Post by Pedley on May 2, 2009 6:00:33 GMT -5
For me this is Pacquiao's first big test at this weight, everyone can look at the Oscar De la Hoya fight as his defining moment but for me as good a performance as that was, he wasn't exactly pushed during the fight.
Hatton is the man at Light WelterWeight, unbeaten at this weight, and the Undisputed king of the division. Has chased the big fights and only has the one defeat which arguably came against the best boxer in the world.
It is often said that styles make fights and with the styles that these two use it should be an exciting fight. One will be using footwork, and angles to try and land his punches where as the other will be hunting his man down, stalking him and waiting for the right moment to pounce.
Pacquiao has been in some all out wars, but never with anyone who can bang like Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton can. I've have been watching the 24/7 shows with great interest to see how these two have been preparing, where as Hatton seems to be working on his hand speed and slipping punches, Pacquiao seems to be making sure he is in out quickly. Freddie Roach is no fool and he knows that if Hatton is able to unload Pacquiao will be in for a very hard night.
Personally I think it will depend on how Hatton handles himself and whether he reverts back to his brawling style as soon as he gets tagged or whether he is prepared to wait and back Pacquiao into a corner and unload. The second seems the way Mayweather will be drilling him to go.
Pacquiao is the "Pound for Pound" number 1, but has been knocked out twice and neither of these could bang as hard as Hatton.
My opinion is that Hatton will stop him late on, I think that his body shots will be too much and Pacquiao won't be able to maintain his speed or his movement after a few have landed.
Either way this fight should be awesome.
So what do you think?
Hatton is the man at Light WelterWeight, unbeaten at this weight, and the Undisputed king of the division. Has chased the big fights and only has the one defeat which arguably came against the best boxer in the world.
It is often said that styles make fights and with the styles that these two use it should be an exciting fight. One will be using footwork, and angles to try and land his punches where as the other will be hunting his man down, stalking him and waiting for the right moment to pounce.
Pacquiao has been in some all out wars, but never with anyone who can bang like Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton can. I've have been watching the 24/7 shows with great interest to see how these two have been preparing, where as Hatton seems to be working on his hand speed and slipping punches, Pacquiao seems to be making sure he is in out quickly. Freddie Roach is no fool and he knows that if Hatton is able to unload Pacquiao will be in for a very hard night.
Personally I think it will depend on how Hatton handles himself and whether he reverts back to his brawling style as soon as he gets tagged or whether he is prepared to wait and back Pacquiao into a corner and unload. The second seems the way Mayweather will be drilling him to go.
Pacquiao is the "Pound for Pound" number 1, but has been knocked out twice and neither of these could bang as hard as Hatton.
My opinion is that Hatton will stop him late on, I think that his body shots will be too much and Pacquiao won't be able to maintain his speed or his movement after a few have landed.
Either way this fight should be awesome.
So what do you think?
