Roach back at Wild Card to fully take over Pacquiao training camp

MANILA, Philippines – After missing the early part of training camp, Freddie Roach is expected to fully take over the work out and preparation of Manny Pacquiao for his May 2 fight with Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Any day now, Roach will be reporting back at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles following almost a two-week absence to be with world title prospect Amir Khan in his bout against Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in Manchester, England.

Khan beat Barrera via a fifth round technical decision.

In his absence, Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez, conditioning coach Alex Ariza and former heavyweight champion Michael Moorer tried to hold the fort and set off Pacquiao’s heavy, eight-week training for his first ring appearance for 2009.

But of course, there’s nothing like having back the same man responsible for molding Pacquiao to be the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter that he is known today.

Upon Roach’s return, he also brought along an assurance from the lanky Khan that the British fighter will help get the Filipino ring idol in shape against his countryman.

Khan told Roach before the trainer departed for L.A. that he’ll show up at the Wild Card gym once sparring session for Pacquiao begins.

“I’d like to help Manny because he’s a good friend," said the 2004 Athens Olympics silver medalist.

Khan and Pacquiao had sparred together twice in the past just before their respective big fights.

The native of Manchester, England held a few sparring session with the Filipino just as he was preparing for his mega-welterweight showdown with the legendary Oscar Dela Hoya last year.

The 30-year-old southpaw from General Santos City then returned the compliment when he helped Khan get in shape for his make-or-break encounter with Barrera. A former conqueror of the Mexican Hall of Famer, Pacquiao also gave the Briton a few tips on Barrera’s weaknesses.


Working out again with the boxing star he considers as his new best mate would be a great experience for him, according to Khan.

“The sparring would do me good as well. It would help me to learn much confidence-wise just to spar with him. If I can handle him and spar with him, it's going to take me on to the next level," said the Englishman.

Roach didn’t hide his elation when Khan answered his plea to spar with Pacquiao

“I love using Amir because when Manny can handle his speed, then he's sharp," said the American trainer. “And when you're sharp you can deal with anybody." –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/153098/Roach-back-at-Wild-Card-to-fully-take-over-Pacquiao-training-camp

Social Bookmarking

Ricky Hatton On Pacquiao

Social Bookmarking

Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao Preview with Bernard Hopkins

Social Bookmarking

PACQUIAO FIRST DAY OF TRAINING AT THE WILDCARD GYM LOS ANGLES, CALIFORNIA

Social Bookmarking

WBC lists Pacquiao No. 3 contender at super lightweight division

MANILA, Philippines – The World Boxing Council (WBC) has listed Filipino pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao the No. 3 contender in the super lightweight (140-lb) division in its March ratings.

Pacquiao is now campaigning at the 140-lb wars (super lightweight or junior welterweight) after briefly holding the WBC’s lightweight (135-lb) belt he won at the expense of David Diaz last year.

The Filipino phenom is gunning for the International Boxing Organization (IBO)’s version of the crown against Ricky Hatton on May 2 and WBC president Jose Sulaiman is said to have declared that a victory here would make Pacquiao the No. 1 contender in the WBC’s side.

The WBC super-lightweight crown is currently held by Timothy Bradley. The No. 1 contender in the latest WBC list is Devon Alexander, followed by ex-champ Junior Witter (No.2), Pacquiao (No. 3), Nate Cambell (No. 4) and Hatton (No. 5).

Meanwhile, four other Filipino fighters were listed inside the Top 10 of their respective divisions.

Lightflyweight campaigners Juanito Rubillar and Sonny Boy Jaro are ranked third and fourth, respectively, in the 108-lb category while OPBF superbantam holder Rolly Lunas is No. 3 at 122-lb. Strawweight Milan Melindo is No. 7 in the 105-lb division. -GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152640/WBC-lists-Pacquiao-No-3-contender-at-super-lightweight-division

Social Bookmarking

Pacquiao vs Hatton: Amazing fight of both fighters...

Best of Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton


Best of Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao


Social Bookmarking

Too Much Alcohol Can Cause Hatton's Defeat by Manny Pacquiao

Floyd Mayweather, Sr. has warned his ward Ricky Hatton about his drinking habit saying that he is doing the wrong thing and that it will catch up on him later. Mayweather was short of saying that it may cause his defeat by Manny Pacquiao.
Popular British boxer Ricky Hatton is known for his binge drinking and chances are he would combine drinking and training for his date with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines.

Certainly drinking (alcoholic) and training do not go together. And Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Maywether Sr. knows this so well. And so the old reliable trainer warned his favorite ward yesterday to go slow on his drinking habit.

‘I don’t like boxers drinking and Ricky would be much better without it’, Mayweather said. He could get whooped by a nobody because he is doing the wrong thing with his body’, the father of the former pound-for-pound king Floyd, Jr. said.

‘I’ve spoken to him about it and I hope he gets the message. It’s going to catch up with him somewhere down the line’, he added.

Hatton who celebrated by drinking several pints of beer after knocking out Paulie Malignaggi last year is oozing with confidence that he will be able to overpower Pacquiao in their light welterweight (140 lb) showdown at the MGM Grand garden arena in Las Vegas., Inquirer.net reports.

Hatton has been criticized even by his own boxing fans about his uncontrollable drinking habit. But he was quoted to have said just before he faced Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas, ‘I will not stop drinking’. That was his straight answer to a question by a news reporter on his well publicized binge drinking.

On top of Hatton’s love for beer, vodka and other alcoholic drinks, he is also a food lover. He feasts on fried food and other fatty food items that are served during drinking sessions.

As Freddie Roach said, ‘You cannot change a boxer overnight; it takes years of continuous training and practice’. In the case of Ricky Hatton, it is doubtful if he will listen to his trainer. Just like drugs, alcohol is addictive and Hatton has been drinking since he was just starting out in the boxing profession. This makes it very hard for him to give it up almost instantly.

Hatton’s lack of discipline with regards to his health and his continued drinking habit could lead to his downfall as a boxer. And even if he stops drinking now, there is no assurance that he will be physically fit when he climbs up the ring on May 2, 2009 and face the world’s best pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/268717

Social Bookmarking

Pacquiao vs. Hatton: The Best Dancer will Win

In the fortcoming boxing fight between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of England, both fighters are expected to dance in the ring but whoever dances best is predicted to win the match
Lee Beard, the other trainer of British boxer Ricky Hatton told Telegraph sports yesterday that Pacquiao will go down in six rounds, Inquirer.net reports.

‘Manny makes some massive errors and he is very repetitive in some of his movements and with certain punches and the way he throws them’ Lee Beard said.

Beard may be right in his prediction. But it can only happen if Manny Pacquiao forgets to dance alone and refuse to waltz with Hatton in the early rounds.

Hatton will definitely bulldoze Pacquiao starting straight from the very first round and if Pacquiao is caught relaxing, Lee Beard’s prediction may just come true.

Pacquiao must be extra careful especially in the first few rounds as Hatton will, without hesitation, jump to his front yard at the first opportunity. Hatton is a good runner and he will run full speed ahead to catch Pacquiao and deliver his vaunted power shot. And if Pacquiao remains stationary, he will succumb to Hatton’s speed and power punches.

Dancing is the name of the game in the coming Pacquiao-Hatton match. Both boxers are noted for their speed and power punches. It is now therefore a question of who is more speedy and powerful. And who of them does this with some measure of luck, becomes the winner by knock out.

If the rounds go past six, it becomes another story altogether. Manny’s boxing fans predict that Pacquiao will have the advantage of winning either by knock out or majority decision. They premise their prediction on the fact that Pacquaio has more stamina than Hatton.

Boxing fans of Manny Pacquiao especially those who watch him train at the Wild Card gym, observed that Pacquiao seems to gain more strength in the later rounds. This observation can also be validated by the latest Pacquiao fights that go the distance. Pacquiao has always maintained his poise even in the last two rounds of his most recent fights that went the distance.

Although Hatton has shown stamina in his last duel with Paulie Malignaggi, he has since indulged in non-stop eating and drinking including frequent night outs and partying, according to various sports articles.

His fans in England have called on him to slow down on his drinking habit but he said he won’t stop. His non-stop celebration after winning over Malignaggi might just take its toll on his health that could cause his downfall starting with his duel with Manny Pacquiao on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand garden arena in Las Vegas Nevada.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/268822

Social Bookmarking

Khan torn between sparmate Pacquiao, compatriot Hatton

MANILA, Philippines – Amir Khan vows he would remain neutral when fellow British boxer Ricky Hatton stakes his world title belts against reigning pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton, the current IBF and IBO light welterweight world champion, will be facing Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 2.

Khan, in an interview with British news website the Daily Mirror, said that he won’t be passing any tips to Hatton on how to beat Pacquiao.

He shares the same trainer with Pacquiao – Freddie Roach. Khan, 22, has also sparred with the Filipino boxing icon before his last fight against Oscar De La Hoya.

Khan said his loyalties will be torn between Hatton and Pacquiao. “It’s going to be hard to know whose side I will be on – I think I will have to stay neutral. They are both mates – both dead funny."

He said that he would once again spar with Pacquiao when Roach resumes their training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angles.

Roach is currently in the United Kingdom fine-tuning Khan’s game plan in his scheduled 12-round fight against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera.

The Khan-Barrera bout is scheduled on Saturday, March 14, at the MEN Arena in Manchester. – GMANewsTV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152117/Khan-torn-between-sparmate-Pacquiao-compatriot-Hatton

Social Bookmarking

Pacquiao steps up training – minus Roach

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao stepped up on his training for his upcoming fight with Ricky Hatton but he has to work out without the man responsible for his biggest successes – trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach, who had overseen Pacquiao’s previous training camps all the way, including the build-up for the Oscar De La Hoya megafight, is out for a week to be at the corner of Amir Khan when the British fighter takes on Marco Antonio Barrera this weekend in England.

In his absence, Roach had left Pacquiao at the hands of his new assistant, former world heavyweight champ Michael Moorer, together with Eric Brown and Buboy Fernandez - remotely monitoring the progress and dishing out instructions from Khan’s base.

On Monday (Tuesday in Manila) at the Wild Card Gym in LA, Pacquiao begun his second week at the camp with the usual shadow boxing, double and single speed bags, jump rope, heavy bag and abs exercises and stretching routines, Philboxing.com reported.

The boxing website also narrated that Fernandez took the place of Roach in doing the mitts with his old buddy Pac Man for six rounds.

Roach, who had predicted another knockout win for his prized ward, is expected to be back at the Pacquiao camp upon completion of his duties for Khan’s March 14 WBA International and WBO Intercontinental lightweight title duel with Barrera.

The Hall of Fame trainer would return to Wild Card Gym in time for Pacquiao’s planned six weeks of sparring beginning March 17.

Roach is apparently convinced that while he’s away, he’s left Pacquiao in good hands under Moorer, whom he described as “a pretty good teacher" in an earlier interview with Sky Sports.

Pacquiao, acknowledged as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter, mixes it up with Hatton, the International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight champion, on May 2 in Las Vegas. -GMANews.Tv

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152110/Pacquiao-steps-up-training--minus-Roach

Social Bookmarking

Hopkins picks Pacquiao to win this time around

MANILA, Philippines – From Pacquiao basher to “Pacman" believer.

Former undisputed middleweight champion Bernard Hopkins sees Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao winning his May 2 fight against Englishman Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Interviewed on ESPN’S Friday Night Fight, Hopkins told host Brian Kenny that Pacquiao’s speed and power will spell the difference in his light-welterweight encounter with Hatton.

“I see Pacquiao pouring all the speed, scoring on side angles. Ricky Hatton’s not gonna know when to fight a different style at the right time, and I think that’s when Pacquiao is at his best, when guys come forward to him and picks him off," said Hopkins.

That he’s siding with Pacquiao this time is a bit surprising.

Just three months ago, Hopkins said no way would the Filipino ring icon beat the legendary Oscar De La Hoya in their highly-awaited welterweight showdown also at the MGM Grand.

In front of some 6,000 screaming fans at the MGM Grand, Hopkins boasted during the official weigh-in of the Dec. 6 bout that “Oscar De La Hoya will win this fight," even predicting that Pacquiao would be knocked out in the 7th or 8th round.

His statement naturally drew a loud chorus of boos from the multitude of Filipino fans back then. Hopkins then snapped back, “If there’s a problem with what I said, I’ll be waiting outside."

The 30-year old four-time world champion went on to prove Hopkins wrong by dealing De La Hoya his worst beating as a pro and scored a stunning eighth round technical knockout.

Now Hopkins is singing a different tune.

“Pacquiao has the fast hands, and Hatton’s style is to come forward and come forward. So look for Pacquiao to catch him coming in," he said.

“I don’t’ think he (Hatton) can better box than Pacquiao."

But Hopkins tried to be fair to the fighter from Manchester, whom he expects to give the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world today a very competitive fight.

“He (Pacquiao) is gonna be tested by Ricky Hatton. Hatton is a very aggressive fighter. For sure, this is gonna be an exciting fight," he said.

A noted puncher known for not backing off, Hatton could give Pacquiao problems in the early rounds of the fight, according to Hopkins.

But not for long.

“Early on, yes. But as time goes on with the fight, he’ll be getting hit for being aggressive," said the future Hall of Famer.

“If Hatton don’t come out with another plan or style, then it’s going to be a problem," Hopkins said. –GMANews.Tv

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151990/Hopkins-picks-Pacquiao-to-win-this-time-around

Social Bookmarking

No reason to underestimate Hatton, says P4P king Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Boxing pundits and fans may have installed him as the early favorite against Ricky Hatton but Filipino pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is not one to take the British bomber lightly.

Speaking at the historic Filipino Town district in Los Angeles, where he received the “People’s Champion" award from Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa and joined the Southern California Filipino Community for their Day of Service Saturday, Pacquiao said he’s leaving no stone unturned as he gears up against Hatton.

Pacquiao, the first Asian to fighter win world titles in four division, is set to vie for Hatton’s International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight belt on May 2 in Las Vegas.

“Si Ricky Hatton, malakas din iyan, champion din yan. Hindi natin pwede i-underestimate yan, hindi natin pwedeng bigyan ng kumpiyansa. Kailangang mag-ensayo tayo nang mabuti," Pacquiao told the large crowd, estimated to be close to 1,000.

The 30-year-old Pacquiao took a short break from his training at Wild Card Gym to receive the award and join Villaraigosa in a dedicating a tree as part of the Fil-Am community’s efforts to spruce up the district.

He was accompanied in the event by former world heavyweight champions Michael Moorer, the latest addition to Wild Card’s roster of trainers. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151867/No-reason-to-underestimate-Hatton-says-P4P-king-Pacquiao

Social Bookmarking

Pacquiao hopes to settle issue with Marquez

MANILA, Philippines – Now Manny Pacquiao says he is open to the idea of a third match with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao, in an interview with setanta.com, said he wants to face Marquez to finally settle the issue of who is the better fighter between the two boxers. “If he wants to fight somebody, anybody, I wish that we will meet again."

Marquez has been asking for a second rematch with Pacquiao after losing to the Filipino boxing icon via split decision in their WBC world superfeatherweight title match last year dubbed “Unfinished Business".

Their first meeting ended in a controversial draw.

“I think there would be more action in the ring after our two battles and we need to put into the minds of people that there is a winner," said Pacquiao, who is preparing for his May 2 bout with British boxer Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao’s split decision victory over Marquez is one of the three fights he won last year.

After winning Marquez’ WBC superfeatherweight belt, Pacquiao added the WBC world lightweight title after a ninth round stoppage of Mexican David Diaz for victory No.2.

Pacquiao finally earned the admiration of the boxing world when he demolished boxing icon Oscar De La Hoya in December. He dominated De La Hoya in eight rounds to force the legendary fighter to throw in the towel before the start of the ninth.

“It’s a miracle, unbelievable. I did everything for that fight. Everything I could have done in training I did for that fight and I always thank God for giving it to me," said Pacquiao.

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151807/Pacquiao-hopes-to-settle-issue-with-Marquez

Social Bookmarking

Pacquiao will go down, says Hatton trainer

MANILA, Philippines – Ricky Hatton trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. issued a stern warning that Manny Pacquiao would go down in their May 2 fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

“I am going to be honest with you. I think Ricky has a very, very good chance of knocking Pacquiao out," Mayweather said.

Aside from the world’s best-pound-for-pound title, Hatton’s IBO lightwelterweight crown is also at stake in the fight dubbed “The Battle of East and West".

"Everything is mapped out. I think a knockout is going to be more likely than anything. Ricky's chances are very great at that," said Mayweather Sr., who believes Hatton will be boxing’s new pound-for-pound king.

Mayweather Sr., who helped improved Hatton’s technique, said he was confident Pacquiao would struggle against his wards’ power and ability to match the Filipino boxing icon’s skills in the ring.

He added that he was impressed with Hatton’s speed when they opened training camp on Friday in Manchester.

Mayweather Sr. said Hatton could win if he would stick to their game plan. – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151732/Pacquiao-will-go-down-says-Hatton-trainer

Social Bookmarking

Pacman starts training, aims for 5th world title

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao reported to Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles eager to begin a two-month long training that would prepare him against British boxer Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao, who will face Hatton in “The Battle of East vs West" on May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, is on a mission to win his fifth world title in a different weight division.

"I’m hungry to win this fight. I want to make sure that I am in the best shape ever," said Pacquiao, who crossed the Atlantic and two time zones in just five days. "Having Freddie in my corner is a big help to me. He is a solid trainer and he teaches me a lot of strategy. I trust him, especially in the coming fight."

Roach, who was Pacquiao’s coach when he fought and won thrice last year, even introduced former heavyweight world boxing champion Michael Moorer to the Filipino boxing icon.

"He [Pacquiao] wants to get going. He is a smart guy in the ring when it comes to boxing," said Moorer, who is Roach’s assistant trainer at Wild Card Gym.

Pacquiao is aware of Hatton's reputation for using "dirty tactics." but he still respects the reigning International Boxing Federation and International Boxing Organization welterweight champion.

"We know that Hatton has dirty tactics," Pacquiao said. "But I still want to train hard because Hatton is a really good fighter. We are already studying his style and making adjustments."

If Pacquiao wins on May 2, he will get Hatton’s World Boxing Council lightweight and IBO welterweight championship belts.

“It would be an amazing thing for my boxing career," he said. "When I fight, it’s just not for my family, but it’s for all the Filipino people." – GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151578/Pacman-starts-training-aims-for-5th-world-title

Social Bookmarking

'Stronger Hatton will beat Pacquiao to a pulp'

MANILA, Philippines – Celebrated trainer Floyd Mayweather, Sr. has this stern warning to Manny Pacquiao: Get ready for some beating.

Speaking before the worldwide media in a teleconference on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila), Mayweather said a shameful knockout loss is inevitable for Pacquaio when he clashes with his ward, Ricky Hatton on May 2.

His reason: They are the best fighter-trainer tandem out there and they’ve got everything spelled out for a convincing victory.

“I’ve got the best fighter and I am the best trainer. That’s the reason right there. I am the best and he is the best. Everything is mapped out. Ricky is trying to be nice, but it’s a simple fact that we’re gonna bust his (Pacquiao’s) ass up. Simple as that," Mayweather was quoted by fightnews.com.

He said Hatton’s tremendous power and strength will be too much for the Filipino pound for pound king to bear.

“I think Ricky has a very, very good chance of knocking Pacquiao out. I think a knockout is going to be more likely than anything. Ricky’s chances are very great at that. This ain’t no dehydrated Oscar de la Hoya Pacquiao is fighting now. He is fighting with a man that has real strength. A guy that can keep pressure on him, smart pressure, head movement, jabbing on the way in, banging through the body, banging through the head and smothering him at the same time. It’s going to be hard for him to deal with," he said.

Mayweather’s prediction runs counter to that of his rival over the other camp, Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach, who projected a late-round KO ending as well, although with Pacquiao as the victor. Roach had said that Hatton’s come-forward nature will eventually spell his doom against the Pac Man.

But Mayweather shrugged off Roach’s analysis, laughing off at the latter’s capabilities as a trainer.

“Trust me, Freddie is a joke Coach Roach wouldn’t dare to approach. Believe me you will find that out. I will be honest with you, that’s a bunch of nonsense. They’ve got him in the Hall of Fame, he should be in the Hall of Shame. Let’s tell the truth like it is. You see Freddie Roach train, and you see me train, it’s night and day. It doesn’t even compare. Doesn’t even come close. I mean let’s be real. Tell the truth. Freddie Roach is a joke. And that’s what I say. That’s why his name is Freddie the joke Coach Roach," Floyd Sr. said.

The hatred and lack of respect are apparently mutual.

In an earlier interview in London, Roach had his turn in belittling Mayweather Sr.

"What has Floyd Senior achieved?," demanded Roach. "His son (retired pound for pound champ Floyd Jr.) is a natural born fighter - he was born to fight. His brother Roger trained him anyway, he never trained his son for a world title fight. Let's face it, he's not the trainer of his son. You know, he [Mayweather Sr.] tells me he's the greatest, but what has he done, who has he trained? He trained Oscar De La Hoya after Oscar had won four world titles, already!"

The Mayweather Sr.-Roach rivalry serves as an interesting sidelight to “The Battle of East and West" International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight fight between their respective wards. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151538/Stronger-Hatton-will-beat-Pacquiao-to-a-pulp

Social Bookmarking

I’m bigger and stronger than Pacquiao, claims boxer Hatton

LONDON (AFP) — England's world light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton believes he will emerge victorious over Filipino pugilist Manny Pacquiao in their world title bout in Las Vegas on May 2.

The 30-year-old Englishman met up with Pacquiao, who confirmed his status as the world's leading fighter with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya in 2008, in London on Monday for a friendlier meeting than can be expected of the fireworks when they face each other in May.

"My size and strength will be a key factor," Hatton told BBC Sport.

"Light-welterweight is my weight division. I've never lost at 10st and I'm brimming with confidence."

While Hatton admires his opponent, a four-weight world champion, he believes that the Filipino beat a de la Hoya, who was on the decline.

"I know he beat Oscar de la Hoya, but Oscar wasn't that difficult to beat and outbox that night, I think I could have done an equally as good job, if not better," said Hatton, who has a record of 45 wins from 46 fights.

"Oscar got in the ring at 10st 7lb, I'll get in the ring at 11st. Manny will have a lot of punishment to absorb.

"I've seen Manny dropped with body shots a few times by smaller men and seen him shook up with head punches."

However, Hatton did concede that it would not be an easy bout depsite the difference in size between the two fighters.

"I'll have a lot of difficulty with him," said Hatton, who hopes that victory over Pacquiao will pave the way for a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, the only man ever to beat him.

"He's got very good punching power and very fast hands from a southpaw style. He also brings fighters on to the punch and has good footwork.

"It's the two most popular fighters in the world and the two most exciting fighters in the world fighting for the biggest prize in boxing, Manny's pound-for-pound title. It will be the fight of the year."

Pacquiao, also 30 and who owns a record of 48 wins and three losses from 53 fights, said he felt the same thrill aobut this fight than he had for when he fought de la Hoya.

"The intensity for this fight is the same as for the Oscar de la Hoya fight (which was last December)," he said.

"But I think there will be more action in the ring against Ricky, the intensity will be double it was in the last fight."

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach, who also trains British lightweight star Amir Khan, said Hatton was the ideal opponent for his boxer.

"Ricky will make us look great," said Roach, who has also worked with Mike Tyson, Bernard Hopkins, De la Hoya, among others.

"He'll run into too many problems and we'll dominate. We're just too quick and I have the game-plan mapped out already. He'll make it difficult for us for a little while, but we will get to him."

Source: http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g-C3xfvdt_VlqYUFWBxioQzR4pQw

Social Bookmarking

Conditioning, speed to propel Pacquiao to victory vs 'Hitman'

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is undaunted in facing a fighter who claims to be “too big" for him, saying his conditioning and speed would overturn whatever advantage Ricky Hatton appears to have.

Pacquiao is set to climb the ring on May 2 against Hatton, the International Boxing Organization world junior welterweight champion who asserts the 140-lb division to be his own turf.

The Filipino dynamo has only recently jumped into the heavier weight categories after starting as flyweight (106-lbs) and making waves at the superfly (112-lbs), super bantam (122-lbs), feather (126-lbs) and superfeather (130-lbs) classes.

The 30-year-old GenSan native made his first foray against the bigger boys last year in style, knocking out David Diaz in 9 for the WBC lightweight (135-lb) crown. He followed it up with a sensational trip into the welterweight (147-lb) wars, demolishing the Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya in 9 to cement his claim as the planet’s best fighter, pound for pound.

Such scintillating showing against “bigger" foes has given Pacquiao enough confidence he can hurdle Hatton, a natural junior welter campaigner.

“I’m not fighting ‘big.’ I’m in a fight against a fighter who believes in himself. Now it is a matter of who trains harder and who has more speed. I plan to train harder than I did for the De La Hoya fight and I believe I have more speed," Pacquiao told reporters during Monday’s press conference in London.

The hard-hitting Filipino was reacting to Hatton’s statements about his supposed size advantage.

“I’ve have never been beaten at 10 stones (140 pounds) which is my best weight when I go into the ring. You know I’m just too big for you," Hatton told Pacquiao during their face-to-face with the British press.

Unlike his chief trainer Freddie Roach who boldly predicted a KO win in the late rounds, Pacquiao would only say when asked who would win: "Only God knows that."

After they’re finished with their promotional duties in London, Pacquiao and his team will take a flight to Los Angeles on Tuesday. Pacquiao will begin his rigorous training at the famed Wild Card gym later in the week. –GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151178/Conditioning-speed-to-propel-Pacquiao-to-victory-vs-Hitman

Social Bookmarking

Hatton 'tailor made' for Pacquiao, says Roach

MANILA, Philippines – With the way Ricky Hatton normally fights, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach believes the Hitman from Manchester is “tailor-made" for the lightning fists of his ward, Manny Pacquiao.

Speaking at Monday’s press conference at the Imperial War Museum in London, Roach said Hatton’s press-forward style makes him vulnerable to the power shots of the Filipino pound for pound king. Thus, he once again predicted a late-round stoppage in favor of his prized fighter come May 2 in Las Vegas.

"It will be a great fight in the first half but Manny will get to him in the later rounds and will knock him out at some point," Roach said in a report by Sky Sports. "Ricky is very resilient but his come-forward nature will walk him into some shots and that will get him out of there. He's tailor made for us."

Hatton, the defending International Boxing Organization and Ring Magazine world junior welterweight champion, has maintained that he will veer away from his old bulldozing style against the Pac Man and will instead rely on hand speed and punching power. Hatton’s corner, led by Floyd Mayweather Sr., has been working on this change in style.

But as far as Roach is concerned, one can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

"Mayweather Sr is trying to improve that but I don't think you can change Ricky Hatton at this point in his career. Once he gets hit, he'll lose composure and revert to what he does best and that's fight," Roach said.

"Ricky talks about having worked on his defense and head movement but he is what he is. He's been doing this for a long time. They'll have a gameplan coming into the fight but after the first round he'll go back to his natural style. That's good for him in some ways because that's the best shot he's got at beating Manny. If he tries to outbox Manny and fights like Floyd teaches then he'll lose," he added.

In an apparent dig at Mayweather – with whom he’s had a history of bad blood – Roach quipped: "Floyd teaches one way and one way only and that's not suited for Ricky in my opinion. He'd be foolish to try and outbox Manny." -GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151120/Hatton-tailor-made-for-Pacquiao-says-Roach

Social Bookmarking

Hatton 'tailor made' for Pacquiao, says Roach

MANILA, Philippines – With the way Ricky Hatton normally fights, celebrated trainer Freddie Roach believes the Hitman from Manchester is “tailor-made" for the lightning fists of his ward, Manny Pacquiao.

Speaking at Monday’s press conference at the Imperial War Museum in London, Roach said Hatton’s press-forward style makes him vulnerable to the power shots of the Filipino pound for pound king. Thus, he once again predicted a late-round stoppage in favor of his prized fighter come May 2 in Las Vegas.

"It will be a great fight in the first half but Manny will get to him in the later rounds and will knock him out at some point," Roach said in a report by Sky Sports. "Ricky is very resilient but his come-forward nature will walk him into some shots and that will get him out of there. He's tailor made for us."

Hatton, the defending International Boxing Organization and Ring Magazine world junior welterweight champion, has maintained that he will veer away from his old bulldozing style against the Pac Man and will instead rely on hand speed and punching power. Hatton’s corner, led by Floyd Mayweather Sr., has been working on this change in style.

But as far as Roach is concerned, one can’t teach old dogs new tricks.

"Mayweather Sr is trying to improve that but I don't think you can change Ricky Hatton at this point in his career. Once he gets hit, he'll lose composure and revert to what he does best and that's fight," Roach said.

"Ricky talks about having worked on his defense and head movement but he is what he is. He's been doing this for a long time. They'll have a gameplan coming into the fight but after the first round he'll go back to his natural style. That's good for him in some ways because that's the best shot he's got at beating Manny. If he tries to outbox Manny and fights like Floyd teaches then he'll lose," he added.

In an apparent dig at Mayweather – with whom he’s had a history of bad blood – Roach quipped: "Floyd teaches one way and one way only and that's not suited for Ricky in my opinion. He'd be foolish to try and outbox Manny." -GMANews.TV

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/151120/Hatton-tailor-made-for-Pacquiao-says-Roach

Social Bookmarking