Last night at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV, Manny Pacquiao made a mockery of the lengthy pre-fight buildup with opponent Ricky Hatton, turning what had been promoted as a titanic battle of light welterweight warriors into a one-sided hammering that ended with Hatton KO'd before he even hit the canvas in the second round.

Hatton had started the contest strong, backing up southpaw Pacquiao and looking to make the bout into the kind of close quarters brawl in which he excels.

But once Pacquiao began to punch back, he had no difficulty in finding the target and soon Hatton was decked from a short counter right hook.

The Englishman didn't look hurt and beat the count with no problems and resumed his heavy pressure upon his rival
but shortly afterward was floored again when a left hand connected flush.

This time Hatton had clearly been shaken up and was very fortunate when the bell rang to save him from what appeared to be a quick exit.

But the stay of execution proved to be short-lived.

Hatton came out for the second looking to box and maintain more distance between himself and Pacquiao but the Filipino was still connecting with right hooks and sharp left power shots.

Hatton wasn't able to land much of anything of consequence as Pacquiao was just too fast of foot and hand. As round was nearly over, Hatton came forward and walked into a perfect left from Pacquiao and was unconscious immediately, falling heavily to the canvas with the fight called off at 2:59 of the second round.

Manny Pacquiao wins the IBO Light Welterweight title, improving to 49-3-2 (37), and is without question the top boxer in the sport.

Hatton suffers a tremendous defeat, dropping to 45-2 (32), and could be heading to retirement after an illustrious 12 year career.

On the undercard, WBC Super Featherweight Champion Humberto Soto, 48-7-2 (31), was clearly a step too far for game challenger Benoit Gaudet, 20-2 (7), dropping the Canadian in the ninth round with a devastating uppercut before forcing a stoppage when Gaudet could no longer defend himself.

Light welter prospect Mike Alvarado, 26-0 (18), outpointed veteran Joaquin Gallardo, 18-8-1 (5), over eight rounds and welterweight Matthew Hatton, 37-4-1 (14), banged out a UD over seasoned Mexican light welter Ernesto Zepeda, 39-12-4 (34), after eight.

Super bantam Abner Mares, 18-0 (11), stopped Jonathan Perez, 14-6 (11), in the sixth and super middle Daniel Jacobs, 16-0 (14), won a unanimous decision after eight frames against Michael Walker, 19-2-2 (12).

Featherweight Bernabe Concepcion, 29-1-1 (16), won a six rounder on points over Yogli Herrera, 22-8 (15).

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Boxing News Tags: Benoit Gaudet, Boxing Results, Chris Gray, Erislandy Lara, Humberto Soto, James Kirkland, Manny Pacquaio, Manny Pacquiao Vs Ricky Hatton, Matt Korborov, Mike Walker, Ricky Hatton, Rodrigo Aguiar, The Battle of East and West