Hatton-Pacquiao: The Hits to Continue For Hatton

Although 2009 has already been filled with great matchups with big names across the board, and is probably shaping up to be the best year in recent memory for boxing as a whole, it won’t be until Saturday that we experience the first “mega fight” of the year. 

Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao is, and will be, the definition of “mega fight.”  There is absolutely no chance that this clash can disappoint. 

For as long as it lasts, that is.

This fight is not going the distance. 

I believe there is little or no chance that it will go the full twelve rounds, but if it does, it will go down as one of the most action-packed fights in recent memory—it will be epic.  I’m afraid we’re going to have to settle for something inside of twelve and if my belief is accurate, it will end inside of ten. 

I think most pundits would agree with my assessment, but that’s where we part ways.  Most people believe that Pacquiao is too much for Hatton.  This is the popular choice outside of Great Britain.

But I think it’s the other way around. 

Hatton is too much for Pacquiao.  Point blank.

Fans and media alike want to believe that it’s Pacquiao’s fight to lose, but since this fight was mentioned late last year, I believed Hatton had what it takes to beat Pacquiao.

The first, and what is probably the most obvious reason, is natural size.  When they step in the ring on Saturday, Hatton will easily be the biggest person Pacquiao has ever fought. 

Don’t put too much stock into what happened with Oscar De la Hoya.  Oscar was a drained, over-trained shell of his former self.  Pacquiao did what he should’ve that night last December: He beat a man to whom he was physically superior—on that night.

Another mistake people are making is putting Pacquiao in the same league as Floyd Mayweather Jr. 

Believe me, that ain’t the case. 

Sure, Pacquiao is fast, but Mayweather is brilliant.  If it were Pacquiao, instead of Hatton, in the ring with Mayweather in December 2007, who really thinks the outcome would’ve been different?  It might’ve been different in that it could’ve ended quicker than it did. 

Hatton’s loss to Mayweather isn’t a cause for shame in anyone’s eyes but Hatton’s.  That loss, to the pound-for-pound best at that time, accounts for the only loss on his record.

Don’t expect much of a feeling-out period by either man.  Both want to establish themselves and the pace they respectively desire.  If one catches the other with something solid, it will more than likely, degrade into more of a brawl. 

It’s easier said than done, but Hatton wants to stay close to Pacquiao.  He wants to bang his body.  That is the key to slowing Pacquiao down and it just so happens to be Hatton’s strength. 

Pacquiao will try to sting Hatton with his speed and befuddle him with movement.  Pacquiao has very fast hands and is a southpaw.  If Hatton doesn’t keep his guard high, he’ll be in for a very long night. 

Pacquiao will try to establish a jab but won’t wait too long before he starts unleashing straight lefts.  We’ve witnessed that Hatton doesn’t have a granite chin, so this would be where Pacquiao can make some hay. 

Ultimately, I believe that Hatton will wear Pacquiao down with his strength, constant pressure and his relentless body attack.  Pacquiao will try to use his speed and move in and out of Hatton’s range and pepper him with blazing combinations, but won’t be able to withstand the temptation to trade with Hatton, which will be his downfall.