MANILA, Philippines – The Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight, one that also involves a boiling rivalry between their respective trainers, is so big that the current issue of The Ring Magazine has dedicated 21 pages for the coming fight.
According to newsday.com, the magazine that is regarded as the Bible of boxing has come out with special features on the May 2 showdown between the two great warriors that will slug it out at the MGM Grand.
In one of the articles, 20 boxing experts were asked about their opinions on the fight, and interestingly 17 of them picked Pacquiao, the reigning pound-for-pound champion to prevail.
If he does, the 30-year-old Filipino will take away Hatton?s IBO light-welterweight crown and win his fifth crown in five different weight classes. So far, he is the only Asian to have won four.
Only three of the ring experts picked Hatton to win, put a strong challenge to the pound-for-pound champion, and probably land a fight with either Juan Manuel Marquez or Floyd Mayweather Jr. later this year.
Those putting their money on Hatton are TV commentator Steve Bunch, Esquire-UK?s Mark Colings and Manchester Evening News? Stuart Brennan. They all picked the British superstar winning in the late rounds.
Two fighters who have faced Hatton went for Pacquiao ? Pauli Malignaggi and Luis Collazo. David Diaz, who lost his WBC lightweight title to the Filipino last year, also went for Pacquiao.
Reports have it that Mayweather, the undefeated former pound-for-pound champion, is all set to come out of retirement and is getting ready to jump back into action on July 11.
But while the flamboyant American boxer said he?s ready to fight anyone among the big guns, including Pacquiao, Hatton or Marquez, it seemed that the Filipino?s handlers are not too keen on the fight.
Instead, Pacquiao?s handlers, including trainer Freddie Roach and promoter Bob Arum, are looking at welterweight champion Miguel Cotto as the next good fight.
In the months, weeks and days leading to this fight, Roach has been involved in a ticklish word war with Hatton?s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr.
