On target: 'Hitman' Hatton sees Pacquiao victory

MANILA, Philippines - Ricky Hatton couldn't wait to find out who he's fighting next.

So he's showing up for The Dream Match on Sunday (Saturday, US time) in Las Vegas.

Hatton, the man strongly considered to fight the winner between Manny Pacquiao and Oscar de la Hoya, will be at ringside at the MGM Grand Hotel to have a first-hand look at his next opponent.

His forecast?

"Pacquiao's aggressiveness will win it," the former world light-welterweight champion from England declared.

"De la Hoya will eventually fade. He may be in condition, but he may not know it but he'll feel tired as the fight wears on," Hatton, who has lost only once in 46 matches, added.

Hatton is coming off an 11th-round technical-knockout win over Paul Malignaggi of the US last November 22 also at the MGM Grand. He chose to stay on to watch Pacquiao-de la Hoya, with the winner of the bout being groomed to face Hatton in the middle of next year at Wembley Stadium in London.

But Hatton, popularly known as "the Hitman", said he wants one particular opponent so badly that even if he loses, he would still take him on.

"Of course, I want to fight the best," Hatton said, referring to Pacquiao, whose gung-ho style mirrors the Manchester native's.

Informed of Hatton's interest to fight him, Pacquiao told Hatton to bring it.

"We definitely accept the challenge," a smiling Pacquiao answered. "We'll even go to England to fight him."

Known for its loud and rowdy fanbase, London will present a new challenge to Pacquiao, having never fought in the Western Hemisphere other than in the US.

"I like the noisy crowd. I like people cheering for the opponent. That only adds fuel to my fire," Pacquiao said. "But we have to set our priorities straight. Let's me deal with de la Hoya first." - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/137729/On-target-Hitman-Hatton-sees-Pacquiao-victory

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