Manny Pacquiao Demolishes Ricky Hatton in Two Rounds

World pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao has defeated IBO and Ring Magazine light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in a sensational second-round knockout at the MGM Casino in Las Vegas Saturday night.

The fight was stopped at 2:59 by Kenny Bayless after Hatton was knocked down for the third time. He had been knocked down twice within the first round.

"I didn't need to count him out," Bayless said.

Pacquiao dominated the fight from the opening bell, opening Hatton up with a jab that quickly developed into a punishing right hook. He ended the fight in the second round with a left hook.

Doctors rushed out to attend upon the dazed Hatton.

"I’m surprised the fight was so easy,” Pacquiao said afterwards. “He was wide open for the right hook. I knew he would be looking for my left.”

Hatton appeared to be seriously hurt after the knockout but rose to his feet several minutes after the fight had ended.

“It was a hard loss but I’m OK,” Hatton said. “I really didn’t see the punch coming but it was a great shot. I know I’ll be OK.”

Hatton quickly made his way to hospital moments after making the comments.

The fight cements Pacquiao's position at top of the pound-for-pound table, appearing to undermine Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s 10-round TKO over Hatton in 2007.

Mayweather will face Pacquiao's Mexican foe Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 at 143 pounds.

Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton's trainer, believes his fighter should retire after this fight. It was rumoured the two had fallen out on the eve of the bout.

"I would suggest he retire," Mayweather said. "He tried twice. He failed twice. He lost to my son and to lose to someone below that, it's time to leave the ring."

In contrast, Pacquiao's coach, Freddie Roach, seemed unfazed by his fighter's performance.

"The fight was no surprise to me," he said. “We know he [Hatton] always pumps his hands before he throws a punch. He’s a sucker for the right hook.”