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PACQUIAO VS HATTON -- A MUST SEE RUCTION By Hermie Rivera PhilBoxing.com Thu, 16 Apr 2009  Los Angeles, CA.-- This will be a showcase of heavy punching when Manny Pacquiao clashes with Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. Always looking for ways to beat riotous challengers, Pacquiao is ready to hurt Hatton in their May 2 encounter. This, to complete a triumphant tour of the eight-weight divisions he has figured in. ?Balderdash? cried Hatton on claims the British hitman does not have what it takes to counter what the GenSan stinger is bringing to the MGM bop. ?I?m the unbeaten boss of junior welterweights and I plan to finish him off,? the IBO defending champion underscored after a heated session in a Vegas gym, Ricky says Manny gets rattled when pressured, citing Erik Morales? win in their first match and Juan Manuel Marquez? controversial loss in a rematch. The 31 year old Briton insists he is much stronger and a better fighter -- hence an early exit of the Filipino idol is possible. But Manny has iced more fighters than what Ricky has chilled--(39 limp bodies for the Pacman as opposed to 36 stiffs for the Hitman) And more experts are lining up in his corner. Al Bernstein for one is looking at Manny to stop Ricky. ?Hatton will be competitive with Pacquiao because he is a natural 140 pounder who is better than what he is given credit for. However, Manny?s hand and foot speed plus combination punching will be too much for Ricky. I could easily see Hatton cuts being a major factor as well,? the reliable Bernstein emphasized. Echoes Lance Pugmire of the L.A. Times: ?A 10th round stoppage of Hatton due to Pacquiao?s combination of speed and power.? Hizzoner Al Fernandez of Dagupan City says it would be unlikely Manny will blow this one out calling a late round KO of Ricky as well. The Philippines? pride does have the capacity to arouse enthusiasm even from non-believers each time he suits up for a fight. I was a witness at Pacquiao?s Hollywood camp when he mangled his sparring partners forcing his handlers to scramble for a sturdier group that could withstand Manny?s power. Relaxing at a Thai eatery called Nats on Vine street in Holywood, the Pinoy ace confided he is almost at peak form. And once there, Hatton will know the kind of mess he?ll find himself in. For sure, fans will be treated to a rousing brawl in this pairing of a British whopper against a Filipino whacker. Hatton will get in his licks alright but Pacquiao will be landing his bombs where it counts. This is one compelling fight left in Manny?s calendar before he chases other pursuits. So far, I see nothing showing up to derail the ?Pacman Express? -- on track for merry Las Vegas where the game Mancunian awaits. Top photo: Manny Pacquiao (C) punch mitts with trainer Freddie Roach at the Wildcard Gym Wednesday during Pacquiao's media day. Click here to view a list of other articles written by Hermie Rivera.  |
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