light-welterweight champion in an interview with British website sportinglife.com.

Hatton said Mayweather was instrumental in whipping him into shape that helped restore his career.

He added that he rather wants to be ahead of schedule than fall behind with his training. “It is great being ahead of schedule in that it gives you a luxury. I’d rather be ahead now than chasing it later on."

“I have to be careful I don't over-cook it but I – and Floyd – are too long in the tooth, boxing-wise, to let that happen."

Hatton scored a convincing win against Paulie Malignaggi in November with Mayweather’s help. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154238/Hatton-credits-Mayweather-Sr-for-getting-him-back-in-shape

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‘Hitman’ Hatton to go with guns blazing vs Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – As if living up to his ring moniker and new tattoo, Ricky “Hitman" Hatton said he would come to his Manny 2 fight with Filipino ring super star Manny Pacquiao with all guns blazing.

In an interview with British media Tuesday (Wednesday morning in Manila), Hatton bared a “simple gameplan" against the reigning pound for pound fighter: “Attack, attack and attack again," he said.

This relentless offensive from the opening bell on, claimed Hatton, would be too much for Pacquiao to bear. Especially with his vaunted size and power plus his underappreciated speed, coming into play.

“We are both very aggressive and both like to go forward but ultimately my size and power will be a factor. But it's not just a power thing. I'm working on my speed. I think they [Pacquiao camp] see me as a slow fighter and they will get a shock on the night [at] just how fast I am," Hatton was quoted by The Sporting Life.

The Ring Magazine and International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight champion assessed that the tactic Pacquiao utilized in demolishing a “fading" Oscar De La Hoya – box - won’t work against him.

"I'll be keeping the same ferocity I've always had and when he (Pacquiao) feels my strength I don't think Manny will stand about," Hatton said.

"I think he will think he can out-box me like he did Oscar De La Hoya. He might come and have a go early on but with the greatest respect I don't think it would have been hard to out-box Oscar that night. If Manny thinks he can do the same to me I think he will come unstuck," he added.

The 30-year-old Hatton boasted that he's been tremendously improving under the guidance of Floyd Mayweather, Sr., the same trainer on his corner when he dished out what many acknowledge as one of his best performance ever against Paulie Malignaggi.

"We are only halfway through the training camp, there are six weeks to go and I think a lot of fighters would be happy with my speed, sharpness and timing come fight night," the bomber from Manchester said.

"I'm happy with the stage I am at but I just know my boxing ability, combination punches, jabbing and head movement is going to get so much better. I have a nice balance now and the fight can't come quick enough," he added.

During the same chat with the British press, Hatton downplayed the presence of his compatriot and pal Amir Khan in Pacquiao’s Los Angeles training camp. Fresh from his technical decision win over Marco Antonio Barrera, Khan has been summoned to the Wildcard Gym by his trainer Freddie Roach to possibly train and spar with the Pac Man.

But Hatton shrugged this off, believing Khan wouldn’t be of much help to Pacquiao anyway.

“I will be putting pressure on Pacquiao and backing him to the ropes. Amir will be using his speed to move away," the Mancunian noted. "He (Pacquiao) is not fighting someone who is going to move away. Style-wise we are two completely different fighters and I can't see how that is going to benefit Manny in the slightest. I don't think that Amir, as fast as he is, is a good sparring partner."

Hatton and Pacquiao are slated to mix it up for the anticipated "Battle of East and West" bout on May 2 in Las Vegas, with the British bomber’s title on the line. Hatton vowed to not only retain the title but also outclass the man universally recognized as the world’s best fighter regardless of weight.

“If you beat the pound-for-pound number one that is a statement," Hatton said. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154213/Hitman-Hatton-to-go-with-guns-blazing-vs-Pacquiao

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Mayweather may return, eyeing Pacquiao as foe

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s name is being floated as one of the top contenders of Floyd Mayweather Jr. if ever the former pound-for-pound king decides to come out of retirement.

Golden Boy Promotions chief executive officer Richard Schaeffer said Mayweather, who retired after beating Ricky Hatton in 2007, could pick from four high-profile opponents if he decides to once again climb the ring this year.

A Mayweather-Pacquiao match would pit the reigning pound-for-pound champion against the former title holder.

Mayweather was undefeated in 39 fights, with 25 knockouts, when he retired.

Pacquiao holds a 48-3-2 win-loss-draw record with 37 of his wins by way of knockout. He is currently training for his upcoming fight against Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Schaeffer said Pacquiao would solidify his hold of the pound-for-pound title if he beats Hatton. “I don't care who you put in front of (Pacquiao), big or small, he would be the pound-for-pound champion."

He added that a Mayweater-Pacquiao match will be a huge draw in Las Vegas. “To put (Pacquiao) and Mayweather together, it would be for all the marbles. If you think about it, even if you were a casual fan, you would have to get excited about them."

Others being considered are Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs), “Sugar" Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) and Juan Manuel Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KOs).

Hatton is eyeing a rematch against Mayweather after suffering a ninth-round technical knockout (TKO) loss in their December 8, 2007 fight. He could earn that rematch if ever the British boxing superstar upsets Pacquiao.

“Just imagine the huge draw of a sellout crowd at Wembley Stadium in London with 100,000 people if Hatton would beat Pacquiao," said Schaeffer. “It (Hatton-Mayweather) would be a huge, huge, historic fight."

Mosley, meanwhile, called on Mayweather after a ninth-round TKO of Antonio Margarito in their WBA welterweight title fight in Los Angeles early this year.

Schaefer said Mosley’s speed could counter Mayweather’s speed. “He’s (Mosley) a bigger and stronger guy, so Mayweather would have to utilize all of his skills in the ring. It would be interesting. It would make for a great fight."

Marquez, meanwhile, could get Mayweather’s attention after his knockout win against Juan Diaz last month making him Mexico’s top boxer.

“So, you're going to have all of Mexico standing behind Marquez. He’s a smaller guy, but, as he has moved up in weight, he has gotten better and better. Mayweather hasn’t fought in like 16 months. Marquez is a pound-for-pound star. That would be an amazing match up," said Schaeffer. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154209/Mayweather-may-return-eyeing-Pacquiao-as-foe

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Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Manny Pacquiao Is A Candidate For The 2009 TIME Magazine 100


He is the only boxer to make the list of candidates this year, but he needs more high rated votes to make the actual top 100. For people who follow boxing you know how influential Manny Pacquiao is in his country of the Philippines. When he fights there is nearly zero crime because everyone stops what they are doing just to watch his fight. He can bring the country of over 80 million and the Filipinos around the world together for that brief moment which is an amazing feat not even shared by many political figures today. The Pacman is also one of the most generous sports figures in the world, he gives back so much to the poor in his country of the Philippines that his trainer Freddie Roach worries that he might wind up broke. His story inspires many people world wide not just Filipinos but anyone who can relate to the struggle of coming from nothing and having to survive on hope, hard work and determination to never quit no matter how tough the fight is in the ring or in life.

Vote for The Pacman HERE

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Pacquiao voted 2008 fighter of year by US boxing scribes

NEW YORK — Filipino star Manny Pacquiao has been voted fighter of the year by the Boxing Writers Association of America after a dominating win over Oscar De La Hoya.

Joe Calzaghe was runner-up, but voted manager of the year Tuesday for guiding his own career. The undefeated former super middleweight champion recently retired.

Pacquiao won three times in 2008, highlighted by his stoppage of De La Hoya. Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, was a voted trainer of the year, the third time he has won the award.

The super batamweight rubber match between Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez was chosen fight of the year. Vazquez won the fight by split decision.

The awards will be presented at the annual BWAA dinner June 12 in New York. -AP

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154127/Pacquiao-voted-2008-fighter-of-year-by-US-boxing-scribes

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It's all work for Pacquiao at Wildcard Gym in LA


MANILA, Philippines – Boxing champ Manny Pacquiao resumed his training at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles on Monday (Tuesday in Manila), putting behind the controversy that could have stirred up a hornet's nest.

GMA News' 24 Oras reported that Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao's assistant trainer, jacked up Pacman's sparring sessions to six rounds to keep the Filipino boxing icon in top form.

“Slowly we will increase the number of rounds of his sessions until he reaches his peak. Before it was only five rounds now we are doing six and we would add more as the fight nears," Fernandez said in Filipino.

To make Pacman more focussed on his training, Team Pacquiao prohibited media coverage at the Wildcard Gym and scheduled autograph signing and photo sessions with the boxer only every Saturday.

It was apparent that Pacquiao was already working out at ease after he was able to settle his dispute with Solar Entertainment Corporation over the latter's right to air Pacquiao's match with British champ Ricky Hatton.

Last week, Pacquiao decided to rescind his contract with Solar Sports and personally gave the rights of airing his scheduled May 2 fight against Ricky Hatton to ABS-CBN.

The Filipino boxing icon, however, changed his mind and honored his existing contract with Solar, which has the rights of airing all of his future fights until 2011. Pacquiao met with Solar officials led by president and chief executive officer Wilson Tieng and chief operating officer Peter Chanliong last Friday to discuss the terms of his contract.

According to Pacquiao, ABS-CBN failed to keep its promise to not air his video statement until he has proven that Solar did not violate any provisions in their contract.

But according to ABS-CBN, Pacquiao gave them his consent to air his recorded statement. However, they still respect Pacquiao’s decision of sticking with Solar Sports.

GMA Network president and chief executive officer Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, meanwhile, welcomed Pacquiao’s decision of honoring his contract with Solar.

“Pacquiao made a bold statement during the press conference organized by GMA and Solar Sports when he said that ABS reneged on their commitment not to air the video of his transfer until after he has proven the breach of contract on Solar’s part," said Gozon in a statement.

Gozon even admired Pacquiao for his courage in admitting his faults. “It’s now time to move forward and forget everything that happened. GMA wishes for Pacquiao’s victory against Hatton." – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/154073/Its-all-work-for-Pacquiao-at-Wildcard-Gym-in-LA

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Sunday, March 22, 2009

Pacquiao gets 'fully focused' on training now

MANILA, Philippines – The mess brought about by his planned switch in TV partner and its consequential legal implications already over, Filipino pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao goes about his usual business – training – with 100 percent focus.

“From this day onward I want to fully concentrate on my training for my upcoming fight on May 2," Pacquiao, who is slated to slug it out with Ricky Hatton, said after fixing the problem by agreeing to honor his live contract with Solar Entertainment Corp.

The 30-year-old Pacquiao got entangled with the TV brouhaha Wednesday when he announced he was rescinding the license-agreement with Solar despite the fact it still has two years left. He then picked ABS-CBN, drawing howls of protests from Solar, which threatened to sue Pacquiao for breach and damages. Pacquiao was also under fire from GMA Network, Inc., with which he is contracted as a talent, for appearing on ABS-CBN.

But after thinking things over with his team, Pacquiao on Saturday announced he was sticking it out with Solar, saying the disturbance was just a “misunderstanding" on the part of Pacquiao’s MP Promotions and the media outfit. With this, the Pacquiao-Hatton fight will be shown on GMA, as per a separate contract between the network and Solar.

An apologetic Pacquiao, in a statement read by his lawyer Franklin Gacal, appealed to his fans for understanding. “Hopefully everyone will understand and I count on your never-ending support and prayer on all my fights."

The resolution of the TV mess eliminated a source of distraction for the reigning pound for pound king, who is in the thick of preparations for his brawl with International Boxing Organization junior welterweight champion Hatton.

But with or without distraction, Pacquiao’s brother, Bobby, expressed belief the ring superstar is a focused man at camp. “Si Manny naman, kapag oras ng training, talagang training iyan," he said in an earlier interview with 24 Oras.

It also got rid of fight fans’ nagging fears that the looming legal battle over airing rights might result to the Pacquiao-Hatton fight not being shown on local TV at all. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153759/Pacquiao-gets-fully-focused-on-training-now

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Hatton looks past Pacquiao, eyes megabuck fights with JMM, Floyd Jr

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky “Hitman" Hatton looks at his upcoming fight with Manny Pacquiao not only as a shot at the pound for pound title but as a stepping stone to more lucrative fights.

In an interview with News of the World, Hatton said he is eyeing a megabuck gig with lightweight king Juan Manuel Marquez and comebacking P4P superstar Floyd Mayweather Jr. before he hangs up his gloves.

But that is if he gets past the Filipino ring idol on May at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

““If I beat Pacquiao, I’d like to fight Marquez. Then next summer I’d love an open-air fight at Wembley Stadium against Floyd Mayweather, Jr," Hatton told NOTW.

He did not say what his plans are in case of a loss to the Pac Man.

The 30-year-old Hatton envisions a Manchester bout with Marquez, who is currently ranked second in the latest P4P lists of Ring Magazine, Sports Illustrated and ESPN, that will generate £20 million. Even bigger, probably quadruple that amount, would be a second go at Mayweather, the man responsible for his lone setback, at Wembley. Mayweather, reportedly on the comeback trail from retirement to challenge the current P4P holder and/or wannabes, knocked out Hatton in 10 their welterweight showdown in 2007.

But then again, Pacquiao would surely have other plans that could spoil Hatton’s dream farewell outings. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153757/Hatton-looks-past-Pacquiao-eyes-megabuck-fights-with-JMM-Floyd-Jr

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Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Pacquiao: Hatton bout will be a tough fight



Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/sports/03/18/09/pacquiao-hatton-bout-will-be-tough-fight

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'Pacquiao's southpaw stance to frustrate Hatton'

Just like what happened in the Oscar de la Hoya fight, Manny Pacquiao's southpaw stance could be his key edge against UK’s toughie Ricky Hatton.

In a recent article written by Gary Todd of BaraggingRightsCorner.com, one of the weaknesses he pointed out about Hatton is his difficulty in handling left-handed fighters.

Todd said the reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight champ had problems against former champions Juan Urango, Eamonn Magee, and Luis Collazo. All of them are left handed.

Although Hatton won over the three, he had a more difficult time since he won via unanimous decisions, unlike most of his knockout victories.

Hatton absorbed the first knockdown of his career in the hands of Magee after only one minute of the fight in the first round.

Todd said this is an indication of how Pacquiao should handle Hatton.

“If Pacquiao is going to win, he has to jab and move, doubling up and hit Hatton with fast combinations, while moving to his right,” Todd said in his article.

He added that Pacquiao should stay off the ropes to avoid being cornered by Hatton.

“If he can do that, then he should frustrate Hatton into opening up and make mistakes until he eventually breaks him down mentally, then physically,” said Todd.

If Pacquiao could do all these, Todd said the Filipino fighter could come out the winner in the latter rounds.

Pacquiao used the same advantage over de la Hoya, whom Top Rank chief Bob Arum said has problems with left-handed fighters.

“Oscar, as I said time and time again, always has problems with left handers. His entire career he's only fought two southpaws (three, including Pacquiao). One was [Hector] Camacho… and [Pernell] Whitaker,” Arum had said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/03/17/09/pacquiaos-southpaw-stance-frustrate-hatton

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Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Roach back at Wild Card to fully take over Pacquiao training camp


MANILA, Philippines – After missing the early part of training camp, Freddie Roach is expected to fully take over the work out and preparation of Manny Pacquiao for his May 2 fight with Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Any day now, Roach will be reporting back at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles following almost a two-week absence to be with world title prospect Amir Khan in his bout against Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in Manchester, England.

Khan beat Barrera via a fifth round technical decision.

In his absence, Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez, conditioning coach Alex Ariza and former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer tried to hold the fort and set off Pacquiao’s heavy, eight-week training for his first ring appearance for 2009.

But of course, there’s nothing like having back the same man responsible for molding Pacquiao to be the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter that he is known today.

Upon Roach’s return, he also brought along an assurance from the lanky Khan that the British fighter will help get the Filipino ring idol in shape against his countryman.

Khan told Roach before the trainer departed for L.A. that he’ll show up at the Wild Card gym once sparring session for Pacquiao begins.

“I’d like to help Manny because he’s a good friend," said the 2004 Athens Olympics silver medalist.

Khan and Pacquiao had sparred together twice in the past just before their respective big fights.

The native of Manchester, England held a few sparring session with the Filipino just as he was preparing for his mega-welterweight showdown with the legendary Oscar Dela Hoya last year.

The 30-year-old southpaw from General Santos City then returned the compliment when he helped Khan get in shape for his make-or-break encounter with Barrera. A former conqueror of the Mexican Hall of Famer, Pacquiao also gave the Briton a few tips on Barrera’s weaknesses.


Working out again with the boxing star he considers as his new best mate would be a great experience for him, according to Khan.

“The sparring would do me good as well. It would help me to learn much confidence-wise just to spar with him. If I can handle him and spar with him, it's going to take me on to the next level," said the Englishman.

Roach didn’t hide his elation when Khan answered his plea to spar with Pacquiao

“I love using Amir because when Manny can handle his speed, then he's sharp," said the American trainer. “And when you're sharp you can deal with anybody." –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153098/Roach-back-at-Wild-Card-to-fully-take-over-Pacquiao-training-camp

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Saturday, March 14, 2009

Ricky Hatton On Pacquiao



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Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao Preview with Bernard Hopkins



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PACQUIAO FIRST DAY OF TRAINING AT THE WILDCARD GYM LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA



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WBC lists Pacquiao No. 3 contender at super lightweight division

MANILA, Philippines – The World Boxing Council (WBC) has listed Filipino pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao the No. 3 contender in the super lightweight (140-lb) division in its March ratings.

Pacquiao is now campaigning at the 140-lb wars (super lightweight or junior welterweight) after briefly holding the WBC’s lightweight (135-lb) belt he won at the expense of David Diaz last year.

The Filipino phenom is gunning for the International Boxing Organization (IBO)’s version of the crown against Ricky Hatton on May 2 and WBC president Jose Sulaiman is said to have declared that a victory here would make Pacquiao the No. 1 contender in the WBC’s side.

The WBC super-lightweight crown is currently held by Timothy Bradley. The No. 1 contender in the latest WBC list is Devon Alexander, followed by ex-champ Junior Witter (No.2), Pacquiao (No. 3), Nate Cambell (No. 4) and Hatton (No. 5).

Meanwhile, four other Filipino fighters were listed inside the Top 10 of their respective divisions.

Lightflyweight campaigners Juanito Rubillar and Sonny Boy Jaro are ranked third and fourth, respectively, in the 108-lb category while OPBF superbantam holder Rolly Lunas is No. 3 at 122-lb. Strawweight Milan Melindo is No. 7 in the 105-lb division. -GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152640/WBC-lists-Pacquiao-No-3-contender-at-super-lightweight-division

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Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Pacquiao vs Hatton: Amazing fight of both fighters...



Best of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton


Best of Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao


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Too Much Alcohol Can Cause Hatton's Defeat by Manny Pacquiao


Floyd Mayweather, Sr. has warned his ward Ricky Hatton about his drinking habit saying that he is doing the wrong thing and that it will catch up on him later. Mayweather was short of saying that it may cause his defeat by Manny Pacquiao.
Popular British boxer Ricky Hatton is known for his binge drinking and chances are he would combine drinking and training for his date with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.

Certainly drinking (alcoholic) and training do not go together. And Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Maywether Sr. knows this so well. And so the old reliable trainer warned his favorite ward yesterday to go slow on his drinking habit.

‘I don’t like boxers drinking and Ricky would be much better without it’, Mayweather said. He could get whooped by a nobody because he is doing the wrong thing with his body’, the father of the former pound-for-pound king Floyd, Jr. said.

‘I’ve spoken to him about it and I hope he gets the message. It’s going to catch up with him somewhere down the line’, he added.

Hatton who celebrated by drinking several pints of beer after knocking out Paulie Malignaggi last year is oozing with confidence that he will be able to overpower Pacquiao in their light welterweight (140 lb) showdown at the MGM Grand garden arena in Las Vegas., Inquirer.net reports.

Hatton has been criticized even by his own boxing fans about his uncontrollable drinking habit. But he was quoted to have said just before he faced Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas, ‘I will not stop drinking’. That was his straight answer to a question by a news reporter on his well publicized binge drinking.

On top of Hatton’s love for beer, vodka and other alcoholic drinks, he is also a food lover. He feasts on fried food and other fatty food items that are served during drinking sessions.

As Freddie Roach said, ‘You cannot change a boxer overnight; it takes years of continuous training and practice’. In the case of Ricky Hatton, it is doubtful if he will listen to his trainer. Just like drugs, alcohol is addictive and Hatton has been drinking since he was just starting out in the boxing profession. This makes it very hard for him to give it up almost instantly.

Hatton’s lack of discipline with regards to his health and his continued drinking habit could lead to his downfall as a boxer. And even if he stops drinking now, there is no assurance that he will be physically fit when he climbs up the ring on May 2, 2009 and face the world’s best pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/268717

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Pacquiao vs. Hatton: The Best Dancer will Win

In the fortcoming boxing fight between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of England, both fighters are expected to dance in the ring but whoever dances best is predicted to win the match
Lee Beard, the other trainer of British boxer Ricky Hatton told Telegraph sports yesterday that Pacquiao will go down in six rounds, Inquirer.net reports.

‘Manny makes some massive errors and he is very repetitive in some of his movements and with certain punches and the way he throws them’ Lee Beard said.

Beard may be right in his prediction. But it can only happen if Manny Pacquiao forgets to dance alone and refuse to waltz with Hatton in the early rounds.

Hatton will definitely bulldoze Pacquiao starting straight from the very first round and if Pacquiao is caught relaxing, Lee Beard’s prediction may just come true.

Pacquiao must be extra careful especially in the first few rounds as Hatton will, without hesitation, jump to his front yard at the first opportunity. Hatton is a good runner and he will run full speed ahead to catch Pacquiao and deliver his vaunted power shot. And if Pacquiao remains stationary, he will succumb to Hatton’s speed and power punches.

Dancing is the name of the game in the coming Pacquiao-Hatton match. Both boxers are noted for their speed and power punches. It is now therefore a question of who is more speedy and powerful. And who of them does this with some measure of luck, becomes the winner by knock out.

If the rounds go past six, it becomes another story altogether. Manny’s boxing fans predict that Pacquiao will have the advantage of winning either by knock out or majority decision. They premise their prediction on the fact that Pacquaio has more stamina than Hatton.

Boxing fans of Manny Pacquiao especially those who watch him train at the Wild Card gym, observed that Pacquiao seems to gain more strength in the later rounds. This observation can also be validated by the latest Pacquiao fights that go the distance. Pacquiao has always maintained his poise even in the last two rounds of his most recent fights that went the distance.

Although Hatton has shown stamina in his last duel with Paulie Malignaggi, he has since indulged in non-stop eating and drinking including frequent night outs and partying, according to various sports articles.

His fans in England have called on him to slow down on his drinking habit but he said he won’t stop. His non-stop celebration after winning over Malignaggi might just take its toll on his health that could cause his downfall starting with his duel with Manny Pacquiao on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand garden arena in Las Vegas Nevada.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/268822

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Khan torn between sparmate Pacquiao, compatriot Hatton

MANILA, Philippines – Amir Khan vows he would remain neutral when fellow British boxer Ricky Hatton stakes his world title belts against reigning pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton, the current IBF and IBO light welterweight world champion, will be facing Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 2.

Khan, in an interview with British news website the Daily Mirror, said that he won’t be passing any tips to Hatton on how to beat Pacquiao.

He shares the same trainer with Pacquiao – Freddie Roach. Khan, 22, has also sparred with the Filipino boxing icon before his last fight against Oscar De La Hoya.

Khan said his loyalties will be torn between Hatton and Pacquiao. “It’s going to be hard to know whose side I will be on – I think I will have to stay neutral. They are both mates – both dead funny."

He said that he would once again spar with Pacquiao when Roach resumes their training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angles.

Roach is currently in the United Kingdom fine-tuning Khan’s game plan in his scheduled 12-round fight against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera.

The Khan-Barrera bout is scheduled on Saturday, March 14, at the MEN Arena in Manchester. – GMANewsTV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152117/Khan-torn-between-sparmate-Pacquiao-compatriot-Hatton

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Pacquiao steps up training – minus Roach

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao stepped up on his training for his upcoming fight with Ricky Hatton but he has to work out without the man responsible for his biggest successes – trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach, who had overseen Pacquiao’s previous training camps all the way, including the build-up for the Oscar De La Hoya megafight, is out for a week to be at the corner of Amir Khan when the British fighter takes on Marco Antonio Barrera this weekend in England.

In his absence, Roach had left Pacquiao at the hands of his new assistant, former world heavyweight champ Michael Moorer, together with Eric Brown and Buboy Fernandez - remotely monitoring the progress and dishing out instructions from Khan’s base.

On Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at the Wild Card Gym in LA, Pacquiao begun his second week at the camp with the usual shadow boxing, double and single speed bags, jump rope, heavy bag and abs exercises and stretching routines, Philboxing.com reported.

The boxing website also narrated that Fernandez took the place of Roach in doing the mitts with his old buddy Pac Man for six rounds.

Roach, who had predicted another knockout win for his prized ward, is expected to be back at the Pacquiao camp upon completion of his duties for Khan’s March 14 WBA International and WBO Intercontinental lightweight title duel with Barrera.

The Hall of Fame trainer would return to Wild Card Gym in time for Pacquiao’s planned six weeks of sparring beginning March 17.

Roach is apparently convinced that while he’s away, he’s left Pacquiao in good hands under Moorer, whom he described as “a pretty good teacher" in an earlier interview with Sky Sports.

Pacquiao, acknowledged as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, mixes it up with Hatton, the International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight champion, on May 2 in Las Vegas. -GMANews.Tv

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152110/Pacquiao-steps-up-training--minus-Roach

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Hopkins picks Pacquiao to win this time around

MANILA, Philippines – From Pacquiao basher to “Pacman" believer.

Former undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins sees Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao winning his May 2 fight against Englishman Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Interviewed on ESPN’S Friday Night Fight, Hopkins told host Brian Kenny that Pacquiao’s speed and power will spell the difference in his light-welterweight encounter with Hatton.

“I see Pacquiao pouring all the speed, scoring on side angles. Ricky Hatton’s not gonna know when to fight a different style at the right time, and I think that’s when Pacquiao is at his best, when guys come forward to him and picks him off," said Hopkins.

That he’s siding with Pacquiao this time is a bit surprising.

Just three months ago, Hopkins said no way would the Filipino ring icon beat the legendary Oscar De La Hoya in their highly-awaited welterweight showdown also at the MGM Grand.

In front of some 6,000 screaming fans at the MGM Grand, Hopkins boasted during the official weigh-in of the Dec. 6 bout that “Oscar De La Hoya will win this fight," even predicting that Pacquiao would be knocked out in the 7th or 8th round.

His statement naturally drew a loud chorus of boos from the multitude of Filipino fans back then. Hopkins then snapped back, “If there’s a problem with what I said, I’ll be waiting outside."

The 30-year old four-time world champion went on to prove Hopkins wrong by dealing De La Hoya his worst beating as a pro and scored a stunning eighth round technical knockout.

Now Hopkins is singing a different tune.

“Pacquiao has the fast hands, and Hatton’s style is to come forward and come forward. So look for Pacquiao to catch him coming in," he said.

“I don’t’ think he (Hatton) can better box than Pacquiao."

But Hopkins tried to be fair to the fighter from Manchester, whom he expects to give the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today a very competitive fight.

“He (Pacquiao) is gonna be tested by Ricky Hatton. Hatton is a very aggressive fighter. For sure, this is gonna be an exciting fight," he said.

A noted puncher known for not backing off, Hatton could give Pacquiao problems in the early rounds of the fight, according to Hopkins.

But not for long.

“Early on, yes. But as time goes on with the fight, he’ll be getting hit for being aggressive," said the future Hall of Famer.

“If Hatton don’t come out with another plan or style, then it’s going to be a problem," Hopkins said. –GMANews.Tv

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151990/Hopkins-picks-Pacquiao-to-win-this-time-around

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Sunday, March 8, 2009

No reason to underestimate Hatton, says P4P king Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing pundits and fans may have installed him as the early favorite against Ricky Hatton but Filipino pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is not one to take the British bomber lightly.

Speaking at the historic Filipino Town district in Los Angeles, where he received the “People’s Champion" award from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and joined the Southern California Filipino Community for their Day of Service Saturday, Pacquiao said he’s leaving no stone unturned as he gears up against Hatton.

Pacquiao, the first Asian to fighter win world titles in four division, is set to vie for Hatton’s International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight belt on May 2 in Las Vegas.

“Si Ricky Hatton, malakas din iyan, champion din yan. Hindi natin pwede i-underestimate yan, hindi natin pwedeng bigyan ng kumpiyansa. Kailangang mag-ensayo tayo nang mabuti," Pacquiao told the large crowd, estimated to be close to 1,000.

The 30-year-old Pacquiao took a short break from his training at Wild Card Gym to receive the award and join Villaraigosa in a dedicating a tree as part of the Fil-Am community’s efforts to spruce up the district.

He was accompanied in the event by former world heavyweight champions Michael Moorer, the latest addition to Wild Card’s roster of trainers. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151867/No-reason-to-underestimate-Hatton-says-P4P-king-Pacquiao

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Saturday, March 7, 2009

Pacquiao hopes to settle issue with Marquez

MANILA, Philippines – Now Manny Pacquiao says he is open to the idea of a third match with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao, in an interview with setanta.com, said he wants to face Marquez to finally settle the issue of who is the better fighter between the two boxers. “If he wants to fight somebody, anybody, I wish that we will meet again."

Marquez has been asking for a second rematch with Pacquiao after losing to the Filipino boxing icon via split decision in their WBC world superfeatherweight title match last year dubbed “Unfinished Business".

Their first meeting ended in a controversial draw.

“I think there would be more action in the ring after our two battles and we need to put into the minds of people that there is a winner," said Pacquiao, who is preparing for his May 2 bout with British boxer Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao’s split decision victory over Marquez is one of the three fights he won last year.

After winning Marquez’ WBC superfeatherweight belt, Pacquiao added the WBC world lightweight title after a ninth round stoppage of Mexican David Diaz for victory No.2.

Pacquiao finally earned the admiration of the boxing world when he demolished boxing icon Oscar De La Hoya in December. He dominated De La Hoya in eight rounds to force the legendary fighter to throw in the towel before the start of the ninth.

“It’s a miracle, unbelievable. I did everything for that fight. Everything I could have done in training I did for that fight and I always thank God for giving it to me," said Pacquiao.

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151807/Pacquiao-hopes-to-settle-issue-with-Marquez

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Pacquiao will go down, says Hatton trainer

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Hatton trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. issued a stern warning that Manny Pacquiao would go down in their May 2 fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“I am going to be honest with you. I think Ricky has a very, very good chance of knocking Pacquiao out," Mayweather said.

Aside from the world’s best-pound-for-pound title, Hatton’s IBO lightwelterweight crown is also at stake in the fight dubbed “The Battle of East and West".

"Everything is mapped out. I think a knockout is going to be more likely than anything. Ricky's chances are very great at that," said Mayweather Sr., who believes Hatton will be boxing’s new pound-for-pound king.

Mayweather Sr., who helped improved Hatton’s technique, said he was confident Pacquiao would struggle against his wards’ power and ability to match the Filipino boxing icon’s skills in the ring.

He added that he was impressed with Hatton’s speed when they opened training camp on Friday in Manchester.

Mayweather Sr. said Hatton could win if he would stick to their game plan. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151732/Pacquiao-will-go-down-says-Hatton-trainer

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Friday, March 6, 2009

Pacman starts training, aims for 5th world title

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao reported to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles eager to begin a two-month long training that would prepare him against British boxer Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao, who will face Hatton in “The Battle of East vs West" on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is on a mission to win his fifth world title in a different weight division.

"I’m hungry to win this fight. I want to make sure that I am in the best shape ever," said Pacquiao, who crossed the Atlantic and two time zones in just five days. "Having Freddie in my corner is a big help to me. He is a solid trainer and he teaches me a lot of strategy. I trust him, especially in the coming fight."

Roach, who was Pacquiao’s coach when he fought and won thrice last year, even introduced former heavyweight world boxing champion Michael Moorer to the Filipino boxing icon.

"He [Pacquiao] wants to get going. He is a smart guy in the ring when it comes to boxing," said Moorer, who is Roach’s assistant trainer at Wild Card Gym.

Pacquiao is aware of Hatton's reputation for using "dirty tactics." but he still respects the reigning International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization welterweight champion.

"We know that Hatton has dirty tactics," Pacquiao said. "But I still want to train hard because Hatton is a really good fighter. We are already studying his style and making adjustments."

If Pacquiao wins on May 2, he will get Hatton’s World Boxing Council lightweight and IBO welterweight championship belts.

“It would be an amazing thing for my boxing career," he said. "When I fight, it’s just not for my family, but it’s for all the Filipino people." – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151578/Pacman-starts-training-aims-for-5th-world-title

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'Stronger Hatton will beat Pacquiao to a pulp'

MANILA, Philippines – Celebrated trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. has this stern warning to Manny Pacquiao: Get ready for some beating.

Speaking before the worldwide media in a teleconference on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila), Mayweather said a shameful knockout loss is inevitable for Pacquaio when he clashes with his ward, Ricky Hatton on May 2.

His reason: They are the best fighter-trainer tandem out there and they’ve got everything spelled out for a convincing victory.

“I’ve got the best fighter and I am the best trainer. That’s the reason right there. I am the best and he is the best. Everything is mapped out. Ricky is trying to be nice, but it’s a simple fact that we’re gonna bust his (Pacquiao’s) ass up. Simple as that," Mayweather was quoted by fightnews.com.

He said Hatton’s tremendous power and strength will be too much for the Filipino pound for pound king to bear.

“I think Ricky has a very, very good chance of knocking Pacquiao out. I think a knockout is going to be more likely than anything. Ricky’s chances are very great at that. This ain’t no dehydrated Oscar de la Hoya Pacquiao is fighting now. He is fighting with a man that has real strength. A guy that can keep pressure on him, smart pressure, head movement, jabbing on the way in, banging through the body, banging through the head and smothering him at the same time. It’s going to be hard for him to deal with," he said.

Mayweather’s prediction runs counter to that of his rival over the other camp, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who projected a late-round KO ending as well, although with Pacquiao as the victor. Roach had said that Hatton’s come-forward nature will eventually spell his doom against the Pac Man.

But Mayweather shrugged off Roach’s analysis, laughing off at the latter’s capabilities as a trainer.

“Trust me, Freddie is a joke Coach Roach wouldn’t dare to approach. Believe me you will find that out. I will be honest with you, that’s a bunch of nonsense. They’ve got him in the Hall of Fame, he should be in the Hall of Shame. Let’s tell the truth like it is. You see Freddie Roach train, and you see me train, it’s night and day. It doesn’t even compare. Doesn’t even come close. I mean let’s be real. Tell the truth. Freddie Roach is a joke. And that’s what I say. That’s why his name is Freddie the joke Coach Roach," Floyd Sr. said.

The hatred and lack of respect are apparently mutual.

In an earlier interview in London, Roach had his turn in belittling Mayweather Sr.

"What has Floyd Senior achieved?," demanded Roach. "His son (retired pound for pound champ Floyd Jr.) is a natural born fighter - he was born to fight. His brother Roger trained him anyway, he never trained his son for a world title fight. Let's face it, he's not the trainer of his son. You know, he [Mayweather Sr.] tells me he's the greatest, but what has he done, who has he trained? He trained Oscar De La Hoya after Oscar had won four world titles, already!"

The Mayweather Sr.-Roach rivalry serves as an interesting sidelight to “The Battle of East and West" International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight fight between their respective wards. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151538/Stronger-Hatton-will-beat-Pacquiao-to-a-pulp

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Tuesday, March 3, 2009

I’m bigger and stronger than Pacquiao, claims boxer Hatton


LONDON (AFP) — England's world light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton believes he will emerge victorious over Filipino pugilist Manny Pacquiao in their world title bout in Las Vegas on May 2.

The 30-year-old Englishman met up with Pacquiao, who confirmed his status as the world's leading fighter with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya in 2008, in London on Monday for a friendlier meeting than can be expected of the fireworks when they face each other in May.

"My size and strength will be a key factor," Hatton told BBC Sport.

"Light-welterweight is my weight division. I've never lost at 10st and I'm brimming with confidence."

While Hatton admires his opponent, a four-weight world champion, he believes that the Filipino beat a de la Hoya, who was on the decline.

"I know he beat Oscar de la Hoya, but Oscar wasn't that difficult to beat and outbox that night, I think I could have done an equally as good job, if not better," said Hatton, who has a record of 45 wins from 46 fights.

"Oscar got in the ring at 10st 7lb, I'll get in the ring at 11st. Manny will have a lot of punishment to absorb.

"I've seen Manny dropped with body shots a few times by smaller men and seen him shook up with head punches."

However, Hatton did concede that it would not be an easy bout depsite the difference in size between the two fighters.

"I'll have a lot of difficulty with him," said Hatton, who hopes that victory over Pacquiao will pave the way for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, the only man ever to beat him.

"He's got very good punching power and very fast hands from a southpaw style. He also brings fighters on to the punch and has good footwork.

"It's the two most popular fighters in the world and the two most exciting fighters in the world fighting for the biggest prize in boxing, Manny's pound-for-pound title. It will be the fight of the year."

Pacquiao, also 30 and who owns a record of 48 wins and three losses from 53 fights, said he felt the same thrill aobut this fight than he had for when he fought de la Hoya.

"The intensity for this fight is the same as for the Oscar de la Hoya fight (which was last December)," he said.

"But I think there will be more action in the ring against Ricky, the intensity will be double it was in the last fight."

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach, who also trains British lightweight star Amir Khan, said Hatton was the ideal opponent for his boxer.

"Ricky will make us look great," said Roach, who has also worked with Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, De la Hoya, among others.

"He'll run into too many problems and we'll dominate. We're just too quick and I have the game-plan mapped out already. He'll make it difficult for us for a little while, but we will get to him."

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g-C3xfvdt_VlqYUFWBxioQzR4pQw

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Conditioning, speed to propel Pacquiao to victory vs 'Hitman'

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is undaunted in facing a fighter who claims to be “too big" for him, saying his conditioning and speed would overturn whatever advantage Ricky Hatton appears to have.

Pacquiao is set to climb the ring on May 2 against Hatton, the International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight champion who asserts the 140-lb division to be his own turf.

The Filipino dynamo has only recently jumped into the heavier weight categories after starting as flyweight (106-lbs) and making waves at the superfly (112-lbs), super bantam (122-lbs), feather (126-lbs) and superfeather (130-lbs) classes.

The 30-year-old GenSan native made his first foray against the bigger boys last year in style, knocking out David Diaz in 9 for the WBC lightweight (135-lb) crown. He followed it up with a sensational trip into the welterweight (147-lb) wars, demolishing the Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya in 9 to cement his claim as the planet’s best fighter, pound for pound.

Such scintillating showing against “bigger" foes has given Pacquiao enough confidence he can hurdle Hatton, a natural junior welter campaigner.

“I’m not fighting ‘big.’ I’m in a fight against a fighter who believes in himself. Now it is a matter of who trains harder and who has more speed. I plan to train harder than I did for the De La Hoya fight and I believe I have more speed," Pacquiao told reporters during Monday’s press conference in London.

The hard-hitting Filipino was reacting to Hatton’s statements about his supposed size advantage.

“I’ve have never been beaten at 10 stones (140 pounds) which is my best weight when I go into the ring. You know I’m just too big for you," Hatton told Pacquiao during their face-to-face with the British press.

Unlike his chief trainer Freddie Roach who boldly predicted a KO win in the late rounds, Pacquiao would only say when asked who would win: "Only God knows that."

After they’re finished with their promotional duties in London, Pacquiao and his team will take a flight to Los Angeles on Tuesday. Pacquiao will begin his rigorous training at the famed Wild Card gym later in the week. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151178/Conditioning-speed-to-propel-Pacquiao-to-victory-vs-Hitman

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Hatton 'tailor made' for Pacquiao, says Roach

MANILA, Philippines – With the way Ricky Hatton normally fights, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach believes the Hitman from Manchester is “tailor-made" for the lightning fists of his ward, Manny Pacquiao.

Speaking at Monday’s press conference at the Imperial War Museum in London, Roach said Hatton’s press-forward style makes him vulnerable to the power shots of the Filipino pound for pound king. Thus, he once again predicted a late-round stoppage in favor of his prized fighter come May 2 in Las Vegas.

"It will be a great fight in the first half but Manny will get to him in the later rounds and will knock him out at some point," Roach said in a report by Sky Sports. "Ricky is very resilient but his come-forward nature will walk him into some shots and that will get him out of there. He's tailor made for us."

Hatton, the defending International Boxing Organization and Ring Magazine world junior welterweight champion, has maintained that he will veer away from his old bulldozing style against the Pac Man and will instead rely on hand speed and punching power. Hatton’s corner, led by Floyd Mayweather Sr., has been working on this change in style.

But as far as Roach is concerned, one can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

"Mayweather Sr is trying to improve that but I don't think you can change Ricky Hatton at this point in his career. Once he gets hit, he'll lose composure and revert to what he does best and that's fight," Roach said.

"Ricky talks about having worked on his defense and head movement but he is what he is. He's been doing this for a long time. They'll have a gameplan coming into the fight but after the first round he'll go back to his natural style. That's good for him in some ways because that's the best shot he's got at beating Manny. If he tries to outbox Manny and fights like Floyd teaches then he'll lose," he added.

In an apparent dig at Mayweather – with whom he’s had a history of bad blood – Roach quipped: "Floyd teaches one way and one way only and that's not suited for Ricky in my opinion. He'd be foolish to try and outbox Manny." -GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151120/Hatton-tailor-made-for-Pacquiao-says-Roach

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Hatton 'tailor made' for Pacquiao, says Roach

MANILA, Philippines – With the way Ricky Hatton normally fights, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach believes the Hitman from Manchester is “tailor-made" for the lightning fists of his ward, Manny Pacquiao.

Speaking at Monday’s press conference at the Imperial War Museum in London, Roach said Hatton’s press-forward style makes him vulnerable to the power shots of the Filipino pound for pound king. Thus, he once again predicted a late-round stoppage in favor of his prized fighter come May 2 in Las Vegas.

"It will be a great fight in the first half but Manny will get to him in the later rounds and will knock him out at some point," Roach said in a report by Sky Sports. "Ricky is very resilient but his come-forward nature will walk him into some shots and that will get him out of there. He's tailor made for us."

Hatton, the defending International Boxing Organization and Ring Magazine world junior welterweight champion, has maintained that he will veer away from his old bulldozing style against the Pac Man and will instead rely on hand speed and punching power. Hatton’s corner, led by Floyd Mayweather Sr., has been working on this change in style.

But as far as Roach is concerned, one can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

"Mayweather Sr is trying to improve that but I don't think you can change Ricky Hatton at this point in his career. Once he gets hit, he'll lose composure and revert to what he does best and that's fight," Roach said.

"Ricky talks about having worked on his defense and head movement but he is what he is. He's been doing this for a long time. They'll have a gameplan coming into the fight but after the first round he'll go back to his natural style. That's good for him in some ways because that's the best shot he's got at beating Manny. If he tries to outbox Manny and fights like Floyd teaches then he'll lose," he added.

In an apparent dig at Mayweather – with whom he’s had a history of bad blood – Roach quipped: "Floyd teaches one way and one way only and that's not suited for Ricky in my opinion. He'd be foolish to try and outbox Manny." -GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151120/Hatton-tailor-made-for-Pacquiao-says-Roach

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Hatton to change style against Pacquiao

LONDON — Ricky Hatton knows his bulldozing style of fighting won't be good enough to beat Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas on May 2. Instead, he will rely on hand speed and punching power.

A former world light-welterweight champion who has never lost at 140 pounds, Hatton is taking on a fighter who moved up two weight divisions to easily beat Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds in December.

A powerful body puncher, Hatton (45-1) used his straight ahead, aggressive style to stop Kostya Tszyu for the IBF title in June 2005. But he will need more to beat a fast fighter who is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world.

For Hatton that means he'll need a repeat of the performance that stopped Paul Malignaggi in 11 rounds in November, the British fighter's first fight since losing for the first time to Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"Kostya was a great punching powerhouse but I bulldozed him into submission," Hatton said Monday. "But in my last fight against Malignaggi, who is a speed merchant, I ended up out-boxing him and out-speeding him. In the end I beat him up.

"The Ricky Hatton of old would have put his head down and steamed in at 100 mph without a lot of thought on how to do it," he said. "I've no doubt Manny's speed will cause me problems but they said that about Malignaggi."

Hatton and Pacquiao (48-3-2) were at London's Imperial War Museum to help sell the contest to British fight fans although Hatton is expected to have several thousand supporters at the MGM Grand Garden.

Despite Hatton's insistence he will change his approach, Pacquaio's trainer, Freddie Roach, said it wouldn't take him long to go back to his old ways.

"It will be a great fight in the first half but Manny will get to him in the later rounds and will knock him out at some point," Roach said. "Ricky is very resilient but his come-forward nature will walk him into some shots and that will get him out of there. He's tailor made for us.

I don't think you can change Ricky Hatton at this point in his career. Once he gets hit, he'll lose composure and revert to what he does best and that's fight," Roach said. -AP

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151115/Hatton-to-change-style-against-Pacquiao

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Pacquiao: Hatton fight harder than Oscar bout

MANILA, Philippines – Oscar "The Golden Boy" De La Hoya was a great opponent, but for Manny Pacquiao, facing Ricky Hatton may be even tougher.

Pacquiao was man enough to admit it before some 6,000 cheering fans at the Trafford Center in Manchester about how he expects Hatton to give him a lot of problems in their May 2 light-welterweight showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“I’ve been in a lot of big, big fights and beaten a lot of great fighters. My last fight against De La Hoya was important, but Ricky Hatton will be much harder," he said.

Though not as decorated and celebrated as De La Hoya, Hatton is at the peak of a career that has seen him win titles in the light-welterweight and welterweight classes.

He also lost just once in 46 fights – to retired unbeaten champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. – 32 of which "The Hitman" won by way of knockout.

De La Hoya lost a one-sided eight round technical knockout to Pacquiao at welterweight in their 2008 December showdown in Las Vegas.

“This fight will be a great challenge because Ricky is a great fighter. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime fight," said the 30-year-old world’s top pound-for-pound fighter.

To the wild cheers of his fight fans, Hatton said Pacquiao doesn’t scare him despite being the great champion that he is.

“This is a fight between two nice men, but there is nothing nice about either me or Manny when we get inside the ring. We’re both aggressive, but where some other fighters have been worried about him, he certainly won’t worry me," said the Manchester native.

The two noted punchers are making a tour of Manchester to promote their 12-round fight many expected to be one of the biggest for the year 2009.

A formal press conference would be held on at the Imperial War Museum in Southwark London before Team Pacquiao leaves for Los Angeles.

A similar promotional tour is expected to hit the cities of New York, Las Vegas and San Francisco before Pacquiao kicks off a rigorous two-month training at Freddie Roach’s famed Wild Card gym.

Visiting London for the first time, Pacquiao toured the city Sunday during his rest day.

He went on a sightseeing tour of Big Ben, Westminter and the House of Commons, the Trafalgar Square, the London Eye and other well-known tourist spots.

Hatton is expected to remain in Manchester for another four weeks, and then flies to Las Vegas to hook up with trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151038/Pacquiao-Hatton-fight-harder-than-Oscar-bout

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Sunday, March 1, 2009

Ricky Hatton Vs Manny Pacquiao Press Conference



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Ricky Hatton/Manny Pacquiao Manchester Presser



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Pacquiao, Hatton corners trade verbal jabs

MANILA, Philippines – The fighters have shown only respect for each other. So the usual bitter words that accompany a fight were left to the respective trainers of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.

During Saturday’s press conference in Manchester for the “East vs. West" megafight, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach and Hatton’s trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. did not waste time in throwing verbal jabs at the other.

According to the Manchester Evening News, the “opening bell" rang when promoter Bob Arum introduced Roach as “the greatest trainer in the world."

Mayweather immediately grabbed the mike to say: “If anybody thinks Freddie ‘the Joke’ Roach can out-train me, they have to be sick."

To which Roach, a three-time trainer of the year awardee, retorted: “It’s a shame Floyd senior isn’t in the Hall of Fame."

Mayweather snapped back: “He should be in the Hall of Shame!"

Through all these, Pacquaio and Hatton could only look on and laugh.

The two celebrated trainers/ strategists have had a history of bad blood, which started when Roach replaced Mayweather to whip Oscar de la Hoya into winning shape for his super-fight with the latter’s son, Floyd Jr. in 2007. The Golden Boy eventually lost via split decision.

In the same presser, Mayweather belittled Pacquiao’s dominant performance against The Golden Boy last December, saying: “When he beat the world legend Oscar de la Hoya, he was over the hill, now it’s time for you to swallow the same old pill."

Mayweather even waxed poetic in predicting the downfall of Pacquiao to his ward Hatton.

“When it comes, Manny, then you had better be ready, because I don’t want you to blame it on Freddie," he told the Filipino phenom.

Pacquiao, the reigning world pound-for-pound king, and Hatton, the defending International Boxing Organization lightwelterweight champion, will duke it out on May 2 in Las Vegas. -GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150879/Pacquiao-Hatton-corners-trade-verbal-jabs

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In your opinion, how will the Pacquiao-Hatton fight will end?

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