Hatton has mixed emotions over bout with Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines - British boxing champion Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton had expressed mixed emotions over negotiations of his fight with Manny "the Pacman" Pacquiao, according to www.telegraph.co.uk.

In a press conference held at Manchester, England, Ricky said that he was delighted at the prospect of fighting Manny.

"...Previously we had spoken to Bob Arum [Pacquiao's promoter] and we'd agreed on the deal. I was delighted. I was jumping through hoops," related Ricky.

However, after Ricky's camp discussed the terms with Bob Arum, the deal went from on to off, and then on again. He only wanted a clear fight deal, yet, at the rate negotiations were going, it seemed to be elusive. Ricky's mood changed—from delighted to devastated.

"I said to my dad [Ray Hatton, his manager] and my lawyer Gareth Williams that if it was not on by [last] weekend, we would have to call it off."

He added, with tinge of frustration, "I really needed to know in my mind who I was fighting, because the whole family are just about to go on our annual cruise—we're off to the Caribbean—until mid-February before I start a 12-week training camp with Floyd [Mayweather Sr] and Lee Beard."

Last week, things took the turn for the better as the fight deal was discussed again and, finally, it was for real (click here for the story ). For Ricky, the thought of finally fighting Manny was a driving issue for him. It gave him focus and it challenged him.

"I've got my eye on the prize," said Ricky, "I've always said it, but I don't think, at first, anyone in the world can beat me. I'm convinced I will beat Manny." - Philippine Entertainment Portal

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146732/Hatton-has-mixed-emotions-over-bout-with-Pacquiao

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Hatton to use Pacquiao’s status as motivation

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Hatton will use Manny Pacquiao’s status as the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound fighter as his motivation when he starts training for their May 2 mega-bout next month.

In an interview with British newspaper The Telegraph, Hatton said he would want to challenge Pacquiao’s status as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter and hoped that he would be at the winning end of their junior welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

“I’ve challenged once for it, I’m focused, I’ve got my eye on the prize," said Hatton, who once fought and lost to then pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Hatton, who will start training in the middle of February, thinks Pacquiao is beatable.

"I’ve always said it, but I don’t think anyone in the world can beat me," Hatton said. "Nor can I see this fight going 12 rounds. I’m convinced I will beat Manny."

Hatton said to become one of the best boxers in the world is to fight world class champions.

“He [Pacquiao] is a great champion, and the only way to become a great fighter is to box great champions," he said. "It is an honor and a privilege to be sharing a ring with him."

He also believes that Oscar de la Hoya was not in tip-top condition when he fought Pacquiao in December last year.

"I do think he boxed a shell of Oscar de la Hoya," he said. "But I don’t want to take anything away from Manny."

Hatton said that negotiations in his fight against Pacquiao, which dragged on for weeks, affected him emotionally.

"They were a very difficult few weeks," he said. "Previously we had spoken to Bob Arum [Pacquiao’s promoter] and we’d agreed on the deal. I was delighted. I was jumping through hoops. With the on-off, on-off nature last week, I was devastated. I said to my dad [Ray Hatton, his manager] and my lawyer Gareth Williams that if it was not on by [last] weekend, we would have to call it off."

The fight, which has been set at the super-lightweight (140 lbs) level, almost did not push through after both camps failed to reach an agreement on the revenue split. Both camps, however, finally came to their senses and agreed to save the superfight that could bring in huge profits for both boxers.

Although Pacquiao (48-3-2, win-loss-draw) is tagged as boxing’s most bankable star today, the catch weight has been Hatton’s territory for some time now.

Hatton’s only loss in his career was at the welterweight class (147 lbs) when he lost to Mayweather Jr. in 2007. Otherwise, the super-lightweight campaigner has been spotless in 46 professional career fights. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146725/Hatton-to-use-Pacquiaos-status-as-motivation

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Pacquiao-Hatton fight tickets on sale Friday

MANILA, Philippines – With the world experiencing financial crisis, the marketability of the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton superfight will be put to the test when tickets for the boxing event of 2009 go on sale on Friday.

According to Philboxing.com, tickets for the May 2 International Boxing Organization (IBO) junior welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas will only be available online at www.ticketmaster.com and www.mgmgrand.com.

The Pacquiao-Hatton fight gained much attention after negotiations on the megabucks deal dragged on with both camps reaching a standoff because of disagreements on the revenue split.

Hatton got interested in fighting Pacquiao, a multidivision champion who had three fights last year, after the Filipino boxing icon defeated future Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya on Dec. 6.

Pacquiao, the world’s current pound-for-pound king, will be challenging Hatton’s Ring Magazine and IBO junior welterweight title belts in a 12-round match.

The fight was promoted in partnership by Top Rank Inc. and De La Hoya’s Golden Boy Promotions in cooperation with Pacquiao’s MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions of the British boxing superstar.

Tickets are still expected to sold out despite the current US recession. Ticket prices are at $1,000, $750, $500, $300, and $150 – excluding other applicable service charges.

The total gate revenue for the Pacquiao-De La Hoya fight reached almost $17 million (€12 million) making it the second-largest sales as the 16,000-seat MGM Grand Garden was filled to capacity. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146664/Pacquiao-Hatton-fight-tickets-on-sale-Friday

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UK presscon opens Pacquiao-Hatton bout; Pacman to start training in March

MANILA, Philippines - The first media conference that will kick off the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton bout will be in the third week of February in the United Kingdom, Pacquiao said in his online column.

Pacquiao added that the UK gig will take three days, according to his advisers.

After that, the two boxers are expected to return to the US and make stops in New York and Los Angeles to promote the match scheduled on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"I think the plans are to include other cities in the US," Pacquiao wrote on Thursday on his column that appears on Philboxing.com. "Overall I'm excited."

Meanwhile, Southwestern University in Cebu will bestow Pacquiao an Honorary Doctorate Degree on February 18. SWU is the only university in the country that bestows the title of Doctor of Human Kinetics, Honoris Causa to qualified individuals.

"Not even in my wildest dream did I think of achieving this," Pacquiao said. "I'm very thankful for this honor."

Pacquiao will begin training with Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym in the first week of March. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146534/UK-presscon-opens-Pacquiao-Hatton-bout-Pacman-to-start-training-in-March

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Boxing experts favor Pacquiao over Hatton

MANILA, Philippines – Two boxing analysts believe Manny Pacquiao has enough in his arsenal to bring down Ricky Hatton in their May 2 superfight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s Top Rank coordinator, and Matchroom Sports Ltd. Managing director Eddie Hearn said in a 24 Oras report that they chose Pacquiao based on the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion’s skills.

Koncz said Pacquiao’s speed would again be a factor in the match.

"Manny’s hand speed is faster than Hatton, but more importantly, Manny’s ring presence is better. Hatton is a one-dimensional fighter, and he is going to come straight forward. And Manny is maturing as a boxer," Koncz said.

Hearn, meanwhile, believes Pacquiao will try to tire International Boxing Organization (IBO) welterweight title holder Hatton.

"Hatton will come forward, come forward, and Manny will pick him off and soak him up. (By) eight, nine, 10 rounds when Ricky is tired that is when Manny’s strength really comes through," Hearn said. "That is when he’ll push him on the back ropes and I’m not sure Ricky will going to take more."

Hearn expects an exciting match between the two fighters.

"Both fighters have huge hearts, huge courage, and huge talent," he said. "They will both come forward and be aggressive. Both fighters will never give in."

With the fight still three months away, Pacquiao is savoring his time with his family and friends before plunging into another eight weeks of hard training to prepare for his megabout against Hatton.

Pacquiao is expected to begin training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Las Vegas in March. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146360/Boxing-experts-favor-Pacquiao-over-Hatton

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Pacquiao, Hatton finalize May 2 fight

Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton formally agreed Wednesday to fight for Hatton's 140-pound title on May 2, ending several weeks of negotiating and posturing.

Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs), generally considered the world's top pound-for-pound fighter, will go after Hatton's IBO junior welterweight belt at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao nearly scuttled the bout several times in recent weeks while demanding a bigger share of the lucrative purse, even forcing Golden Boy Promotions to cancel a media tour planned for this week. Top Rank promoter Bob Arum finally persuaded Pacquiao to sign the necessary contracts after reaching a reworked deal with Hatton's representatives earlier this week.

The Philippines' most famous man is at the top of his talents after brutalizing Oscar De La Hoya in their fight on Dec. 6, forcing the Golden Boy to quit after eight rounds. Pacquiao moved all the way up to welterweight for that bout after fighting just once above 130 pounds in his career before then, and the former five-division champion will move back down to yet another weight class for his next high-profile pay-per-view fight.

"I always like new challenges, which is the reason I am anxious to fight Ricky Hatton," Pacquiao said in a statement released by Top Rank. "My trainer, Freddie Roach, will put together a new game plan which will be much different than the one we used against Oscar. There are concerns because Hatton is a very strong puncher, so I must deal with that in the ring."

Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) is one of Britain's most popular athletes, but the Manchester-born brawler lost his only previous fight against a boxer of Pacquiao's stature when Floyd Mayweather Jr. stopped him in December 2007. Hatton beat Paulie Malignaggi last fall in his most recent bout.

Hatton has a promotional deal with De La Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions.

"We are very excited that this fight has been made, as it is the fight fans wanted and the one I look forward to seeing myself," De La Hoya said. "This fight has all the makings of a Fight of the Year candidate and I think Hatton will dethrone Pacquiao and become boxing's pound-for-pound king."

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5hRuai47Chb96R1Vk4L7YT-QXMXjgD960ETRG0

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Pacquiao-Hatton ticket sales start Friday

Brisk ticket sales are guaranteed Friday when seats become available for the junior-lightweight fight between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and England's Ricky Hatton on May 2 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Promoters just announced that tickets priced at $150, $300, $500, $750 and $1,000 will go on sale at 10 a.m. Pacific time through Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations at (702) 474-4000, at www.mgmgrand.com and www.ticketmaster.com. Select Smith's Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino locations in Las Vegas also will offer tickets.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/01/pacquiao-hatt-1.html

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Hatton signs Pacquiao deal, LA Times reports

MANILA, Philippines - A representative of Ricky Hatton confirmed in an online report that the British boxer has signed the deal to fight Manny Pacquiao on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Los Angeles Times sportswriter Lance Pugmire reported on Tuesday that Richard Schaefer, the chief executive of Golden Boy Promotions, had called up Pugmire to inform him of the development.

"When you make a superfight of this magnitude, it's very exciting," Schaefer, whose outfit promotes Hatton, said. "These guys have two great styles. It'll be a great night for the fans."

With Hatton’s name on the dotted line, the fight that hit a snag a couple of times finally gets underway, with the venue the only thing left unsettled in a fight pitting the sport’s most well-known brawlers.

The fight, which has been set at the super-lightweight (140lbs) level, will be Pacquiao’s fourth in a row in a different weight class, following victories at 130lbs, 135lbs and 147lbs last year.

Although Pacquiao (48-3-2, win-loss-draw) is tagged as boxing’s most bankable star today, the catch weight has been Hatton’s territory for some time now.

Hatton’s only loss in his career was at the welterweight class (147lbs) when he was kayoed by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007. Otherwise, the super-lightweight campaigner has been spotless in 46 professional career fights. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/146258/Hatton-signs-Pacquiao-deal-LA-Times-reports

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Ricky Hatton seals Manny Pacquiao fight deal

Ricky Hatton secured his second shot at becoming the world's best pound-for-pound fighter after his Las Vegas showdown with Manny Pacquiao was confirmed on Monday.

The Mancunian, the world's top light-welterweight, will face pound-for-pound king Pacquiao on May 2, a year and a half after losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr at the same MGM Grand venue.

Hatton believes he has the tools to shock Filipino 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.

After weeks of protracted negotiations surrounding Pacquiao's increased financial demands, the fight will now go ahead and a press conference will be held on Thursday to officially announce the contest.

Hatton's lawyer Gareth Williams said he was is in possession of the contract, which Hatton would sign as soon as it had been checked.

Williams said Hatton had yet to sign the contract – purely because of logistics with Williams being in London on Monday – but said: "It won't be a problem and we'll announce the fight at a press conference on Thursday. All the pressure is off now."

The deal follows weeks of uncertainty after it emerged Pacquiao wanted to renegotiate financial terms despite having agreed a 50-50 split before Christmas.

Williams said on Thursday that the fight was "dead in the water" for the time being, but admitted the appearance of a signed contract would force them to reconsider.

Yet Pacquiao's promoters Top Rank declared on Friday the fight was back on after Pacquiao agreed late last week to share the proceeds equally with the Mancunian.

Hatton's American promoters, Golden Boy, had begun early negotiations with possible alternative opponents Oscar De La Hoya and Mayweather, but the 'Hitman' has now secured the fight he really wanted after stopping Paulie Malignaggi in November.

Pacquiao, who, like Hatton, is 30, is officially a four-weight world champion having won titles at flyweight, super-bantamweight, super-featherweight and lightweight. But he beat Marco Antonio Barrera at featherweight in 2003 and De La Hoya at welterweight before Christmas in non-title contests which earned him huge respect within the sport.

Hatton's nominal IBO light-welterweight title, as well as the more meaningful but unofficial Ring Magazine belt, will be on the line against Pacquiao.

Williams and other members of Hatton's team were in talks with Sky Sports on Monday, with the contest likely to be announced as a Sky Box Office event.

Punch Promotions, Hatton's promotional company, areset to announce on Thursday that several new fighters have being signed to fight on Hatton fight nights.

Negotiations for another major contest, the world heavyweight championship between David Haye and Wladimir Klitschko, are near completion. The fight is to be at Stamford Bridge on June 20, where Haye, Britain's rising heavyweight force, will face, the younger of the Klitschko brothers, who holds the IBF, WBO and IBO heavyweight title belts, and is considered the world's No 1 heavyweight boxer. The fight night has been reserved by Home Box Office in the United States.

Enzo Maccarinelli will meet Victor Emilio Ramirez at the MEN Arena on March 14, the same card on which Amir Khan fights Mexican ring legend Marco Antonio Barrera, for the vacant WBO cruiserweight title.

Maccarinelli aims to win back the belt he had ripped from him inside two rounds by Haye in March last year. Ramirez, from Argentina, has a record of 14 wins and one defeat. On the same Manchester card, Nicky Cook defends his WBO super-featherweight belt against mandatory challenger Roman Martinez, of Puerto Rico.

Meanwhile, Evander Holyfield's manager, Ken Sanders, has scotched reports in a Far East newspaper that the 46-year old has signed to step into the ring against Mike Tyson for a third time, in Abu Dhabi, in a fight worth £50 million.

"It's not true Evander is fighting Tyson. A third fight with Tyson is just not happening," said Sanders. Tyson has not fought since 2005.

Holyfield's handlers are in fact in talks with WBA champion Nikolai Valuev's team about a rematch in April. Holyfield, bidding to become the oldest world heavyweight champion in history, was controversially beaten on a majority points decision in Zurich last month.

Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/othersports/boxingandmma/4348124/Ricky-Hatton-seals-Manny-Pacquiao-fight-deal.html

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Pacquiao more inspired with return of wife, baby from US

MANILA, Philippines – The world's top pound-for-pound boxer, Manny Pacquiao, is more inspired to train for his May 2 bout with Britain's Ricky Hatton now that his wife Jinkee and newborn fourth child, Queen Elizabeth, have come home from the US.

"Itong fight ko kay Ricky Hatton, alay ko ito sa pamilya ko, especially to Queenie – Queen Elizabeth – at siyempre sa mamamayang Pilipino," Pacquiao said in an interview with James Velasquez, which was aired early Sunday morning over "GMA Weekend Report."

["This fight with Ricky Hatton I dedicate to my family, especially Queenie – Queen Elizabeth –and of course, to the Filipino people."]

Pacquiao is set start training in mid-February. That gives him some three weeks to spend with family, which his wife says is as big as it will ever get.

In the same GMA report, Jinkee said: "Para sa akin, apat tama na, kasi may two girls, may two boys na," she said. "Para sa akin okey na yun. Gusto kong maalagaan sila lahat, maasikaso sila lahat."

["For me, four are enough, because we already have two girls and two boys. For me that's okay. I want to be able to take care of them all, attend to them all."]

The oldest are Emmanuel Jr., or Jimwell, and Michael, who are both 9 years old, followed by Mary Divine Grace, or Princess, who is 2.

Queenie was born last Dec. 30 at n the Los Angeles Metropolitan Hospital in Los Angeles, California – just 24 days after Pacquiao beat Oscar de la Hoya, whose corner threw in the towel after the eighth round.

Mother and daughter had to stay in Los Angeles, on doctor's orders, because the newborn might not be able to take the change in air pressure of an plane ride. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145855/Pacquiao-more-inspired-with-return-of-wife-baby-from-US

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Pacquiao-Hatton super fight on again

Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines said on Friday he has agreed to fight fellow boxing superstar Ricky Hatton of Britain, two days after walking out on the May 2 deal over a dispute on the megabucks purse.

“The world is looking forward to it, so the fight is on,” the World Boxing Council lightweight champion said over local radio.

“I have spoken to Bob Arum,” the “Pacman” said, referring to the US promoter who handled his side of the fight negotiations.

However he would not discuss the agreed terms.

Filipino sports website Philboxing.com quoted Pacquiao confidante Rex Salud as saying the Filipino superstar accepted a guaranteed $US12 million-dollar purse and a 52-48 split in the prize money in his favour.

The much-anticipated fight will take place in Las Vegas on May 2 as earlier scheduled, the report said.

The match had been called off on Wednesday after Pacquiao, who sent US boxing golden boy Oscar de la Hoya into retirement in a lopsided Las Vegas non-title bout last month, refused to sign a contract for a 50-50 split of revenues from the fight.

The spurned contract supposedly assured the Asian superstar, a four-time world champion in several weight divisions, of between $US10 million and $US12 million dollars.

AFP

Source: http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuID=4&ContentID=120415

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Hatton Fight Is Officially On, Says Pacquiao

After all the negotiating, haggling and posturing, the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight is officially on!

"The fight is definitely on," Pacquiao said in a phone interview with a lady sports reporter on a popular Manila radio station aired just minutes ago.

Pacquiao said he had just gotten off the phone with promoter Bob Arum. He said further that he is contented with the new terms of the fight.

Let's just hope it ends here.

Coming straight from the Pacman's mouth, this statement is certainly more credible than anything his coterie of advisers would say.

Fans of the sweet science, start marking off the days on your calendar leading up to May 2. This is one fight that will be worth the drama and hype.

Unless the Hitman comes up with something as potent as, lets say a sledge-hammer, I see him succumbing to the Pacman's speed by the 9th round.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/114465-hatton-fight-is-officially-on-says-pacquiao

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It's Still Pacquiao-Hatton on May 2! It's a Work in Process

The fight is off...goodbye...adios...it's final...

After hearing, reading, and inhaling a lot of buzz from a proposed megafight featuring Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines against Ricky Hatton of England. News burst out that the fight has been canceled.

Pacquiao, insisting on a bigger share of the purse, has not yet signed the contract (that was due last Wednesday) as of this moment and still firm on his stand.

Hatton, on the other hand, wants an equal or at least close to equal share of the revenues.

As soon as Pacquiao demolished Oscar De La Hoya last December, negotiations started to build-up for a Pacquiao-Hatton Megafight. They've agreed on all terms but one: the sharing of the purse. Money talks.

It's been a tough negotiation process and Richard Schaefer seemed to lose his cool calling Pacquiao as "spoiled, young kid."

The fight is off and I instructed [tour manager] Kelly Swanson to cancel the tour," said Schaefer, clearly upset. "It's off and we are now pursuing our other options. That's it"

Well, after all that breakdowns. Allow me to have my fearless forecast, It's worth risking all credibility left in me.

Don't worry Schaefer, you'll have a contract as soon as Bob Arum starts doing his magic tricks in a meeting with the Filipino.

Arum as reported by Philboxing.com will visit the Philippines to have a round table meeting with Pacquiao some time next week.

Logic seems to suggest that there's no other option for both fighters other than to fight each other, and they won't earn a guaranteed $12 million elsewhere. Again, money talks.

Plain and simple...

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/114245-its-still-pacquiao-hatton-on-may-2-its-a-work-in-process

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Why the Pacman-Hitman Showdown Will Happen

It's on, it's off, it's on, then off. Like an old, battered television set on the blink, the much anticipated fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton has been on and off, perhaps more than the number of rounds that the actual fight would actually last.

The last we heard its that it is officially off after Hatton's camp "walked away" from the negotiating table after the Pacman refused to budge from a 60-40 split favoring him.

Jaded boxing observers know the routine only too well. Posturing. Plain and simple, that's what it is. Not unlike lovers playing mind games.

Hatton, and Pacquiao for that matter, will not find a more suitable opponent at this time—both for cementing their reputations and bringing in the big bucks.

For Pacquiao, Hatton is beatable. A win gives him a new weight class. Beating an iconic fighter in Hatton sets him up for a step up into the ranks of the welterweights. The fight generates the kind of excitement that will make the cash register ring. Mayweather is bigger, faster, posing a higher risk. And, Mayweather, in all probability will not take less money, or even be amenable to an even-steven split with the Pacman. You can bet your life savings on that.

Going from the extreme ends of Pacman's weight ranges, from Edwin Valero (super-feather) to Antonio Margarito (welter), there is no one who will be worth the risk for Pacquiao. Everyone else aside from Hatton will be a pay-cut and/or a high risk. The last thing Pacman wants to do is lose to a hungry underdog for less money. It just does not make sense to put his legacy at stake.

Hatton on the other hand, is hungry for recognition. After a so-so tiff with light-fisted Paulie Malignaggi, he has a lot of proving to do in order to rise up in the pound for pound rankings. After-all, as he admitted himself, his dream is to be the P4P king.

Beating Pacquiao will bring him up a few notches from his present position in the lower rungs of the top 10. Besides, there is no one as exciting to fight at light welterweight. Moving up to welterweight is too much of a risk for Hatton. Firstly, he is not a big light welterweight. Next, there are such names as Cotto, Margarito, Berto and the like to contend with. Pacquiao is a good, calculated risk to take for Hatton. If he loses, he does so to the P4P king and ends up with a few millions in the bank. Should he win, his stock will rise immensely, catapulting him to boxing superstardom.

In short, no other fighter is best for the other. Both for the advancement of their careers and their kids' trust funds.

Both fighters and their respective camps know this only tow well.

That is why the fight will happen, mind games and posturing aside.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/114007-why-the-pacman-hitman-showdown-will-happen

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Pacquiao inks, faxes contract of fight vs Hatton to Top Rank

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton will end up in the ring together after all.

Pacquiao, who was coming off an easy win over Oscar De La Hoya last month, signed and faxed his bout contract to the headquarters of promoter Top Rank in Las Vegas on Friday.

The popular British fighter and the pound-for-pound king from the Philippines will fight on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden in easily the year's biggest bout — one that appeared scuttled earlier in the week when Pacquiao refused to accept terms already agreed to by his promoter.

The 12-round junior welterweight fight was expected to be a sellout, Top Rank spokesman Lee Samuels told The Associated Press.

"Manny Pacquiao is the most exciting, charismatic athlete in the world today. He has millions of fans worldwide," Top Rank chief Bob Arum said from Los Angeles, where he was promoting Saturday's welterweight title fight between Antonio Margarito and Shane Mosley.

"Now he has a new challenge in facing a champion in Ricky Hatton."

Pacquiao has won his last nine fights and captured a lightweight belt from David Diaz last summer. His enormous following extends from his home country to Las Vegas, which has become like a second home. Still, it's Hatton who was expected to bring the money.

Besides the audience that will tune in overseas, Hatton brought thousands of chanting, singing British fans to the United States for two of his last three fights, an easy win over Paul Malignaggi in November and his only career loss, a 10th-round knockout by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007.

The original agreement was for Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) and Hatton to split their shares 50-50, with Pacquiao having a $12 million guarantee. Then Pacquiao demanded a bigger percentage, and a new agreement called for him to get a 52-48 split.

Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Shaefer, who represents Hatton, had said on Wednesday that he was canceling a worldwide media tour and even began tossing out alternative opponents for Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs). He sounded more optimistic on Friday.

"I received a copy of the contract signed by Manny Pacquiao. I sent it to England for a signature by Ricky Hatton, but haven't yet received the signed contract," Shaefer said. "I believe it's going to happen, but it's not finalized. We're working on the paperwork. How can a deal be finalized if only one fighter has signed?"- AP

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145758/Pacquiao-inks-faxes-contract-of-fight-vs-Hatton-to-Top-Rank

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Pacquiao keeps mum on details of Hatton fight

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao can now instruct his trainer, Freddie Roach, to begin mapping out a game plan against British boxer Ricky Hatton.

This came after both camps finally came to their senses and agreed to save the superfight that could bring in huge profits for both boxers.

However, Pacquiao, in an interview with GMANews.TV Friday afternoon, remains mum when asked about the details of the mega-bucks deal.

“Masaya ako at tuloy na ang laban. Nagkasundo na kami sa negotiations hanggang duon na lang at ayaw ko nang pag usapan ang nangyaring negosasyon. [I am glad that the fight will push through. We already reached an agreement and I don’t want to discuss the details of the negotiation]," Pacquiao said.

He added he would let his promoter, Bob Arum, do the talking when the Top Rank boss at a press conference set for Jan. 28 to formally announce the May 2 mega event.

"All I can say is the contract is favorable to me," Pacquiao said. "Now, all I have to do is to focus on training. And I hope the result of the match would be the same when I fought Oscar De La Hoya last December."

A few days ago, the Pacquiao-Hatton fight was given up for dead after both camps couldn't agree on the revenue split.

But a few months from now, Las Vegas is expected to spring back in to action on May 2 for the year’s biggest attraction. The MGM Grand, where Pacquiao did his eighth-round demolition of De La Hoya, is being eyed as the venue for the fight.

Pacquiao said he wants to start training at Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Las Vegas either by the middle or last week of February.

"I want another eight-week training to prepare for the fight. I want to train hard the same way when I trained against Oscar," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao would have tried to get a bout with the retired Floyd Mayweather Jr., Edwin Valero, or Humberto Sotto if his fight against Hatton had not pushed through.

Pacquiao’s camp, however, began talking with Mayweather’s group when negotiations with the Hatton fight reached an impasse.

"We have been talking with Mayweather’s camp," he said. "But when we already reached an agreement with Hatton we formally informed them and thanked them for talking with us." – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145649/Pacquiao-keeps-mum-on-details-of-Hatton-fight

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Pacquiao finally decides to face Hatton

(Updated 1:45 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao has decided to fight British champion Ricky Hatton on May 2, a report on QTV's Balitanghali said Friday.

According to the report, Pacquiao has informed promoter Bob Arum of his decision through telephone. The revenue split, however, was not disclosed.

In a separate radio dzBB interview, Pacquiao expressed delight that the fight will finally push through, saying, "Tuloy na ang laban. Nag-usap na kami ni Bob Arum [The fight will push through. I have already spoken with Bob Arum]," Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao said he would mostly likely fly back to the United States in February to start training for the fight.

Asked what the terms of the agreement between and Arum were, Pacquiao said: "Saka na lang natin sabihin [I will just tell you some other time]," Pacquiao said.

In another radio dzBB interview, Pacquiao’s chief of staff, Jake Joson, confirmed that the figures have indeed "changed," triggering the realization of the Pacquiao-Hatton fight.

"Nagbago po lahat ng figures kaya nagkaron ng magandnag resulta [Good results came up in the negotiations because the figures changed]," Joson said.

Pacquiao had earlier indicated that he won’t fight Hatton unless the revenue split made in his favor. He has been demanding a 60-40 split from the total proceeds of the total revenue purse since he further gained world recognition after his eighth round win against Oscar De La Hoya last year.

Hatton’s camp, however, wanted a 50-50 sharing deal after already reaching a verbal agreement with Arum.

Arum has suggested a 52-48 split favoring Pacquiao, who is expected to rake in between $20 to 40 million depending on the draw of pay-per-view television audience.

Ray Hatton, Ricky’s father and manager, has threatened to drop out of the fight if Pacquiao would insist on the 60-40 split. He added that he could arrange another super-fight for his son, a match that could also draw a huge crowd.

Joson said earlier online reports - that the total prize pot for the boxing match was $12 million and that a 52-48 split will be observed in favor of Pacquiao – are no longer true after the renegotiation.

Two of the venues being eyed for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight are the MGM Grand Garden or the Thomas Mack Center in Las Vegas.

But Joson said the venue and date for the long-awaited boxing fight would probably happen on the same date at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

"May 2 pa rin at mukang sa MGM pa rin sa Las Vegas gagawin [It would still probably be held on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas]," Joson said. - with Mark Merueñas, GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145591/Report-Pacquiao-finally-decides-to-face-Hatton

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Pacman decision on Hatton known Friday

MANILA, Philippines – The planned May 2 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton would push through after all, this was according to a spokesman for Top Rank big boss Bob Arum.

According to The Guardian’s online edition, the week-long deadlock about the revenue split has been resolved and Arum expects Pacquiao to make an official announcement by Friday to confirm that his fight against the British boxer would take place in Las Vegas.

No other details were disclosed but the Filipino boxing icon, who cemented his status as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, is likely to agree on the 52-48 revenue split also proposed by Arum.

GMANews.TV tried to get Pacquiao’s comment but he did not answer or return our calls.

Pacquiao has earlier indicated that he won’t fight Hatton unless the revenue split made in his favor. He has been demanding a 60-40 split from the total proceeds of the total revenue purse since he further gained world recognition after his eighth round win against Oscar De La Hoya last year.

Hatton’s camp, however, wanted a 50-50 sharing deal after already reaching a verbal agreement with Arum.

Arum has suggested a 52-48 split favoring Pacquiao, who is expected to rake in between $20 to 40 million depending on the draw of pay-per-view television audience.

Ray Hatton, Ricky’s father and manager, has threatened to drop out of the fight if Pacquiao would insist on the 60-40 split. He added that he could arrange another super-fight for his son, a match that could also draw a huge crowd.

Two of the venues being eyed for the Pacquiao-Hatton fight are the MGM Grand Garden or the Thomas Mack Center in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao is expected to watch Antonio Margarito defend his World Boxing Association welterweight title against “Sugar" Shane Mosley on January 23 in Los Angeles. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/145029/Report-Pacman-decision-on-Hatton-known-Friday

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Pacquiao foe ready to walk out

MANILA, Philippines – If Manny Pacquiao won’t accept a 50-50 revenue split, then British boxing superstar Ricky Hatton is willing to walk away from their planned May 2 megabout according to British newspaper The Guardian.

In The Guardian’s online edition, Hatton is ready to bolt out rather than accept a smaller cut from the proceeds of their proposed Las Vegas contest.

Pacquiao has declared that he won’t fight Hatton if the revenue split sits at 50-50 adding that he deserves a 60-40 sharing agreement for being the current draw of the sport.

Hatton’s camp, meanwhile, has already reached a verbal agreement with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum’s earlier proposal of both fighters receiving a 50-50 split in the fight’s revenue.

Arum is trying to save the planned Pacquiao-Hatton match, which is expected to keep the cash register ringing once all problems are ironed out.

Arum is currently convincing members of Team Pacquiao to finally seal the deal in their May 2 fight but Hatton’s camp, led by his manager and father Ray, said they are ready to completely get out of the negotiating table if no final agreement is reached early next week.

“We have the offer of another massive fight in the summer, in the British Isles, which would bring a crowd of 80,000 or more," said Ray Hatton in his interview with The Guardian.

“We are extremely serious in our threat that we will pull the plug on Pacquiao and go for that alternative if that contract is not signed. We will not be messed around."

Arum said people surrounding Pacquiao is muddling the planned fight. “We've all agreed to it (50-50 revenue split), but now people are whispering in Pacquiao's ear. There's no way he's getting 60–40. Unless he comes to his senses and people start acting intelligently... we'll see if we can keep this together, but the split is supposed to be 50–50."

Even Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, is also trying to convince his ward to agree on the 50-50 terms of the expected mega-buck deal.

“I hope the fight happens, and I think 50–50 is a good deal. I agree with it because Hatton brings a lot of people from the UK, so I hope I can get Manny on board," Roach said.

Both fighters are expected to rake in no less than $10 to $20 million if the fight pushes through with a significant amount expected coming from the revenue collected from UK pay-per-viewers. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/144620/Report-Pacquiao-foe-ready-to-walk-out

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Pacquiao: 'I’m worth more than 50-50'

MANILA, Philippines – The planned megabout between Manny Pacquiao and Briton Ricky Hatton returns to the negotiating table after the Filipino boxing icon rejected the 50-50 revenue split.

So how much is Manny Pacquiao really worth?

If you ask Pacquiao himself, he's worth more than 50-50 and believes he should get a larger chunk of the proceeds of the planned match between two of boxing’s biggest superstars.

Pacquiao’s camp believes the current pound-for-pound king should get a 60-40 share for being the boxing world’s biggest crowd drawer, especially in terms of pay-per-view shares.

But Arum and Hatton’s team, led by Golden Boy Promotions chief executive officer Richard Schaefer, believes both fighters should be on equal footing since the reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) also enjoys a cult following, especially after compiling 46 straight wins before losing to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their World Boxing Council welterweight title match on Dec. 8, 2007.

Hatton’s camp said they have already reached an agreement, though only orally, with Arum about the 50-50 revenue split.

Now Pacquiao, who's not budging from his earlier pronouncements of getting more than 50 percent of the revenue share, is threatening to pull out of his proposed fight against Hatton.

Pacquiao’s camp says if negotiations drag on they would be forced to shop around for a new challenger.

They are even contemplating of opening talks with the group of Mayweather, who retired after scoring a 10th round technical knockout against Hatton.

Arum, however, remains hopeful that the planned superfight between Pacquiao and Hatton on May 2 will still push through. He says that he will do what he can to make both camps agree on the 50-50 revenue split.

"This is the biggest fight out there for both of them and we have to find a solution and make the fight happen. Again, I’m very optimistic that we will find that solution," Arum said. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/144612/Pacquiao-Im-worth-more-than-50-50

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Pacquiao not amenable to 50-50 split

MANILA, Philippines – Now the promoter and the fighter are not meeting eye-to-eye.

Top Rank boss Bob Arum, who is negotiating Manny Pacquiao’s upcoming fight against Ricky Hatton, wants the revenue split at 50-50, but his fighter thinks he's worth more than that.

In a Friday article in the Manila Bulletin, Pacquiao said his decision remains firm saying that he must get the bigger share of the revenue purse in his planned fight against British boxing superstar.

In an earlier report, Arum said he had talked to the Pacquiao camp to explain the 50-50 split that they finally accepted after getting the assurance that half of the pay-per-view sales in Hatton’s country will be added to the Filipino boxing icon’s earnings.

Arum added that Pacquiao’s camp finally agreed when he finished talking to them.

Pacquiao, however, is not convinced and still wants the revenue split at 60-40 with him getting the bigger share of the revenue pie.

Pacquiao already hinted that he won’t sign the contract in his scheduled 12-round bout with Hatton if the offer stood at 50-50.

Pacquiao, who went 3-0 after fighting in three different weight divisions last year, said that he should get the bigger share after becoming the sport’s undisputed pound-for-pound king after beating future Hall of Famer Oscar De La Hoya.

Pacquiao became the sport’s biggest crowd drawer after his eighth-round demolition job of the Golden Boy in their “Dream Match" last Dec. 6, 2008. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/144565/Report-Pacquiao-not-amenable-to-50-50-split

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Pacquiao to sign Hatton deal this week

MANILA, Philippines – The purse split originally put on the table has finally been okayed by Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum told the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday.

Arum particularly directed his satisfaction at Pacquiao’s decision – made through Pacquiao’s battery of advisers – to agree to an even split in the prize money.

"There was a lot of confusion about why we did 50-50, but everyone now understands why this is a good deal," Arum told Lance Pugmire of the LA Times on Wednesday. "This thing is going to happen. Yesterday was disarray. Today, everything's back in order."

Arum added that he expects that, "by tomorrow, I'll have a signed contract."

Pacquiao has reportedly sought a 60-40 partition in his favor. When the matchmakers wouldn’t budge, the talks stalled to the point that scrapping altogether the Pacquiao-Hatton gig on May 2 in Las Vegas loomed.

Arum previously cited his respect for Hatton’s drawing power in England as the reason for the 50-50 percentage. Half of the pay-per-view sales in Hatton’s country will be added to Pacquiao’s earnings, a stipulation that Floyd Mayweather Jr. didn’t enjoy when he fought Hatton in 2007.

When that was brought to the attention of Jeng Gacal, Pacquiao’s lawyer, "everybody … calmed down," Arum noted.

The bout will be held at 140 lbs, the fourth consecutive time that Pacquiao will fight in a different division. At that weight, Hatton is undefeated.

The negotiations in the Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya match also went through some rough sailing after Pacquiao declined a 70-30 split in De la Hoya's favor and sought a 60-40 percentage.

The two sides eventually settled for 66-33. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/144351/Report-Pacquiao-to-sign-Hatton-deal-this-week

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Arum: Pacquiao advisers muddling negotiations

MANILA, Philippines – Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has put the blame on close-in advisers of Manny Pacquiao for the unexpected impasse currently hounding the negotiation for a middle of the year bout between the Filipino boxing superstar and British fighter Ricky Hatton.

The veteran boxing official said that earlier negotiations had the Pacquiao group amenable in a 50-50 share of revenue purse for the May 2 fight in Las Vegas, Nevada.

So it was to his surprise that shortly upon arriving in Manila from Los Angeles, the camp of the General Santos City native is suddenly harping a 60-40 split.

He doesn’t see the fight pushing through if Pacquiao would insist on his latest demand.

“We’ve all agreed to it. Now, people are whispering in Pacquiao’s ear. If they keep pushing for 60-40, Hatton and (his promoter Richard) Schaefer are pulling the plug," said Arum as quoted by the Los Angeles Times.

“There’s no way he’s getting the 60-40," added the Top Rank official. “Unless he comes to his senses and his people start acting intelligently... we’ll see if we can keep it together, but the split is supposed to be 50-50."

Arum appeared to have gotten a solid ally in trainer Freddie Roach, who also vouch that a 50-50 share is fair to both fighters.

Roach said he already spoke to Pacquaio on the phone the other day and hopes he’ll be able to talk to him again as soon as possible.

“I hope the fight happens, and I think 50-50 is a good deal. I agree with it because Hatton brings a lot of people from the U.K I hope I can get Manny on board," said the long-time trainer of the punching machine from General Santos City.

Franklin Gacal, lawyer of Pacquiao, sparked the issue on revenue split when he told before national television after arriving in the country that they ‘would not agree on a 50-50 sharing.’

He added that the 30-year old four-time world champion would move on ‘and find another opponent’ in the event they don’t get a 60-40 sharing.

Rex ‘Wakee’ Salud, another close adviser of Pacquiao, admitted that the Filipino boxing idol should get the bigger chunk of the fight revenue owing to his stature as the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter and a certified Pay-Per-View draw in the light of 1.25 million hits generated by his eight-round technical knockout win over legendary Oscar De La Hoya.

But Schaefer, Chief Executive Officer of Golden Boy Promotions, is also taking the same hard line stance should the original agreement of an equal sharing is not granted. “Ricky brings a substantial amount of revenue to this fight from England.... If Pacquiao doesn’t want to do it, he can fight someone else for less." – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/144335/Arum-Pacquiao-advisers-muddling-negotiations

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Pacquiao-Hatton fight in danger of collapse

MANILA, Philippines – The planned May 2 superfight between two of boxing’s top brawlers would not push through after all due to problems in the revenue split.

In a report at 24 Oras, Manny Pacquiao’s camp would not accept the 50-50 split in his fight against British boxer Ricky Hatton earlier agreed upon by Top Rank boss Bob Arum and Golden Boy Promotions chief executive officer Richard Schaeffer.

Garrett Williams, who is Hatton’s spokesperson, confirmed that they already had a verbal agreement with Arum on the 50-50 revenue split.

Pacquiao’s legal adviser, Franklin Dacal, said that since his client is the reigning pound-for-pound king they believe that Pacquiao should get the bigger share on the potential earnings in his scheduled match against Britain’s top fighter.

Dacal added that they already told Arum that if the revenue split won’t change to 60-40 then they will be forced to find another opponent for Pacquiao.

With both parties expected to return at the negotiating table, Pacquiao would busy himself on a possible movie team up with Sylvester Stallone.

Pacquiao’s business manager, Eric Pineda, said they already had initial talks with Stallone in the planned action movie and no less than the Hollywood action star wanted Pacquiao as a co-star.

Stallone was best known for portraying a boxer in the six-part Rocky franchise. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/144031/Pacquiao-Hatton-fight-in-danger-of-collapse

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Oscar De La Hoya Has One More Fight Left in Him

"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't about how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward . How much you can take, and keep moving forward"

Oscar De La Hoya, the legion of fans, the screaming young and middle-aged women, the money, the fame, the Hollywood-like ambiance, the good-looks, the Glamour, the charisma...It's all still in there, but the Golden boy's image has been tarnished night-in, night-out.

He no longer displays the brilliance that earned him the gold in Barcelona. He doesn't hit the way he hit, the speeds not there, and the left-hook is missing.

He is a full-time promoter.

His last seven fights gave him two thirds of his losses. He couldn't figure out the Shane Mosley puzzle, he received his first date with the canvass courtesy of Bernard Hopkins. Floyd Mayweather toyed with him, and the most recent, Manny Pacquiao, gave him the beating of his life.

Let's make it clear. I was, I am, and will always be a De La Hoya fan, and I know that there's still one good fight left in him.

Some might react negatively with what I've said. After the Pacquiao fight, many observers suggest that it's about time to hang up the gloves but I don't think so; a champion cannot go down like that.

I'm thinking of cinco de mayo, batalla de pueblo, el ultimo vuelo de Oscar De La Hoya.

Perfect script, Perfect exit strategy,

Any tough welterweight or super welterweight fighter can do: Paul Williams, Antonio Margarito, or Miguel Cotto (Don't dare mention JC Chavez Jr.).

It's about time for De La Hoya to once and for all cement his legacy as one of boxing's premier talents. Enough of the old and washed up excuse of being old and washed up, forget about the "can't pull the trigger" punchline.

Some might claim that there's nothing left in De La Hoya. He'll just be over-powered, he'll get another beating or he's not fit to fight. Others will say that it'll be another loss for him.

If he loses, so be it.

Winning isn't everything...

All he needs to do is to put on a performance, Don't just roll over and die!!

It's time to give back something to the fans. It's to boxing that he owes his wealth. He's a champion all his life so he must retire as one, at least a champion in the people's eyes.

Lastly, Remember the Spartan code: Die with honor rather than live with dishonor.

"Go back victorious or be back with a shield rested upon your upon you corpse"

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/108755-oscar-de-la-hoya-has-one-more-fight-left-in-him

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Your Definitive Guide to the Top Fights of 2009

TOP TEN FIGHTS OF 2009

So you think boxing is a "dead sport"? Not even close. Other than the heavyweight division, the sport is thriving and better than ever—you just need to know who to watch. Below are the best scheduled fights for 2009 and another five that need to happen.

Scheduled Fights
Juan Manuel Marquez (49-4-1)– Juan Diaz (34-1): February 28, 2009. Houston, Texas. Lightweight (135 lbs). Don’t miss this fight. Marquez has given Manny Pacquiao all he can handle in their two previous fights. I watched their second fight last night and Marquez is a brick wall that had Manny confused and, at times, dominated the Filipino champion. Pacquiao was fortunate to come away with a win. Diaz is a great fighter as Mexican pride is put on the line. Prediction: Marquez in a decision.

Ricky Hatton (41 – 1) – Manny Pacquiao (43-3-2): May 2nd. Las Vegas. 140 lb. The key to this fight is the weight class—140 lb. Hatton is unbeaten at 140 lbs. Also of note is that Hatton is now trained by Floyd Mayweather Sr. who has him boxing more and moved away from his predictable straight-forward style. It will be worth being in Vegas if nothing else for the thousands of drunk and singing Brits that will roll into town. Prediction: Pacquiao in 11th KO.

Antonio Margarito (37-5-0) – Shane Mosley (45-4-0): January 24th. Staples Center. HBO Boxing. Welterweight (147 lbs). I wouldn’t want to step in the ring with Antonio Margarito. Miguel Cotto hit him with bombs and he just kept coming. A tall, awkward fighter with a chin of granite and fists of bricks. Mosley will need to stick and move to make a game of it. Prediction: Margarito in 8th KO.

Jorge Orce (51-4-1) - Vic Darchinyan (31-1-1): February 7th. Home Depot Center. Showtime Boxing. WBC WBA IBF Flyweight Title. 130 lbs. Vic Darchinyan is scrappy, tough, unrelenting, and completely predictable. Yet, he just destroys opponents. A southpaw, he loads up and just throws a right hand that is unstoppable and just keeps throwing it. Prediction: Darchinyan in 7th KO.

Kelly Pavlik (34-1-0) – Marco Antonio Rubio (41-4-0): February 21st. New York City. PPV. Middleweight Title (160 lbs). Admittedly, I don’t know much about Rubio, but this is Pavlik’s first fight since getting dismantled by Bernard Hopkins. I’m anxious to see if "The Ghost" will come back from that butt-whipping. My guesses are that Kelly is a tough and smart fighter who will learn from his loss and make short work of Rubio. Prediction: Pavlik in 9th KO.

Fights that Should Happen

Manny Pacquiao – Juan Manuel Marquez III: I would love to see this fight happen this year before Marquez gets too old. I honestly think that Marquez is the only fighter that can stop Manny Pacquiao (and that include Floyd Mayweather Jr). He seems to have Manny figured out and I came away doubly impressed after their second bout. The deciding factor on this fight will be the weight class. Prediction: Pacquiao in a decision.

Antonio Margarito – Paul Williams: Everyone wants to see this fight. These are perhaps two of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world and nobody wants to step in the ring with either of them. Assuming Margarito makes quick work of Shane Mosley, this fight should get scheduled. Williams stopped Margarito a couple of years ago and a rematch should have happened by now.

This could turn into a rivalry on par with Ward – Gatti. Margarito would play the part of the stalking aggressor while Williams is a little more strategic. Prediction: Williams in a decision.

Sergio Mora – Kelly Pavlik: A wildcard, I know, but I love watching both these fighters. Mora, in spite of his Contender fame, is a smart, tough fighter who is a lot of fun to watch. Pavlik needs to fight someone with a reputation but not as dangerous as a Calzaghe or Hopkins. I think Pavlik is predictable enough that Mora would make a great fight of it. Prediction: Mora in a close decision.

Isreal Vasquez – Vic Darchinyan: Vic Darchinyan just doesn’t get the respect he deserves. I place him as one of the top 5 pound-for-pound fighters in the world and I’ve never even seem him tested. That could change with Isreal Vaquez. A tough Mexican who will fight Vic in the center of the ring. Prediction: Darchinyan in a 11th KO.

Floyd Mayweather Sr – Roger Mayweather: Forget about Floyd Jr., I want to see two old, tough Mayweather brothers square off. After watching all the HBO dysfunction in this family, it would be a heck of a fight. I have to take Floyd Mayweather Sr. in a knockdown. He just seems like mean cuss who would whip his younger brother. Prediction: Mayweather Sr. in 2nd KO.

Side notes

Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Joe Calzaghe are "retired" and thus not included in this list. Personally, I hope they both stay retired for different reasons. Mayweather Jr. is just too boring to watch. After watching the public get fleeced by the De La Hoya fight, he needs to stay in Vegas counting his money. Joe Calzaghe, my favorite fighter of the last ten years, will be thirty seven and that’s just getting too old. It’s been a great run Joe, and we love you, but it’s time to move-on.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/109348-your-definitive-guide-to-the-top-fights-of-2009

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Hitman Hatton Can’t Hurt What He Can’t Catch

2009 needs to be a year in which boxing is revived. I disagree with Joe Calzaghe, the sport isn’t dying, but on the other hand it isn’t living in luxury either. We’ll leave it at hungry, not yet starving.

One fight that can help to rejuvenate the sweet science is the “Hitman” going against the “Pacman." No, it’s not a game although some children might confuse it for such and rightfully so. But it’s really a showdown to lay claim to the 140 pound division.

Ricky Hatton has held his stake at the junior welterweight level his entire career and is set to face the current pound-for-pound kingpin Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd. His two vacations outside his 140-lb home in the 147-lb division were lackluster performances, at best. 147 pounds is just too heavy.

Pacquiao is looking for a fourth victory in as many divisions. He’s already solidified his place in the Hall of Fame, but this win will surely add extra bragging rights—not to mention an open window to a ‘fight of the decade’ against Floyd “Money” Mayweather.

In “The Dream Match” it was speed that factored in most for the Pacman. For Oscar, it should’ve been his reach. You knew it, you called it. In this match-up, reach will play the biggest role. And by reach I’m referring to Manny’s left hand lead.

In fighting David Diaz, who has a 69″ reach, Manny utilized his speed to chop down the then champion. In comparison, Pacquiao has a 5′6″ frame with a 67″ reach. Hatton is an inch taller, but loses two inches in reach to Pacquiao. Now two inches isn’t much, just ask Diaz, but two inches with lightning in the form of the left hand behind it will do considerable damage.

The last time Manny had a reach advantage was when he was mugged by Agapito Sanchez in a super bantamweight title fight in which I felt Sanchez should’ve been disqualified, this was 2001 and two months after 9/11. Or put it this way that was when Manny Pacquiao was not the consensus pound for pound king.

So add a couple great trilogies and genuine championship experience, and you’ll be worried if you are a Hatton fan (like myself). I followed Hatton throughout most of his career and I felt he has always been a crisp puncher. He always seemed small, physically, in the ring but he sure had some pop behind his punches. The diving hook that put Carlos Maussa to sleep came straight out of the classis Nintendo game “Punch Out”.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/107396-hitman-hatton-cant-hurt-what-he-cant-catch

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton: Boxing for Glory and Country

It’s royalty versus subject, knight versus plebeian when the sound of the bell starts the Battle Royale between British superstar Ricky Hatton and Filipino People’s Champ Manny Pacquiao on May 2, 2009, in Las Vegas, USA.

The British boxing knight touts an impressive ring record of 46 fights, losing only once when he challenged Floyd Mayweather Jr. for the WBC welterweight crown in December 2007.

Despite the knockout loss, the British boxing idol has come back with two impressive victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi to successfully retain the IBF junior welterweight title which he again puts on the line against Pacquiao.

On the other hand, Pacquiao is coming off from an impressive victory over boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya, whom he demolished and forced into submission in eight rounds of ring action that drew accolades from boxing pundits.

His mastery over the “Golden Boy” earned him the unofficial title of “pound for pound” king of boxing, succeeding Mayweather who had announced his retirement.

Pacquiao holds an equally impressive credential, with 48 wins, two draws, and three losses in 53 outings against the world’s toughest boxers in different weight divisions, ranging from flyweight to welterweight.

Against Hatton, the Filipino fighter has agreed to challenge him in his favorite weight division—the light-welterweight (140 lbs.) where the Briton is undefeated and the reigning champion under the IBF.

Unlike de la Hoya who was taller and bulkier than Pacquiao, the latter is fighting Hatton on even terms, with both fighters standing 5’6” and, of course, weighing 140 pounds at fight night. They have likewise recently turned 30, with Ricky older than Manny by an insignificant two months. Both are in the peak of their prime and are acknowledged to have similar aggressive fighting styles.

In terms of vital statistics—age, weight, reach, height, etc., the match up appears even. They are both fast power punchers, capable of stopping each other with a single blow, or a combination of punishing wallops to the head and body. Both fighters can unleash a knock out punch from either fist like a lightning rod.

The fight is likely to turn into a brawl, with both fighters mixing it up in the ring as early as the first round. Anyone who makes the first solid blow to the face is likely to become an early winner, but it is doubtful if Hatton could deliver the big wallop considering the newly developed defensive skills that Pacquiao unveiled during his match against de la Hoya.

If Hatton’s best was the one he showed against Mayweather in their recent bout, then he would be in trouble again. In that encounter, Hatton appeared steady and composed in the early rounds, peppering Mayweather with solid blows that almost sent his American rival to the canvass, until he lost steam in the later rounds, his face getting caught by a wild hook that sent him literally tumbling to the ground, face up, his eyes shut.

Pacman had faced better, tougher foes in Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, and Juan Manuel Marquez and survived, while Hatton had met lesser boxing mortals in Lazcano and Malignaggi after the loss against Mayweather.

Given Hatton’s strength, power, and speed, the fight is likely to go either way in the first six rounds—depending who gets hit first—but Pacquiao should get the better end of the exchanges after the sixth round, probably with a knock out in the seventh or eighth, en route to his final climb to his personal Mount Everest—Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the lure politics in his home country.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/108701-manny-pacquiao-vs-ricky-hatton-boxing-for-glory-and-country

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PACQUIAO VS HATTON: WILL MAY 2ND BE "JUDGEMENT DAY?"

Boxing has always been one of my favorite combat sports, and for a time I was of the opinion that the heavyweights were the ones to watch-out for. Over the last few years however, my opinion regarding this has been drastically changed.

Of the 18 weight divisions from strawweight to heavyweight there is very little doubt in my mind now, that the best "bang for the buck" exists in the welterweight division.

It now appears that there is more blood, sweat and tears in the 140-147 pound weight-class than all the heavyweight tonnage combined. The welters have continually shown that they are the hardest punchers, the slickest boxers, and -pound for pound -they are the best in the world.

Some the fighters names of which I speak are, Miguel Cotto, Paul Williams, Shane Mosely, Antonio Margarito, Zab Judah, and Kermit Cintron.

Ricky "the hit-man" Hatton is a Junior Welterweight Champion Boxer, but he's also a man with a rare mental toughness that's only found in the will power of long distance marathon runners, or the courage of para-troopers, and the survival instincts POW's.

Ricky Hattons opponent-now tentatively set for a may 2nd showdown-is none other than Philippino superstar Manny"pacman" Pacquiao, who is nearing sainthood in his home country and is Ring Magazines fighter of the year for the 2nd. time in three years.

These two fighters guarantee to produce the type of fireworks that are only seen on Canada Day, and 4th of July celebrations in the united states, the highly exposive kind.

May and June are the most beautiful months of the year and bring forth thoughts of rebirth, and floral weddings; but this May 2nd, there is a marriage of the fistic variety that that was born deep down in the trenches of a pugilistic hell.

These two welterweight warriors are both coming off great wins; Hatton over Paulie Mallignaggi and the "pacmans" outstanding win over the "Golden boy" of boxing, Oscar De La Hoya. Manny Pacquiao secured his legacy as a future Hall Of Famer and pound-for-pound best in the world by moving up 2 weight classes to meet Oscar De La Hoya in a head-on collision.

Manny Pacquiao looked terrific during this fight, and to be honest, Oscar looked like an old-shop worn-fighter with dulling reflexes who would be serving his family, fans, and the rest of boxing world a great service by hanging up his gloves for good.

My prediction for this May 2nd slug-fest between the "pacman" and the "hit-man" is a grueling 12 round war; the kind of war, which hasn't been seen since 1954 when Jake Lamotta-The Raging Bull-lost a split decision to Ray Robinson at Comiskey Park in Chicago. The key to victory here will be an over looked one, Floyd Mayweather Sr vs Freddie Roach.

Look for Ricky the "hitman" to come away victorious and recapture the fame and glory that eluded him in the Mayweather fight, after that, I'm looking for Hatton to try and lure Mayweather out of retirement for another super-fight, only this time it will be held on English soil.

If Ricky Hatton goes on to win his next two fights against Pacquiao and possibly little Floyd Mayweather, he will go down in history as one of the greatest pound-for-pound boxers that ever lived, and then there truely will be "only one Ricky Hatton."

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/109345-pacquiao-vs-hatton-will-may-2nd-be-judgement-day

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Sub-par sparring culprit in Oscar loss vs Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Somebody stepped forward and finally said it. Oscar dela Hoya lost as badly as he did to Manny Pacquiao because he didn't have quality sparring.

According to Dela Hoya's conditioning coach Robert Garcia, he didn't understand why Edwin Valero and Victor Ortiz, who are a combined 48-1 and were initially picked to spar with Dela Hoya, were replaced by untested fighters.

"If someone is looking for answers to why Oscar [lost], it comes down to sparring," Garcia told Brent Matteo Alderson in an article that appeared on Boxingscene.com on Saturday.

"We started camp with Victor Ortiz and he only stayed up there for 10 days and for whatever reason, he left. ... Edwin Valero was also sent home and he's the closest thing you are going to see to [Pacquiao] ... What they ended up doing for reasons out of my control, they sent him home [too]."

Ortiz and Valero are both southpaws and shorter than Dela Hoya, much like Pacquiao. Ortiz is a 23-1-1 (win-loss-draw) career fighter with 18 knockouts to his credit. Valero, a fighter who was once aggressively groomed to take on Pacquiao, is a perfect 24-0 with all his wins coming by stoppage.

Garcia said he thought Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, the legendary trainer hired by Dela Hoya for the Pacquiao bout, made the wrong choices.

"For some reason Nacho thought that Valero was too rough. My whole argument is when you solve Edwin Valero you solve Pacquiao," Garcia said.

"My theory was, let [Oscar] figure [Valero] out and work with Valero until the end of camp because the closer he gets to feeling comfortable with a young fast southpaw, the better chance he'll have when he gets in there with Pacquiao."

"Now that decision [to release Valero] was made by a higher up than me."

Blamed for the black eye

On the eve of the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya match, Valero spoke to Filipino sportswriters in Las Vegas and told them he was kicked out of Dela Hoya's camp because he caused Dela Hoya too much trouble.

"I hurt Oscar a lot," Valero said at the time. "I got kicked out after [I caused a black eye on Oscar]. Oscar doesn't want to spar with me anymore. They told me I couldn't be there."

Valero even went on to say that Dela Hoya did "not like to work out".

Valero, a southpaw like Pacquiao, sparred with Dela Hoya for only eight rounds before he was promptly replaced after battering Dela Hoya during their training.

Beristain's lapses

Garcia, who has worked with Dela Hoya since 2001 under Dela Hoya's long-time trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., admitted that Beristain had instructional lapses during Dela Hoya's training.

"Valero was there longer but when he was there, they weren't even using him," Garcia said. "... If you look at whatever footage we have, [Valero] was doing as well in sparring as Pacquiao did in the fight. Valero was getting in and out with his speed; he was confusing him with the left-handed style. ... [But] they sent him home... Nacho had other plans."

Garcia didn't entirely blame Beristain for the botched-up training. He said somebody like Beristain, a revered trainer in Mexico, coming in at such a short time to train someone in a high-stakes bout wasn't exactly a formula for success.

"Mayweather was very good at having that minute there to llok at what was going on and telling Oscar how to get the upper hand with a good set of instructions, but that's something that needs time to develop," Garcia said.

"Nacho wasn't given the opportunity to develop that trust in order to know his fighter and know what kind of instructions to give." - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143674/Sub-par-sparring-culprit-in-Oscar-loss-vs-Pacquiao

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Undercard to Pacquiao-Hatton: HBO vs. Showtime

Promoter Bob Arum said Monday it's no slam dunk to believe the May 2 Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton junior-middleweight fight will be televised on HBO pay-per-view.

Arum, who continues plotting to get boxing back on network television by arranging sponsors to buy the network's advertising time, says he likes the idea of having Showtime distribute Pacquiao-Hatton on pay-per-view with its parent company CBS advertising the bout or even airing a pre-fight show like HBO has done with its "24/7" reality series.

"Legally, we're free to negotiate with Showtime for this fight, and we will next week in New York," said Arum, who promotes Pacquiao. "This is being talked about seriously. In order for boxing to prosper, it has to be on free network TV. CBS, because of its relationship with Showtime, is best positioned to be the network that does this. [CBS President] Les Moonves is a huge fight fan."

HBO has been the dominant player in pay-per-view boxing, offering such battles as Pacquiao-Oscar De La Hoya, Hatton-Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the record-setting De La Hoya-Mayweather bout of May 2007.

Arum has shown he's not married to HBO, however, staging his own Top Rank pay-per-view bouts, and now newly empowered by Pacquiao's one-sided triumph over the popular, but likely retiring De La Hoya, the veteran promoter has a trump card to maximize the best possible deal.

Source: http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/sports_blog/2009/01/undercard-to-pa.html

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Marquez needs forceful win to attract Pacquiao

HOUSTON — Juan Manuel Marquez thinks that a victory over Juan Diaz will draw him closer to one more shot at Manny Pacquiao.

Of course, he first has to handle Diaz, who has lofty aspirations of his own.

The two highly regarded lightweights met with reporters on Thursday to promote their Feb. 28 fight at the Toyota Center in Houston, Diaz's hometown.

The 35-year-old Marquez (49-4-1, 36 KOs) isn't ducking tough competition while he keeps trying to convince Pacquiao's camp to set up a third bout between them. Marquez and Pacquiao fought to a draw in 2004 and Pacquiao won a close decision in the rematch in Las Vegas last March.

Marquez, who signed with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy Productions, mostly blames Top Rank chairman Bob Arum for preventing another rematch from coming together.

"There is a reason he (Pacquiao) doesn't want to fight me again," the Mexican-born Marquez said through an interpreter. "But that's the fight I've wanted, I've made no secret of it."

Right now, Pacquiao's camp is close to securing a 140-pound (63½-kilogram) fight with Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas. David Itskowitch, the chief operating officer for Golden Boy Promotions, said on Thursday that the Pacquiao-Hatton event was "still taking shape."

Marquez moved up to lightweight after the loss to Pacquiao and knocked out Cuban champion Joel Casamayor on Sept. 13. He wants to do the same to Diaz, a former three-time lightweight champion, to increase the pressure on Pacquiao, who holds the WBC lightweight belt.

"That's the intention," Marquez said in Spanish. "Right now, I'm just concentrating on Juan Diaz 100 percent."

The 25-year-old Diaz (34-1, 17 KOs), meanwhile, calls his matchup with Marquez a "dream come true." Diaz lost three lightweight belts to Nate Campbell last March, then beat Michael Katsidis in Houston last September.

Juan Diaz beat Julio Diaz on October 2007 to unify the WBA, WBO and IBF lightweight titles, but he's never faced an opponent as accomplished as Marquez, a former featherweight champion and a national hero in Mexico.

"This is the type of fight I've been waiting for my whole life," said Juan Diaz, who will graduate from the University of Houston in May. "Finally, I get my chance."

Diaz also has his eyes on Pacquiao's belt, and knows how much a victory over the well-respected Marquez would vault him up the list of contenders.

"By beating the man who a lot of people said beat the man, that will put me up there," said Diaz. "That's what is going to make this a more interesting fight, that if I beat him, my name is going to be up there with all the top guys."

Promoters also announced that 2000 Olympic silver medalist Rocky Juarez (28-4) will fight WBA featherweight champion Chris John (42-0-1) on the undercard.

The Indonesia-born John, who defended the title against Marquez in March 2006, will fight for the first time in the United States, while Juarez will try to win for the first time in five championship bouts. - AP

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143350/Marquez-needs-forceful-win-to-attract-Pacquiao

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Report: Pacman-Hatton purse likely at 50-50

MANILA, Philippines - Bob Arum hinted at an even split in earnings between his client Manny Pacquiao and British slugger Ricky Hatton, the Los Angeles Times reported on Wednesday.

Besides the venue - it's still a tossup between MGM Grand and Thomas and Mack Center - that's about the only matter left unsettled in an almost-certain slugfest between the two power-punchers. It's going to be on May 2 and in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao got roughly 33 percent of the total earnings when he fought Oscar de la Hoya in December. Pacquiao, considered boxing's biggest draw besides De la Hoya, was initially pegged to get a higher take in the Hatton tussle.

Because Arum has been impressed with Hatton's star appeal in his home country, the purse could be divided equally.

"We might do a million homes on pay-per-view in England," Arum told Bill Dwyre of the LA Times. "You have to give Hatton some credit for what he brings to the table."

Arum also added in the same report that the promotions could begin in England. "We'll have some (darts) matches over there," Arum said, referring to both boxers' proficiency in the recreational sport. - GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/143190/Report-Pacman-Hatton-purse-likely-at-50-50

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Manny Pacquiao Will KO Ricky Hatton In Round 10

Again the battle of trash talking is starting to heat up the tube and all boxing fan be it loyal or just ordinary fans of Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton, are the perpetrators.

The fight is still four months away but as of press time things are getting ablaze with furious supplications, comments and opinions leading to the proposed May battle between the Pacman and the Hitman.

As boxing enthusiasts and keen observer, i am exercising my right to join the forum by imparting my analysis on this upcoming rumble in the four square jungle.

After discreetly scrutinizing the fighting style of the Brit fighter (Hatton) and the style of the Filipino icon, I therefore see a stoppage on the late round and most probably in the 10th round.

As i've wrote on my previous article, Hatton's non-stop fighting style is a tailor made for the Pacman. Look in Hatton's previous fights, i noted that the Hitman was the aggressor attacking his opponents non-stop that includes his fight against Floyd Mayweather, but again what bothers me was his defense.

He is a good offensive fighter, but again i reiterate he has a rot defense particularly in the late rounds. He goes forward with arms wide open.

In his fight against Malignaggi, last year i saw Hatton unleashing haymakers in the late rounds not minding tightening his defense, fortunately the Magic Man , was a one handed fighter that night, otherwise he would end up kissing the canvass like what had happened to him in his fight against Mayweather.

Pacquiao on the other hand is good fighter both offensive and defensive. In his last two fights against David Diaz and Oscar dela Hoya, Pacquiao was too elusive that gave his opponents difficulties for their targets. Lateral movement brought by his speed gave him that kind of reposition.

With his speed Pacquiao could surface from different angles, thus he is not easily to be cornered. Dela Hoya, was not able to drag Manny in the ring's corner that's why he was not able to unleash his favorite combinations that used to knocked out opponents.

Hatton loves to bully his opponent to the corner then figure in an arm wrestling same he did to Mayweather and Malignaggi, but this tactics would not prevail on Pacquiao. Manny will intend to again rely on his lateral movement but what makes good about the Pacman is that he has a tendency of moving to different angles then abruptly attack his opponent with powerful left and right combinations.

So come fight night, is see a stoppage in the late rounds most probably in the 10th, because Pacquiao loves to take down his opponent in the late rounds. It's up to you whether you conform or not. Many disagree with me when i foresee dela Hoya will get TKO in late rounds, last December, but i proved them wrong. So make your analysis, make your comments after all I’m living in a democratic country! Noning R. Antonio

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/104645-manny-pacquiao-will-ko-ricky-hatton-in-round-10

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Bleacher Report Boxing Pound For Pound Rankings: Jan 09

As promised, the Bleacher Report Boxing Pound For Pound rankings are in. I asked the top ten writers to submit their personal rankings, and averaged them out. The results may surprise you.

So drum roll please.....................

1. Manny Pacquaio

There was no doubt about this one. Manny received all the first place votes, and deservedly so. Since Floyd "retired", nobody has gone at the throne quite like Manny. The only other guy that could even stake a claim to the top spot is our number two guy.

2. Joe Calzaghe

Calzaghe actually might not be on this list much longer. With retirement rumors lingering and no real competition for Joe, he is left with few options. He can fight a rematch with Hopkins, or take on the up and coming Chad Dawson. He has sworn against fighting the former again, and the latter is not a big enough matchup at this point.

3. Bernard Hopkins

Just his mere name appearing on this list is a credit to a genetic wonder. At an age when most adult males experience a mid life crisis, B-Hop schooled a young, hungry Middleweight champ in Kelly Pavlik, making him look like an amateur in the process. What's left for Bernard in 09? Not much if he can't secure a rematch with Calzaghe. Maybe a fight with Dawson?

4. Juan Manuel Marquez

The skilled craftsman who has gone toe to toe with Pacquaio twice comes in at number four. While he has actually won more rounds against Pacquaio than he has lost, numerous knockdowns cost him wins in both fights. Still, Marquez is an offensive virtuoso, who throws great combinations and possesses every punch there is.

5. Israel Vasquez

After his brutal wars with Rafael Marquez, Vasquez has taken some much needed time off. A return in 09 against either Marquez or old nemesis Larios might be on the horizon after a tune up fight.

6. Antonio Margarito

Margarito might be able to climb this list significantly in 09 if he stays busy. An upcoming showdown with Shane Mosley and a rematch with Cotto are good steps toward the top spot. If he can win both and close out the year with a win against Paul Williams, Margarito will be in the argument for the top spot.

7. Paul Williams

Paul was all over the place on the rankings. Some had him as high as number two, some as low as ten. Seven is a nice place for him, considering he does have a win over Margarito, who resides at number six. Williams will continue to be hurt in the pound for pound rankings by the fact that fighters avoid him like the plague. Let's hope this changes in 09.

8. Kelly Pavlik

Ok, so Pavlik got schooled by Hopkins. Like we haven't seen that before. B-Hop has made a career out of exposing weaknesses in fighters, and he exposed some in Pavlik. Problem is, who at middleweight can follow his lead? From the looks of things, If Abraham or Williams don't fight Pavlik, don't look for him to lose again in 09.

9. Ricky Hatton

An upcoming matchup against Pacquaio may move Hatton up this list, or off it completely. Either way, should be an explosive fight.

10. Wladimir Klitschko

Does Dr. Steelhammer have top ten pound for pound talent? Yes.

Does Dr. Steelhammer have top ten pound for pound competition to fight at heavyweight. No. Not even close.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/105746-bleacher-report-boxing-pound-for-pound-rankings-jan-09

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Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton: Will "Fatman" Beat Pacman?

Ricky Hatton has only one loss in his celebrated career. It was as a Welterweight against undefeated p4p champ Floyd Mayweather Jr., and if you are going to lose to someone, there is no better loss to have on your resume than little Floyd.

Peruse boxing history, and you will find the hardest guys to defend against and also the guys that are avoided most are the southpaws; this fact also made its way onto the big screen of Hollywood in the 1976 inspirational movie Rocky, during a scene in which Apollo Creeds trainer is discussing the skills of Rocky Balboa in his upcoming fight.

"He's a southpaw. I don't want you messing with southpaws. They do everything backwards." Apollo creed: Southpaw nothing. I'll drop him in three. Apollo Creed meets the Italian Stallion. Now that sounds like a damn monster movie.

Manny Pacquiao or "Pacman" as he is known in boxing circles is a stratospheric fighter who has ended the careers of two of the greatest fighters in history, Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales and is likely to have ended another one with his recent beat-down of Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya.

Manny is nearing sainthood..he stops for prayer in the midst of sparring matches and gives away six figure amounts to his home in the Philippines, but next in line could be a fighter with the equivalency in firepower, Manny should be on the lookout for the insurgence of "Hitman" Ricky Hatton.

This potential insurrection hasn't happened yet however, and this complicated story gets even more complicated when you add the fact that Floyd Mayweather Junior wishes to come out of retirement to face Manny Pacquiao.

Recently, on a Michigan radio station, it was reported by David Mayo, a press columnist from Detroit Michigan—Mayweathers hometown—that there is truth to these sudden rumors.

Mayo tells Ryan Terpstra of WGHN Radio that Mayweather Jr. apparently wants his father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., to train him for a fight against Pacquiao. Mayweather Sr. currently trains Ricky Hatton, who also could potentially be Pacquiao's next opponent.

There is a possibility that Pacquiao goes and fights Hatton, because even if little Floyd comes back in January and starts training, he couldn't be ready to fight until close to the middle of the year, at least May, according to Mayo.

"It might suit Hatton and Pacquiao to go ahead and make that fight...in Wembley Stadium, which is the idea, trying to draw this super mega-live crowd...and the winner gets Floyd. With Pacquiao fighting in England, you run the risk of, if not an eliminated Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, certainly a devalued one, or Mayweather gets turned to Hatton instead."

So there's a number of things that could happen and the plot is certainly thickening in this on going story of a mega million dollar showdown to take place later this year; as a huge combat sports fan I'm extremely excited to see all this shuffling taking place...let's just hope that the Mayweather money and political Boxing drama doesn't ruin an otherwise history making event.

"World champions aren't made in gyms, they are made from something they have deep inside them, a desire, a dream, a vision..."-Muhammad Ali

Note: Special thanks to WGHN RADIO for David Mayo interview.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/99618-manny-pacquiao-vs-ricky-hatton-will-fatman-beat-pacman

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The Biggest Obstacle For Ricky Hatton: Manny Pacquiao's Southpaw Stance

Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquaio are going to have one of the biggest fights in 2009. Many people have wondered how Hatton will deal with Manny's speed, but the bigger question is how will Hatton handle Manny's southpaw stance? To gain more insight in Hatton's ability to deal with southpaws, one must look at all the previous fights Hatton has had with southpaws in his professional boxing career.

According to Boxrec.com, Hatton has faced six southpaws in his professional career. All wins, however, four of the six went the distance, one was KO via a bodyshot, and the other was a second-round DQ.

Hatton's first two fights with a southpaw were against Mark Ramsey, who took him to a six-round decision win, at a time when Hatton was knocking out everyone he faced.

2002 was the year of the Southpaw for Ricky Hatton as he faced three southpaws in succession. His first fight was with southpaw Eamon Magee. To be fair, Magee had lost but never had been knocked out.

What's significant about this bout is that Magee had Hatton on the deck for the first time in his career. It was also the closest fight that Hatton had been in at that point in his career.

The next fight was DQ win against Stephen Smith that only went two rounds when his corner stepped on the apron in protest of an elbow thereby stopping the fight.

The third fight was a charm as Hatton fought Joe Hutchinson and put him down and out with a liver shot. It took four years for Hatton to face another southpaw.

In 2006, Hatton faced Luiz Collazo and eked out a controversial victory 115-112 on two cards and 114-113 on the third. The only thing that saved the victory was a flash knockdown in the first round. Collazo not only had the southpaw advantage, but he had the size, length, and a stylistic boxer advantage over the brawler Hatton.

Not including the welterweight Collazo, all the other southpaws that Hatton faced at the light welterweight division ranged between 5'7"-5'8", about the same height as 5'7" Hatton.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/98184-the-biggest-obstacle-for-ricky-hatton-manny-pacquiaos-southpaw-stance

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Freddie Roach Is Cautious With Ricky Hatton, Warns of a War

Just recently, we witnessed one of the greatest all-time fighters being taught a lesson by a new pound for pound king. Oscar was mercifully beaten by Manny and had nothing to offer in return in the ring.

Nobody thought that this was the way the fight would go. Sure, there were people who believed that Pacman would win this fight, but I don’t believe that people could have predicted what went down that night.

Now, after such a great performance, there are multiple options open for Manny. Out of all those great fighters he could face, Hatton seems to be the clear choice. The deal is almost done, the fans have been notified, and the media is ready with their cameras and microphones.

So what does this fight mean? What kind of performance can you expect from Pacman? Will he do to Hatton what he was able to do to Oscar?

Freddie Roach says no! In a recent interview, Freddie stated that Hatton is a very dangerous fighter. He said that he was very confident in the Oscar fight, but not as confident in the Hatton fight. He warned that Hatton will “dish out a better performance than Oscar.”

“Pacquiao needs to train for at least eight weeks at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood to be in top shape for Hatton, who is also a slugger and puncher,” he said. Roach also mentions that Hatton is a “tremendous body puncher.”

Freddie must know what he is talking about. I have heard him say nice things about other fighters, but never something of this proportion. I think that now that he's gotten Manny to the very top of the game, he is much more cautious about the fighters he does not know. Underestimating a fighter like Ricky can be very fatal to someone’s gameplan.

In my personal opinion, I think that Hatton can win this fight. He is a very active fighter with great stamina. He will trade with Manny, and I’m not so sure that Manny would win that trade-off. Hatton has energy and power to back Manny off. It’s a very dangerous fight for both fighters, and I think that one has as much to gain as the other to lose.

Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/95883-freddie-roach-is-cautious-with-ricky-hatton-warns-of-a-war

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'Dream' 2008's richest; Pacquiao earns P548M

NEW YORK - Boxing and the economy may both be struggling, but Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao proved the biggest fights can still create a buzz.

Pacquiao's complete domination of De La Hoya last Sunday at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas generated about 1.25 million pay-per-view buys, according to numbers released by HBO on Wednesday. It's only the fourth time a non-heavyweight bout in the US reached at least one million, and De La Hoya has been involved in all of them.

The pay-per-view take generated about $70 million in revenue, HBO said, making it the most successful pay-per-view event in 2008.

Of that amount, HBO will get half the earnings and the other half will be split between Pacquiao and De La Hoya based on the estimated 30-70 split they had earlier agreed on. Pacquiao’s cut was pegged at least 32 percent.

That means Pacquiao will get an estimated gross amount worth $11.2 million or P548.8 million.

As stipulated in his contract, Pacquiao was guaranteed $11 million to fight De La Hoya. GMANews.TV learned that Pacquiao would only get the higher amount between the guaranteed clause and the PPV earnings, and not both.

"When it's all counted up, it will end up at 1.35 or 1.4 million [subscriptions]," Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank told ESPN.com’s Dan Rafael.

Rafael’s report noted that Pacquiao’s previous pay-per-view high was 405,000 buys registered in the Juan Manuel Marquez rematch last April.

De La Hoya owns the top four non-heavyweight pay-per-view earnings. Only his showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2007 (2.4 million buys) and a 1999 match versus Felix Trinidad (1.4 million) were higher than the weekend match.

"In this economy, our expectations were appropriately tempered," Mark Taffet, in-charge of HBO pay-per-view, also said on the ESPN report. “But 1.25 million buys shows tremendous support from boxing fans all across the country and reinforces the importance of continuing to present the biggest and best fights the sports has to offer."

The MGM Grand Garden was packed, with an announced attendance of just over 15,000.

Considered the top pound-for-pound boxer and a hero in his native Philippines, Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) moved up two weight divisions to fight at welterweight. The one-sided bout was stopped after the eighth round when, with the fighter bruised and swollen, De La Hoya's corner threw in the towel. - AP, with GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/138745/Dream-2008s-richest-Pacquiao-earns-P548M

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