LOS ANGELES: Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao would likely fight British sensation Ricky Hatton in the first half of 2009, possibly in England or Las Vegas, said Pacquiao?s trainer Freddie Roach.
Roach said Pacquiao, who on Sunday in Las Vegas stunned the boxing world with his sensational stoppage of Oscar de la Hoya, has many options. These include a possible clash with unbeaten but retired welterweight Floyd May weather Jr.?should he decide to go back to the ring.
?But I think the Ricky Hatton fight is a bigger fight,? said Roach, a three-time trainer of the year who is back coaching at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood. ?I think Hatton would be the bigger draw because of his huge following.?
Roach said the prospects of Pacquiao-Mayweather are all speculations at this time in the absence of any indication that the former pound-for-pound kingpin is even willing to break his one-year retirement.
?I think Hatton is better for Manny. He is about Manny?s size and their aggressive fighting style is something that will excite the fans. So, whatever makes more sense, we?ll take it,? Roach said.
Leading British newspapers have reported extensively about the inevitability of a Pacquiao-Hatton super fight at Wembley Stadium in London, home of England?s national football team; or even in Hatton?s home turf in Manchester.
Bob Arum, Pacquiao?s promoter, has mentioned Dubai, the Middle East?s financial capital, as another possible venue because of the huge Filipino presence there and its accessibility to British tourists.
British press
Leading London tabloid The Sun reported that Pacquiao wants to fight Hatton at junior welterweight (140 pounds).
?My job is to fight in the ring but it is my promoter who decides who I fight,? The Sun quoted Pacquiao as saying. ?I can fight anytime, anywhere. I can go to England to fight Hatton, no problem.?
The London Times and the News of the World carried similar reports and suggested that an open-arena fight at Wembley could pack a record 100,000 spectators for what could be the biggest boxing event of 2009.
According to News of the World, Arum is agreeable to a Pacquiao-Hatton clash, most likely in the spring or summer.
?I know Ray [Hatton],? he said, referring to Ricky?s father and manager. ?We?ll sit down, we?ll talk, that?s probably the most logical fight to be made?Manny against Ricky Hatton at 140 pounds.
?Obviously, Manny would want to fight at 140 and so would Ricky. That?s probably number one on the drawing board. But let the kid [Manny] have a great Christmas and New Year, and then we?ll sit down to business.?
Palace prize
In Manila, Malaca?ang also on Tuesday said Pacquiao would be designated as a peace ambassador.
The boxing icon is expected to arrive today at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. From there, he will proceed to Malaca?ang where President Gloria Arroyo will receive him. On Thursday, a hero?s welcome organized by some government officials awaits him. —
