Boxing Perspective: Can Hatton Overcome The Odds To Defeat Pacquiao?

© Hoganphotos / Golden Boy Promotions

Tonight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas comes the much anticipated clash between Ricky Hatton of Manchester, England and Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines as they fight for the IBO Light Welterweight title.

This week droves of British fans have once again traveled overseas to support ‘The Hitman’, but it seems they will be outnumbered by the thousands of Filipinos eager to support the man that has become their national hero – Manny Pacquiao.

Bookmakers have the ‘Pac-Man’ as favourite, but there’s no denying the confidence of both ‘camps’.

It’s a difficult fight ‘to call’ – Pac has the speed and a left punch like a battering ram but he is going up a weight to fight Hatton. Hatton, who body-punches with ferocity, has never lost a fight at 10 stone/140 pounds.

Hatton is clearly irritated that he is pitched as the underdog – but perhaps uses it to motivate himself more – saying he’ll ‘show them again’ on Saturday night.

Pacquiao’s respected trainer Freddy Roach has taken on former world heavyweight champion Michael Moorer as an assistant in the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles and while Roach works Pacquiao in the ring – Moorer is Roach’s ‘third eye’.

Hatton’s trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr, is in no doubt of a victorious outcome. The not-so-quiet Mayweather believes Hatton cannot fail and delights in telling everyone why and how – in poetic style.

But when all the talking has been done – there will be just two men in the ring. In an arena choc-full of Americans, Filipinos and Brits – Hatton and Pacquiao will do their work. Whoever wins – it’s sure to be an exciting 100 mile-an-hour slug-fest – and a fight not to be missed!