The biggest fight of 2009 is happening in Las Vegas Saturday night. Pound for pound king Manny "Pac-Man" Pacquiao is challenging Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton for his junior welterweight belt (140 lbs). The fight sold out the MGM Garden Arena in April despite current economic conditions.
Pacquiao (49-3-2) is the best boxer in the world. Originally turning pro at 106 lbs, he has won titles in 5 weight classes (flyweight, junior featherweight, featherweight, junior lightweight, and lightweight). As noted by ESPN's Dan Rafael, he will be attempting to win a belt in a 6th weight class on Saturday. The only other fighter in history to win belts in 6 weight classes is Oscar de la Hoya, whom Pacquiao demolished and retired in his last fight at welterweight (147 lbs). Despite the changes in weight, Pac-Man has maintained his formidable punching power. Although the normal trend is that a smaller fighter with power will find his punch diminished against larger opponents, Pacquiao has improved as he has moved up. While he is at the top boxing, he has still not established that he has reached his peak size.
Hatton (45-1), has been the champion at light welterweight since taking the belt from longtime champ Kostya Kszyu in Manchester in 2005. This was a showcase of Hatton's already famous swarming style. He relies on volume and activity in the form of body punches and hooks to wear down his opponents. This is coupled with a strong will and the willingness to receive punishment in order to inflict it.
Hatton will be again taking on the P4P king in Las Vegas. The last attempt was against "Pretty Boy" Floyd "Money" Mayweather in 2007. Although Hatton was able to seemingly catch and frustrate Floyd early in the fight, Mayweather dominated the entire outing. As Hatton became frustrated, Mayweather was able to land combinations at will culminating in a perfectly timed check hook that sent Ricky into the turnbuckle and onto his back. Although he regained his feet in time, Floyd jumped on him until the ref stopped the fight and handed Ricky his first loss. Since then, Hatton has regrouped with two victories and taken on a new trainer, Mayweather's father Floyd senior.
Pacquiao is an international superstar, especially in his native Philippines. He has recorded hit pop songs, owns and plays on his own basketball team, and performs generous charity work. Despite losing a recent congressional election, Manny has plans for a political life following his boxing career.
Hatton enjoys similar worship in England. Throngs of British supporters descended on Las Vegas for Hatton's first fight in America against Mayweather. An estimated 20,000 fans took over the casino and dominated the crowd with soccer-style Hatton chants. Ricky's publicized fondness for beer and pub food has endeared him to people as a regular guy with a warrior's spirit.
Despite his fame at home, Pacquiao did not reach celebrity status in the Western world (outside of boxing fans) until his destruction of de la Hoya in his last fight. Having never fought as heavy as welterweight and given his opponent's Hall of Fame career, Pacquiao was viewed as a heavy underdog. Instead, Pacquiao overwhelmed Oscar from the first bell, hitting him repeatedly with his trademark straight lefts and his recently developed rights. Showing his superior speed, Manny was able to land the majority of his punches and frustrated Oscar with his movement and use of angles. As often happens in boxing, de la Hoya appeared to age instantly in the ring until he quit on his stool after the eighth round.
Hatton's last fight against Paulie Malignaggi was viewed as a showcase for the benefits of his new tutelage under Floyd "Joy" Mayweather Sr. The light hitting Malignaggi was overmatched by Hatton over eleven rounds, though any great changes in Hatton's attack were minor. While Mayweather Sr. has stressed the use of the jab, Hatton used it sparingly and usually to set up his hook. His defense was improved, though it is likely that in the heat of a fight he will still forget to dodge or block the majority of punches he faces. Despite this, Hatton turned in a strong showing before Malignaggi's corner threw in the towel.
As showcased on HBO's excellent 24/7 series, the fighters' trainers have achieved an unusually high level of exposure in this fight. Freddie Roach has trained Pacquiao for the majority of his career and can be credited with helping him to achieve his current status as the best in the world. Stressing strong fundamentals, he has turned Manny from a one dimensional fighter that relied heavily on his unusually powerful left hand into a well rounded boxer. Roach has been named Trainer of the Year three times, most recently in 2008. In contrast, Mayweather Sr. focuses his charges on flashy hand pad work and defensive prowess Although he has claimed credit for his son's success, it is often cited that Floyd Jr.`s true development occured under his uncle, Roger Mayweather. Hatton should show improvement in his jabbing and defense, though it is unclear how much can be learned at this stage with a short amount of time.
Pacquiao should look to establish his superiority against Hatton early, much as he did against Oscar. Pac-Man will have a vast advantage in hand speed, allowing him to attack Ricky quickly. Hatton, though, has under appreciated foot speed and should make for a more difficult target than the slow and plodding de la Hoya. Citing his comfort at the weight, Hatton believes he will be able to hurt Pacquiao. Expect him to eventually wage into Manny and try to slow him down with his body attack and hooks. Pacquiao has shown a tendency to get hit early in his career, often raising his gloves and bouncing back and forth after getting caught in a taunting gesture. Roach has worked with Manny to improve his head movement, which allows him to use his speed and unusual angles to do damage without having to trade. In his toughest fights, particularly against current lightweight champ Juan Manuel Marquez, Pacquiao was timed and caught with counter punches when he attempted to jump in with his straight lefts. Using this blueprint, Marquez and Erik Morales were able to slow Manny down and cause him trouble. Hatton, though, has not shown the inclination or the patience for counter punching, preferring to dictate the fight himself.
Despite popular opinion, I think Hatton will prove a tough opponent for Manny. Given the one sided showing against the faded de la Hoya, many see Pacquiao as being an unstoppable force. Respect for Hatton's body and hook attack should keep Manny from a careless onslaught. Instead, I expect Pacquiao to display his punching power and precision, along with his blinding speed, in executing a careful game plan early on. If he can weather Hatton's attacks, he should become more comfortable and begin to beat Hatton up at will. Ricky's pride should keep him in the fight absorbing punishment until the end.
Pacquiao by KO or late stoppage
Also, look for junior middleweight Erislandi Lara against Chris Gray on the undercard. Lara is a former Cuban amateur champion who recently defected. After leaving Cuba in 2007, he was caught by Cuban authorities and brought home where he was suspended from boxing. A second defection attempt by speedboat to Mexico in 2008 proved more successful.
Light Welterweight Championship (140 lbs)
Manny Pacquiao
Nickname: Pac-Man
Record: (49-3-2)
Height: 5ft 6.5in
Reach: 67in (southpaw)
Here is his last fight against Oscar de la Hoya
Ricky Hatton
Nickname: The Hitman
Record: (45-1)
Height: 5ft 6in
Reach: 65in
Here is his last fight against Paulie Malignaggi
UPDATE: Both fighters made weight. Pacquiao came in at 138 lbs. while Hatton weighed exactly 140 lbs.
