24.03.09 – by James Slater – Ever since the fight was announced, was then in doubt and was then back on for good, the fans have been talking about the May 2nd battle between 140-pound stars Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao as being just that, a battle. The paying public, the majority of them anyway, are expecting a real, hard war in Las Vegas, and judging by what Ring magazine light-welterweight champ Hatton had to say to Sky Sports recently, the fight will indeed be fought in a way that will make it an affair to carry an adults-only certificate..
For though he says there will be plenty of speed on his part and not just power, Hatton has laid out his-game-plan for the big fight, and he says he plans to be ultra-aggressive against the Filipino southpaw dynamo.
“Attack, attack and attack again,” was “The Hitman’s” answer when he was asked how he will approach the May fight. “If you beat the pound-for-pound number one that is a statement. We are both very aggressive and both like to go forward but ultimately my size and power will be a factor. But it’s not just a power thing, I’m working on my speed. I think they [Team-Pacquiao] see me as a slow fighter and they will get a shock on the night [at] just how fast I am.”
With Pacquiao also likely to come out fast and aggressive at the first bell, the fight cannot fail to be fan-friendly. However, Ricky has a feeling Manny may try to out-box him as he did Oscar De La Hoya back in December of last year – as he explained.
“I’ll be keeping the same ferocity I’ve always had and when he feels my strength I don’t think Manny will stand about,” Hatton said. “I think he will think he can out-box me like he did Oscar De La Hoya. He might come and have a go early on but with the greatest respect I don’t think it would have been hard to out-box Oscar that night.
“If Manny thinks he can do the same to me I think he will come unstuck.”
Hatton clearly goes along with all those who feel Pacquiao had nothing too formidable in front of him last December, when the formerly great “Golden Boy” was both old and very weak at the weight. This, as Hatton says, will not be the case with him on May 2nd. So far, the 30-year-old Manchester man has been delighted with the way his training has gone.
“We are only half way through training camp, and I think a lot of fighters would be happy with my speed, sharpness and timing come fight night,” Ricky said. “I’m happy with the stage I am at but I just know my boxing ability, combination punches, jabbing and head movement is going to get so much better. I have a nice balance now and the fight can’t come quick enough.”
In what is likely to be a fight of the year candidate, Hatton Vs. Pacquaio – “The Hitman” Vs. “Pac-Man” – sure can’t come quick enough!