Hatton in for a surprise, says Pacquiao chief sparmate

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao’s chief sparring partner, Urbano Antillon, said Ricky Hatton is in for a surprise in their scheduled 12-round fight on May 2 (May 3) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. In a report at 24 Oras, Antillon said Pacquiao is in tip-top shape with just 24 days left in their megabuck bout. The third-ranked World Boxing Council lightweight contender said Hatton might even be surprised with Pacquiao’s speed and power. “Ricky Hatton you know he’s the one pulling pressure always, coming forward. He tends to open up a lot." “Manny is a smart-enough fighter to step over to the side and you know counterpunch him. I think he definitely has the speed without a doubt and the power is there too," added the undefeated lightweight contender. Antillon said that Hatton needs to pressure Pacquiao in order to win the match. “The only way for Hatton to win is by putting pressure on Manny, giving Manny no opportunity and maybe smothering him. Kinda like dirty tactics. Holding on and not letting him move away." Antillon also believes the fight would not go the scheduled 12 rounds and believes a Pacquiao victory in the middle rounds. “Maybe five or six (rounds)." – GMANews.TV