A Convincing Display By Pacquiao

The debate over who was the best pound for pound fighter in the world had raged on for what seemed like an eternity.

Manny Pacquiao ended that debate in less than six minutes late on Saturday night.

Pacquiao, long considered one of the best fighters on Earth, took on another seemingly great fighter, Ricky "the Hitman" Hatton in a bout in which the latter's IBO and The Ring Light Welterweight (140 lbs.) Championship was on the line.

There had been a bit of smack talking in the time leading up to the match, but all in all, as pointed out by the announcers during the actual fight, these two gladiators had no real problem with each other, and by all accounts, actually liked one another.

However, the way that Pacquiao nearly ripped Hatton's head off his shoulders with a thunderous left hand, you could have fooled me.

Hatton had already been knocked to the mat twice, and seemed to just be trying to make it to the end of the round so he could find solace in his corner and listen to the words of his corner man, Floyd Mayweather.

He never got the chance, as Pacquiao decked him with a shot that sent shock waves through the MGM Grand Arena and sent Hatton sprawling unconscious onto the mat, signalling a victory for Pacquiao with barely any time left in the second round.

Pacquiao's win makes him one of only two men (the other being Oscar De La Hoya) to win world championships in six different weight classes.

From the moment that the punch connected, Hatton was out. He fell in a heap onto the canvas, striking the back of his head in the process. He appeared alright physically minutes later when he came to, however what will the lasting effect be on his career?

We all know will happen to Pacquiao.

Already a mega-star in his native Philippines, Pacquiao will return a national hero yet again, a shining beacon to a country in need of a hero. He was stepped into the role for years, and shows no signs of letting up.

Next on the horizon might be a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr, which would be a classic to say the least. Mayweather, who came out of retirement only days ago, is scheduled to fight Juan Manuel Marquez (who Pacquiao has already beaten) on July 18. But after that, who knows?

In my opinion, Hatton was not ready for this fight. Sure, he was in shape, and he was talking a big game, but you tell just by looking at him on Saturday night that something was amiss.

He stared blankly, even before Pacquiao scrambled his brains. He was throwing clumsy punches, and making a lot of mistakes, which is a fatal error when squaring off against the lightning fast Filipino.

Now 45-2, Hatton still boasts an extremely impressive resume, and will have no problem finding another opponent.

But will he be the same Ricky Hatton? The same bruising fighter, all balls, little skill.

Let me tell you, getting your head cracked is not a pleasurable experience. But it's exactly the thing that Hatton is made for. If he can get focused, I would love to see him fight Pacquio again. Mayweather is another possibility, but he tends to go for more high profile fights, simply so that he can turn them into a circus. And besides, he has already beaten Hatton.

Whoever it is that they get to face Hatton, I offer a warning; He's going to be out for blood, so duck and cover, because the Hitman is not someone who will take being embarrassed lightly.