IT’S going to be Manny Pacquiao by knockout over Ricky Hatton when the two ring warriors square off on May 2 in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And it’s not only speed and power that will make Pacquiao triumphant. He also has a big fighting heart which many boxers don’t possess.
North Cotabato Vice Governor Manny Pi?ol made the assessment when asked how he sees the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, which is now almost sealed save for the venue.
“It’s Pacquiao by knockout. It won’t reach the 10th round. I’ve studied Manny’s fighting style over the years. I’ve never seen a fighter with a big heart as big as Manny Pacquaio’s. He’s the only boxer feared by trainers,” said Pi?ol, a respected boxing analyst and a staunch supporter of the sport in the country.
Pi?ol made his bold prediction during a meeting hosted by Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman William “Butch” Ramirez on amateur boxing stakeholders spearheaded by Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (Abap) president Ricky Vargas Thursday in Davao City.
Pi?ol said the 30-year-old Pacquiao, the world’s number 1 pound-for-pound boxer, has what it takes to beat Hatton.
“He’s got not just heart but also technical skills to pull out a win. This will be a very exciting fight since both boxers want to trade punches,” Pi?ol said.
Pi?ol was also asked on his take on a possible fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. and he also has a ready answer.
According to Pi?ol, the fight, if it pushes through, will be difficult one for Pacquiao and a dull one, too.
“Mayweather is a boring fighter,” Pi?ol said.
Pi?ol joined the Abap meeting that was also attended by its secretary general Patrick Gregorio and stakeholders amateur boxing stakeholders in the region.
The consultative meeting was held to allow Abap to pursue an effective grassroots development in the countryside and discover future Olympic champions.
