Boxing experts favor Pacquiao over Hatton

MANILA, Philippines – Two boxing analysts believe Manny Pacquiao has enough in his arsenal to bring down Ricky Hatton in their May 2 superfight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Michael Koncz, Pacquiao’s Top Rank coordinator, and Matchroom Sports Ltd. Managing director Eddie Hearn said in a 24 Oras report that they chose Pacquiao based on the reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion’s skills. Koncz said Pacquiao’s speed would again be a factor in the match. "Manny’s hand speed is faster than Hatton, but more importantly, Manny’s ring presence is better. Hatton is a one-dimensional fighter, and he is going to come straight forward. And Manny is maturing as a boxer," Koncz said. Hearn, meanwhile, believes Pacquiao will try to tire International Boxing Organization (IBO) welterweight title holder Hatton. "Hatton will come forward, come forward, and Manny will pick him off and soak him up. (By) eight, nine, 10 rounds when Ricky is tired that is when Manny’s strength really comes through," Hearn said. "That is when he’ll push him on the back ropes and I’m not sure Ricky will going to take more." Hearn expects an exciting match between the two fighters. "Both fighters have huge hearts, huge courage, and huge talent," he said. "They will both come forward and be aggressive. Both fighters will never give in." With the fight still three months away, Pacquiao is savoring his time with his family and friends before plunging into another eight weeks of hard training to prepare for his megabout against Hatton. Pacquiao is expected to begin training at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Las Vegas in March. – GMANews.TV