No way the old Ricky Hatton could have stayed in the ring too long with Manny Pacquiao.
But, if the glimpse of the new, improved Hatton was a portent of things to come for the popular British fighter, then you would have to say that a Ricky-Manny super fight in 2009 might go off as an even money affair.
There were signs, subtle ones but signs nonetheless, that working with Floyd Mayweather for seven weeks has given Hatton?s formerly woeful defense an upgrade. I do not want to read too much into his battering of scaredy cat Paulie Malignaggi but, along about the third or fourth round Saturday night I was forming mental images of what a Ricky-Manny collision would look like.
If two trains leave King?s Cross at the same time and then collide head-on?that?s what came into head, visions of a wicked train wreck between the Mancunian and the legend from Gensan.
Manny and Ricky both lead with different hands but the southpaw and the righthander have so many similar ring traits.
They both employ a buzzsaw, fan friendly offensive style. They?re both workmanlike body punchers.
They even have similarities in their fan followings.
Manny is the Pinoy idol, the National Fist.
Hatton carries a large portion of the UK on his broad back in a way that Welshman Joe Calzaghe never has and never will.
They?re both regarded as Average Joes, the type of character you might meet up with at the local beer hall or pool parlor.
Ricky vs. Manny is so promotable it is making me silly.
Why not put the first fight in Manchester and the inevitable rematch in Las Vegas or Manila?
Ricky vs. Manny will be a thrilla wherever they hold it.
