Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton Betting Tip
Published May 1, 2009 by Martin Bean
British boxing superstar Ricky Hatton returns to the scene of his only defeat on May 2nd at the MGM Grand Garden Arena (Las Vegas, Nevada) as he takes on Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao. It’s unquestionably the biggest event in boxing so far in 2009, as two of the world’s most popular fighters clash; Hatton has fought in Las Vegas a number of times with more than 30,000 fans travelling to watch him against Floyd Mayweather Jr in December 2007, whilst Manny Pacquiao is a national icon in the Philippines, second only to royalty in terms of popularity.
Pacquiao is the universally recognised number one pound for pound boxer on the planet and a four weight world champion. His march to those four world titles has seen Pacquiao take on and beat a number of boxing’s modern greats, such as Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez and most famously, Oscar De Lay Hoya, in his most recent contest. The Filipino has speed and power in abundance, often attacking with a relentless ferocity that leaves his opponents overwhelmed. Make no mistake, Hatton has an incredibly tough assignment on May 2nd.
But, despite all of that, don’t write Hatton off just yet as there are also a number of potentially significant factors in his favour. This fight takes place at the light welterweight limit of 10st/140lbs, which is Hatton’s natural weight and one that he has never lost at during his career—his only defeat came up at welterweight. In fighting Hatton, Pacquiao unquestionably takes on the strongest man he has faced in his career—he won his first world title down at flyweight and has only fought above super featherweight twice, beating an average champion in David Diaz at lightweight, whilst his domination of Oscar De La Hoya is somewhat tainted, with many believing De La Hoya’s meek surrender that night was proof he was already a ‘shot’ fighter.
The styles of both fighters mean this is sure to be an exhilarating and action packed fight—Hatton is famed for his body attacks and non stop aggression and whilst Pacquaio has had to alter his style as he has moved up through the weights, he still fights at mid range, always looking to attack in sharp, hurtful bursts of punches.
The last time Hatton was in a fight of such magnitude was when he lost inside 10 rounds to the sublime Floyd Mayweather Jr. In that fight Hatton was frustrated for the first five rounds and an act of petulance in the sixth round left him with a point deduction and having to chase the fight, which ended in his first defeat.
Although Pacquiao and Mayweather have completely different styles, the lessons Hatton learned in defeat against Mayweather will serve him well here. Hatton will enter the famous ring of the MGM Grand Garden Arena against the pound for pound number one again, this time knowing to keep his discipline, this time with the knowledge that his attacks must be more measured and this time with an even deeper desire to emerge victorious.
Despite many pundits believing Hatton will be soundly beaten by Pacquiao, I disagree. Hatton will be in the shape of his life for this fight and provided he can avoid the stinging left hand of the Filipino, I see him overcoming some sticky patches before wearing Pacquiao down in the later rounds and putting himself at the top of the boxing tree. Come on Ricky, you really can do it.
Boxing Capital tip: Ricky Hatton to Win @ 6/4 (Skybet).
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