The Hitman has his second attempt at being named pound for pound king by taking on the impressive Phillipine Manny Pacquiao.
After his defeat to Mayweather, it was debated whether he would ever be the same again. He has won his following bouts but hasn't looked the Ricky Hatton of old. Now he has the chance to prove himself as the best in the world.
The fight is taking place at 140lbs, where Hatton has never lost. Pacquiao started life as a flyweight and is fighting at his fourth different weight in his last four fights.
This fight will be very different for Hatton in one aspect. He has never fought a fight in his life where he wasn't the crowd favourite. He is a hero in England for his boxing and many Mancunians will travel to Vegas to see him as per usual. However, he is fighting a man who is a GOD in his own country. His countrymen will be ferociously backing him.
If Hatton loses, the English public wil be disappointed but will soon get over it with a pint and a curry. If Manny loses, the Phillipines will be in mourning.
Considering this is every bit as big in Boxing terms as Hatton - Mayweather (two of the best in the world going head to head) it has not got the same publicity. Hatton Mayweather was HUGE. Half the people I knew, even those who hate boxing, found a may to watch Hatton Mayweather. These same people don't know a fight is taking place in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Finally, predictions? Can the Hitman do it? He has a height advantage, and is considered the best light welterweight in the world, but Pacquiao will be his sternest test at this weight. If Hatton can work the ribs he has the power to put Manny down but Pacquiao is incredibly quick. Hatton's new defensive skills will get a thorough examination here.
As a betting man, my money is on Pacquiao. Whatever happens, it should be a classic.
After his defeat to Mayweather, it was debated whether he would ever be the same again. He has won his following bouts but hasn't looked the Ricky Hatton of old. Now he has the chance to prove himself as the best in the world.
The fight is taking place at 140lbs, where Hatton has never lost. Pacquiao started life as a flyweight and is fighting at his fourth different weight in his last four fights.
This fight will be very different for Hatton in one aspect. He has never fought a fight in his life where he wasn't the crowd favourite. He is a hero in England for his boxing and many Mancunians will travel to Vegas to see him as per usual. However, he is fighting a man who is a GOD in his own country. His countrymen will be ferociously backing him.
If Hatton loses, the English public wil be disappointed but will soon get over it with a pint and a curry. If Manny loses, the Phillipines will be in mourning.
Considering this is every bit as big in Boxing terms as Hatton - Mayweather (two of the best in the world going head to head) it has not got the same publicity. Hatton Mayweather was HUGE. Half the people I knew, even those who hate boxing, found a may to watch Hatton Mayweather. These same people don't know a fight is taking place in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Finally, predictions? Can the Hitman do it? He has a height advantage, and is considered the best light welterweight in the world, but Pacquiao will be his sternest test at this weight. If Hatton can work the ribs he has the power to put Manny down but Pacquiao is incredibly quick. Hatton's new defensive skills will get a thorough examination here.
As a betting man, my money is on Pacquiao. Whatever happens, it should be a classic.