Writers predict winner of Pacquiao-Hatton fight

MANILA, Philippines – The promo tour has not even started. Both fighters have yet to start their respective training sessions. But this early online boxing writers are already predicting a winner for the scheduled May 2 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton. Some say the reigning pound-for-pound king and Filipino boxing icon would dance his way against Hatton. Others believe the British boxing superstar nicknamed The Hitman would floor Pacquiao. The debate goes on for Pacqman and Hitman fanatics, who are eagerly waiting for both fighters to step in the ring and box their way around the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Some say Pacquiao, with the same speed that he showed against Oscar De La Hoya in their December 2008 bout, will demolish Hatton. According to Leo Reyes, of digitaljournal.com, Hatton will be surprised when Pacquiao uses his speed and punching power to neutralize his aggressiveness early in the match and would finish off the British boxer in the later rounds. Pete Parry also pointed out Pacquiao will use an array of lightning fast combination's while avoiding return fire from Hatton. Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach needs to review the tapes of Hatton’s two previous big fights against Paulie Malignaggi and Floyd Mayweather Jr. in order to devise a new game plan. Mayweather is the lone boxer who put a blot on Hatton's nearly perfect record. Gerry Balasta, of 8countnews.com, predicted Pacquiao would be successful in beating Hatton to a pulp but a bloodied Hitman would put up a fight in the latter stages. Balasta wrote Hatton would sneak in a huge blow on Pacquiao’s left kidney, which would force the Filipino boxing icon to kiss the mat in the 11th round. According to Balasta, that hit to the left kidney is the same power punch that brought down boxing legends De La Hoya, Tommy Hearns, George Foreman and Mike Tyson against Bernard Hopkins, Marvin Hagler, Muhammad Ali and Lennox Lewis. Jake Roberts, meanwhile, foresees a Hatton win by way of knockout in the later rounds. He said that Hatton’s strength and aggressive body shots will be the factor of his win against Pacquiao. While others sided with Pacquiao or Hatton, Vivek Wallace of BoxingExaminer.com played it safe saying it will be up to both fighters on who would win on that day adding that he would feel sorry for the guy who missed the fight of the year and have to wait for the morning paper to read the story. – GMANews.TV