by Jim Slater
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Manny Pacquiao's devastating fists sent a powerful message to Floyd Mayweather Jnr about his comeback - the path to deciding boxing's pound-for-pound king goes through the Filipino superstar.
Unbeaten American Mayweather, the former undisputed welterweight champion, tried to upstage Pacquiao's junior welterweight showdown with Ricky Hatton by announcing his return from a 17-month layoff just hours before the fight.
Mayweather, who will face Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 in his return to the ring, dismissed the idea of fighting the Pacquiao-Hatton winner, saying he was taking his daughter bowling rather than watching the fight.
"I'm not worried about that," Mayweather said. "I don't have to call fighters out. They are all calling me out."
But it's safe to say Mayweather heard about Pacquiao's domination of English hero Hatton and the punishing left cross that knocked out Hatton one second before the end of round two to bring the Phillipines star a historic win.
Moments after the fight, Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told the Filipino southpaw "You are going to be the greatest fighter who ever lived" and said he might be the best fighter he has promoted, a list that includes Muhammad Ali.
"If Mayweather wants a piece of the 'little Filipino', just be my guest," Arum said.
Pacquiao won the International Boxing Organization junior welterweight title to match a boxing record by claiming a crown in a sixth career weight class and back up his claim as boxing's pound-for-pound king.
Hatton was hospitalized as a precaution after lying unconscious on his back in the center of the ring, but doctors found no lasting physical injuries.
The top fight boxing fans hunger to see now is Pacquiao against Mayweather. It's the only mega-fight that will bring huge pay-per-view profits for both men and decide which is the true pound-for-pound king.
Posturing from both camps began with Mayweather's decision to book his first fight before Pacquiao's victory. Arum, who has the task of negotiating a deal, and Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach fired the next verbal volleys.
"Mayweather, he just had to wait one day and he could have fought Manny. I think he's afraid of Manny. He made the fight maybe not happen," Roach said before predicting "Pacman" would beat Mayweather if they do fight.
"He doesn't like to engage in the ring. He's going to run from us."
While there is hope Mayweather-Pacquiao can happen by the end of the year, Mayweather must first handle Marquez in July and Arum says Pacquiao will wait until Miguel Cotto fights in July before deciding upon a next opponent.
A potential foe for both men before they meet is US veteran Shane Mosley.
"He knows he is at the end of his career and he wants to make some big money off me," Mayweather said.
Roach had a considerably higher opinion of Mosley.
"The most dangerous guy put there for Manny right now is probably Shane Mosley," Roach said. "They both like to fight and his pace is dangerous."
Another issue will be weight. Marquez, a star at 135 pounds, and Mayweather, a force at 147, have yet to settle on a catch weight for their fight, likely to be at 144 pounds.
A similar size issue will come into play during Pacquiao-Mayweather talks.
"At the right weight? No problem. At 147? Forget it," Roach said. "Manny doesn't need it. Manny's best weight is 140."
Dividing the money will also be troublesome, with both men likely to want the lion's share of the profits from the rich pay-per-view spectacle. Pacquiao made 12 million dollars against Hatton, who made eight million.
Mayweather played the loudmouth to lure a record 2.4 million purchases against Oscar de la Hoya and one million more against Hatton, saying he pushed the numbers even though his rival's fan base drove creation of the fight.
With Pacquiao as Asia's super fighter, a new untapped market could test Mayweather's moneyspinner skills.
Another factor will be pay-per-view numbers for Mayweather's comeback and the Pacquaio victory. Should tough economic times hold down the profits, it could push organizers to delay a showdown for financial conditions to improve.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Page’s family, friends gather to honor champion
By NANCY ARMOUR, AP National Writer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)—Greg Page was remembered by family and friends as a champion inside and outside the ring, who saw the devastating injury that cut his life short as a chance to save other boxers.
The former heavyweight champion suffered a severe brain injury during a 2001 fight that left him partially paralyzed, but he never complained. Instead, he and wife Patricia used his experience to campaign for stronger safety rules.
Page, 50, died April 27 of complications from the brain injury.
“He said, `This happened for a reason, Teish, this happened for a reason,”’ stepdaughter Teisha Page said Monday. “He was a fighter in so many other ways, and I wish everyone else in this room could know him the way I did and take a little bit of him with you every day.”
A Louisville native who grew up in a family of boxers, Page was sparring with Muhammad Ali by the time he was 15. He became the National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion in 1978 at age 20. He lost his first shot at the WBA heavyweight championship in 1984 to Tim Witherspoon.
In December 1984, Page knocked out Gerrie Coetzee in the eighth round of their bout in South Africa to claim the title. Five months later, he lost on points to Tony Tubbs. Tubbs was among the 100-plus family and friends at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for Page’s two-hour funeral.
“It shows right here what Greg is all about,” high school friend Stephen Peoples, looking out at the crowd that filled the church. “Greg stood out. He was a star, and he shined. He’s going to be missed, but he’s not going to be forgotten.”
Page was 42 and had a 58-16-1 career record going into the $1,500 fight against Dale Crowe at Peels Palace on March 9, 2001, in Erlanger, Ky., near Cincinnati. Page went down after 10 rounds and didn’t get up. There was no oxygen at the ring or ambulance on standby.
He finally was taken to a hospital but had a massive stroke, and was in a coma for nearly a week. He remained paralyzed on his left side and had problems with his vision and memory.
Page eventually won a $1.2 million settlement in 2007 with Kentucky boxing officials, who also agreed to establish a medical review panel for the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority.
“Greg had the spirit of joy. Even in his suffering, he endured with joy,” the Rev. William Farris said. “He always demonstrated courage.”
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)—Greg Page was remembered by family and friends as a champion inside and outside the ring, who saw the devastating injury that cut his life short as a chance to save other boxers.
The former heavyweight champion suffered a severe brain injury during a 2001 fight that left him partially paralyzed, but he never complained. Instead, he and wife Patricia used his experience to campaign for stronger safety rules.
Page, 50, died April 27 of complications from the brain injury.
“He said, `This happened for a reason, Teish, this happened for a reason,”’ stepdaughter Teisha Page said Monday. “He was a fighter in so many other ways, and I wish everyone else in this room could know him the way I did and take a little bit of him with you every day.”
A Louisville native who grew up in a family of boxers, Page was sparring with Muhammad Ali by the time he was 15. He became the National Golden Gloves heavyweight champion in 1978 at age 20. He lost his first shot at the WBA heavyweight championship in 1984 to Tim Witherspoon.
In December 1984, Page knocked out Gerrie Coetzee in the eighth round of their bout in South Africa to claim the title. Five months later, he lost on points to Tony Tubbs. Tubbs was among the 100-plus family and friends at Our Lady of Mount Carmel for Page’s two-hour funeral.
“It shows right here what Greg is all about,” high school friend Stephen Peoples, looking out at the crowd that filled the church. “Greg stood out. He was a star, and he shined. He’s going to be missed, but he’s not going to be forgotten.”
Page was 42 and had a 58-16-1 career record going into the $1,500 fight against Dale Crowe at Peels Palace on March 9, 2001, in Erlanger, Ky., near Cincinnati. Page went down after 10 rounds and didn’t get up. There was no oxygen at the ring or ambulance on standby.
He finally was taken to a hospital but had a massive stroke, and was in a coma for nearly a week. He remained paralyzed on his left side and had problems with his vision and memory.
Page eventually won a $1.2 million settlement in 2007 with Kentucky boxing officials, who also agreed to establish a medical review panel for the Kentucky Boxing and Wrestling Authority.
“Greg had the spirit of joy. Even in his suffering, he endured with joy,” the Rev. William Farris said. “He always demonstrated courage.”
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Lot to like about the new king of boxing
By TIM DAHLBERG, AP Sports Columnist
VEGAS (AP)—Floyd Mayweather Jr. took his daughter bowling Saturday night after announcing his return to the ring. Good thing, because if he had seen Manny Pacquiao fight he might have figured out what boxing fans now know—that the future of boxing lies in the furious fists of a most unlikely new superstar.
Had he been watching, Mayweather might have been as stunned at what he saw as his estranged father seemed to be in Ricky Hatton’s corner. Fighters just aren’t supposed to do the kind of things Pacquiao did to Hatton in 5 minutes and 59 seconds of utter domination before a thrilled crowd at the MGM Grand hotel.
All Mayweather can do now is get in line. The road to greatness now runs through a fighter who truly does let his fists do the talking.
“If Mayweather wants a piece of the little Filipino, just be my guest,” promoter Bob Arum crowed when it was all over.
That’s not likely to happen right away, but the odds are good it will happen eventually. There’s too much money involved for it not to.
But give Pacquiao Round 1 already. On a day when Mayweather tried to steal his thunder by unretiring, Pacquiao went into the ring and showed why he is the most exciting thing to happen to boxing in a long, long time.
He didn’t just beat Hatton. Didn’t just knock him out.
He demolished a world class fighter who had never lost at his natural weight of 140 pounds, and he did it with such precision and ease that the talk afterward wasn’t whether Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but whether he might be one of the best ever.
A right hook—a punch most southpaws don’t even have—started it all, dropping Hatton midway through the first round. A left cross that may be one of the greatest single punches ever thrown in a big fight ended it with a dramatic flourish.
When it was over, Hatton was sprawled motionless on his back in the center of the ring. Pacquiao and his corner were celebrating and the sellout crowd was trying to digest what they had just seen.
And Mayweather was at a bowling alley somewhere trying to pick up a spare.
A few hours earlier, Mayweather had declared that “The king is back” and said he was ready to reclaim his title as the best pound-for-pound fighter. But boxing has a new king in an unassuming fighter so good that he won his last four fights in four different weight classes.
It’s a remarkable story even in a sport where tales of rags-to-riches are commonplace. There was a time when Pacquiao lived in a cardboard shack in his native Philippines, and there didn’t seem anything special about him when he fought his first fight there at 106 pounds in 1995.
But he began growing and started knocking people out. He hooked up with trainer Freddie Roach and learned how to use his right hand as well as his left.
He sent Oscar De La Hoya into retirement, and may have done the same to Hatton.
And he’s such a hero at home that there’s talk of him running for president.
Boxing fans have responded by embracing Pacquiao, filling every seat at the MGM Grand and spending $49.95 for the pay-per-view to watch him fight from home. With good reason, because he gives fight fans what they want to see.
While Mayweather plays the villain with great success, Pacquiao comes across as a humble fighter who cares about nothing except doing his job, then getting together with his band as he did after stopping Hatton to make some music. He’s fairly fluent in English and makes a point of speaking it instead of relying on a translator, and he acts like a professional in everything he does in boxing.
Most importantly, though, he comes to fight. Oh, does he come to fight.
“He has the opportunity to become the best I’ve ever promoted,” said Arum, who promoted Muhammad Ali and Marvelous Marvin Hagler among others. “Other fights reach a certain level and they think they know everything and never get better. Not Manny. He’s always learning.”
Pacquiao brought his mother over from the Philippines for her first trip to the United States, but she couldn’t bear to watch her son fight. Instead, she stayed in a hotel suite praying for his success and health.
The rest of us were watching closely, though.
And there was a lot to like about what we saw in the new king of boxing.
Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org
VEGAS (AP)—Floyd Mayweather Jr. took his daughter bowling Saturday night after announcing his return to the ring. Good thing, because if he had seen Manny Pacquiao fight he might have figured out what boxing fans now know—that the future of boxing lies in the furious fists of a most unlikely new superstar.
Had he been watching, Mayweather might have been as stunned at what he saw as his estranged father seemed to be in Ricky Hatton’s corner. Fighters just aren’t supposed to do the kind of things Pacquiao did to Hatton in 5 minutes and 59 seconds of utter domination before a thrilled crowd at the MGM Grand hotel.
All Mayweather can do now is get in line. The road to greatness now runs through a fighter who truly does let his fists do the talking.
“If Mayweather wants a piece of the little Filipino, just be my guest,” promoter Bob Arum crowed when it was all over.
That’s not likely to happen right away, but the odds are good it will happen eventually. There’s too much money involved for it not to.
But give Pacquiao Round 1 already. On a day when Mayweather tried to steal his thunder by unretiring, Pacquiao went into the ring and showed why he is the most exciting thing to happen to boxing in a long, long time.
He didn’t just beat Hatton. Didn’t just knock him out.
He demolished a world class fighter who had never lost at his natural weight of 140 pounds, and he did it with such precision and ease that the talk afterward wasn’t whether Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but whether he might be one of the best ever.
A right hook—a punch most southpaws don’t even have—started it all, dropping Hatton midway through the first round. A left cross that may be one of the greatest single punches ever thrown in a big fight ended it with a dramatic flourish.
When it was over, Hatton was sprawled motionless on his back in the center of the ring. Pacquiao and his corner were celebrating and the sellout crowd was trying to digest what they had just seen.
And Mayweather was at a bowling alley somewhere trying to pick up a spare.
A few hours earlier, Mayweather had declared that “The king is back” and said he was ready to reclaim his title as the best pound-for-pound fighter. But boxing has a new king in an unassuming fighter so good that he won his last four fights in four different weight classes.
It’s a remarkable story even in a sport where tales of rags-to-riches are commonplace. There was a time when Pacquiao lived in a cardboard shack in his native Philippines, and there didn’t seem anything special about him when he fought his first fight there at 106 pounds in 1995.
But he began growing and started knocking people out. He hooked up with trainer Freddie Roach and learned how to use his right hand as well as his left.
He sent Oscar De La Hoya into retirement, and may have done the same to Hatton.
And he’s such a hero at home that there’s talk of him running for president.
Boxing fans have responded by embracing Pacquiao, filling every seat at the MGM Grand and spending $49.95 for the pay-per-view to watch him fight from home. With good reason, because he gives fight fans what they want to see.
While Mayweather plays the villain with great success, Pacquiao comes across as a humble fighter who cares about nothing except doing his job, then getting together with his band as he did after stopping Hatton to make some music. He’s fairly fluent in English and makes a point of speaking it instead of relying on a translator, and he acts like a professional in everything he does in boxing.
Most importantly, though, he comes to fight. Oh, does he come to fight.
“He has the opportunity to become the best I’ve ever promoted,” said Arum, who promoted Muhammad Ali and Marvelous Marvin Hagler among others. “Other fights reach a certain level and they think they know everything and never get better. Not Manny. He’s always learning.”
Pacquiao brought his mother over from the Philippines for her first trip to the United States, but she couldn’t bear to watch her son fight. Instead, she stayed in a hotel suite praying for his success and health.
The rest of us were watching closely, though.
And there was a lot to like about what we saw in the new king of boxing.
Tim Dahlberg is a national sports columnist for The Associated Press. Write to him at tdahlberg@ap.org
Hatton’s dad says beaten son won’t rush to quit
LONDON (AP)—Ricky Hatton’s father says his son won’t hurry a decision on whether to retire after being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in the second round of their 140-pound title fight.
After being knocked down twice in the opening round, the 30-year-old Briton was flattened in the second by Pacquiao’s left cross in Las Vegas on Saturday night for his second defeat in 47 fights.
After spending several minutes on his back in the ring, the two-time light-welterweight world champion had to be taken to a hospital for a precautionary brain scan, which the father said revealed no damage.
“He’s perfectly all right,” Ray Hatton told BBC Radio Five on Sunday. “They’ve checked him out. He’s had all the tests and everything. He’s not got a mark on him.”
However, the loss may leave a lasting mark on Ricky Hatton’s confidence, with his flimsy defense making him an easy target.
Ray Hatton said his son, whose other loss was a 10th-round knockout defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007, would now have to consider whether to carry on.
“Obviously, we will support him in whatever he does and we’ll leave that with him,” Hatton said. “At this moment in time, he’s probably got a few mixed feelings about it. He’ll make that decision whichever way he wants to and the family will support him.”
Ray Hatton said his son did not need to continue boxing for the money, and that the fighter was convinced he had caught Pacquiao with some good punches.
“He just said, ‘The old heart ruled the head again, Dad; steaming in, got my warning signs in the first round. Set off OK at the start of the second round, caught Manny with a few shots. Really worried Manny a little bit. Manny was just throwing wild shots.’ He said, ‘Then the heart ruled the head again and I went steaming in.”’
Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., called on him to quit.
“I would suggest he retire. At the end of the day, it’s his decision,” Mayweather Sr. 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. He made a good profit. Sometimes you have to go when your prime is still there.”
Carl Froch, who knocked out Jermain Taylor a week ago to defend his WBC super-middleweight title, also hopes Hatton retires.
“I have to say, if I was in his position after last night’s performance, I would definitely retire,” Froch said. “But I can’t speak for another fighter. He will decide what he’s going to do.”
After being knocked down twice in the opening round, the 30-year-old Briton was flattened in the second by Pacquiao’s left cross in Las Vegas on Saturday night for his second defeat in 47 fights.
After spending several minutes on his back in the ring, the two-time light-welterweight world champion had to be taken to a hospital for a precautionary brain scan, which the father said revealed no damage.
“He’s perfectly all right,” Ray Hatton told BBC Radio Five on Sunday. “They’ve checked him out. He’s had all the tests and everything. He’s not got a mark on him.”
However, the loss may leave a lasting mark on Ricky Hatton’s confidence, with his flimsy defense making him an easy target.
Ray Hatton said his son, whose other loss was a 10th-round knockout defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December 2007, would now have to consider whether to carry on.
“Obviously, we will support him in whatever he does and we’ll leave that with him,” Hatton said. “At this moment in time, he’s probably got a few mixed feelings about it. He’ll make that decision whichever way he wants to and the family will support him.”
Ray Hatton said his son did not need to continue boxing for the money, and that the fighter was convinced he had caught Pacquiao with some good punches.
“He just said, ‘The old heart ruled the head again, Dad; steaming in, got my warning signs in the first round. Set off OK at the start of the second round, caught Manny with a few shots. Really worried Manny a little bit. Manny was just throwing wild shots.’ He said, ‘Then the heart ruled the head again and I went steaming in.”’
Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., called on him to quit.
“I would suggest he retire. At the end of the day, it’s his decision,” Mayweather Sr. 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. He made a good profit. Sometimes you have to go when your prime is still there.”
Carl Froch, who knocked out Jermain Taylor a week ago to defend his WBC super-middleweight title, also hopes Hatton retires.
“I have to say, if I was in his position after last night’s performance, I would definitely retire,” Froch said. “But I can’t speak for another fighter. He will decide what he’s going to do.”
Moreno wins split decision over Sidorenko
BREMEN, Germany (AP)—Anselmo Moreno of Panama has retained his WBA bantamweight title with a split decision over former champion Wladimir Sidorenko of Ukraine.
Moreno, who beat Sidorenko in May 2008 to win the title, won 115-112 and 115-113 on two judges’ cards with the third giving the fight to the Ukrainian 115-113 on Sunday.
Moreno, who beat Sidorenko in May 2008 to win the title, won 115-112 and 115-113 on two judges’ cards with the third giving the fight to the Ukrainian 115-113 on Sunday.
Manny Pacquiao VS Ricky Hatton
Brilliant Pacquiao cements legacy with win
By Martin Rogers, Yahoo! Sports
LAS VEGAS – It took just 359 seconds to add the latest devastating chapter to a legacy that will last for decades.
Manny Pacquiao’s flurried fists made short work of Ricky Hatton on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and delivered the most emphatic proof yet that boxing has a superstar for the ages operating at his peak.
Pacquiao sent the Englishman crashing to the canvas twice in a frenetic first round, then sealed the contest with a brutal left hook that had Hatton out cold on his back with one tick remaining in the second round.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. may have announced his comeback from a brief and scarcely-believable retirement on Saturday morning. But there can be no doubt that Pacquiao is boxing’s undisputed king as he continues to ride a remarkable wave of momentum.
“Our strategy was the one punch,” Pacquiao said. “Left hook. Right hook. That was going to be the key to this fight.”
The Filipino fighter is a quiet and reserved man out of the ring, but between the ropes he morphs into an electrifying machine – and Hatton felt his full force.
The Hatton camp had hoped their man’s power would be telling, yet he simply had no response to Pacquiao’s pace and precision. A right hook put Hatton down with 54 seconds remaining in round one and proved to be the beginning of the end.
“I knew it was over,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer. “Ricky fights the same way over and over. He doesn’t have the ability to adjust.”
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As Pacquiao moved in for the finish in the second round, Hatton tried to cling on only to be sent down again with a fierce straight left. Doctors immediately rushed to the aid of Hatton, who eventually and thankfully was able to walk from the ring under his own steam.
“I am surprised this fight was so easy,” said Pacquiao. “I did work hard in my training camp and it paid off. This is as big a victory for me as when I beat Oscar De La Hoya.”
That December triumph over De La Hoya did not convince the entire boxing fraternity of Pacquiao’s ability, primarily as the Golden Boy’s powers had so clearly dimmed from his prime. Now there is no speculation. Pacquiao is the top dog, until someone proves otherwise in the ring.
Floyd Mayweather Sr. was a no-show at the postfight news conference, leaving Hatton’s co-trainer, Lee Beard, to explain the mauling by Pacquiao.
“We knew about Manny’s speed and that it could play a factor in the fight,” Beard said. “What you saw was two rounds of action and Ricky got caught.”
Roach’s status as a trainer grows in line with each victory his top fighter posts and it became clear his game plan was perfect. Hatton could not avoid Pacquiao, who landed with 73 of his 127 punches. The Brit could only land 18 of 78.
“This is no shock at all,“ Roach said. “Hatton pumps his hands before he throws a punch, and it makes him a sucker for the right hook.
“Manny is a monster. He is the best fighter ever. There is no surprise here.”
Defeat was a bitter blow to the thousands of Hatton fans among the 16,262 in attendance who had journeyed across the Atlantic but saw their dreams dashed within a few brutal minutes.
The typical symphony of chanting carried on even after their man had been sparked out, but it may not strike up again. Hatton, who was alert in his locker room before being taken to the hospital, is one of the most popular boxers ever with an incredible fan base, but his fighting future is now in serious doubt.
For Pacquiao, the future is brighter than ever, and his legend continues to grow.
Said Pacquiao: “I can fight anybody.”
By Martin Rogers, Yahoo! Sports
LAS VEGAS – It took just 359 seconds to add the latest devastating chapter to a legacy that will last for decades.
Manny Pacquiao’s flurried fists made short work of Ricky Hatton on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and delivered the most emphatic proof yet that boxing has a superstar for the ages operating at his peak.
Pacquiao sent the Englishman crashing to the canvas twice in a frenetic first round, then sealed the contest with a brutal left hook that had Hatton out cold on his back with one tick remaining in the second round.
Floyd Mayweather Jr. may have announced his comeback from a brief and scarcely-believable retirement on Saturday morning. But there can be no doubt that Pacquiao is boxing’s undisputed king as he continues to ride a remarkable wave of momentum.
“Our strategy was the one punch,” Pacquiao said. “Left hook. Right hook. That was going to be the key to this fight.”
The Filipino fighter is a quiet and reserved man out of the ring, but between the ropes he morphs into an electrifying machine – and Hatton felt his full force.
The Hatton camp had hoped their man’s power would be telling, yet he simply had no response to Pacquiao’s pace and precision. A right hook put Hatton down with 54 seconds remaining in round one and proved to be the beginning of the end.
“I knew it was over,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer. “Ricky fights the same way over and over. He doesn’t have the ability to adjust.”
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As Pacquiao moved in for the finish in the second round, Hatton tried to cling on only to be sent down again with a fierce straight left. Doctors immediately rushed to the aid of Hatton, who eventually and thankfully was able to walk from the ring under his own steam.
“I am surprised this fight was so easy,” said Pacquiao. “I did work hard in my training camp and it paid off. This is as big a victory for me as when I beat Oscar De La Hoya.”
That December triumph over De La Hoya did not convince the entire boxing fraternity of Pacquiao’s ability, primarily as the Golden Boy’s powers had so clearly dimmed from his prime. Now there is no speculation. Pacquiao is the top dog, until someone proves otherwise in the ring.
Floyd Mayweather Sr. was a no-show at the postfight news conference, leaving Hatton’s co-trainer, Lee Beard, to explain the mauling by Pacquiao.
“We knew about Manny’s speed and that it could play a factor in the fight,” Beard said. “What you saw was two rounds of action and Ricky got caught.”
Roach’s status as a trainer grows in line with each victory his top fighter posts and it became clear his game plan was perfect. Hatton could not avoid Pacquiao, who landed with 73 of his 127 punches. The Brit could only land 18 of 78.
“This is no shock at all,“ Roach said. “Hatton pumps his hands before he throws a punch, and it makes him a sucker for the right hook.
“Manny is a monster. He is the best fighter ever. There is no surprise here.”
Defeat was a bitter blow to the thousands of Hatton fans among the 16,262 in attendance who had journeyed across the Atlantic but saw their dreams dashed within a few brutal minutes.
The typical symphony of chanting carried on even after their man had been sparked out, but it may not strike up again. Hatton, who was alert in his locker room before being taken to the hospital, is one of the most popular boxers ever with an incredible fan base, but his fighting future is now in serious doubt.
For Pacquiao, the future is brighter than ever, and his legend continues to grow.
Said Pacquiao: “I can fight anybody.”
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Mayweather return looms over Hatton-Pacquiao fight
by Jim Slater
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, (AFP) - Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jnr reportedly will announce his return from a 17-month layoff just hours before Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton meet Saturday to decide which is his top rival.
Stealing the thunder from a long-awaited showdown for the pound-for-pound throne that Mayweather abdicated by retiring in December of 2007, the Los Angeles Times and ESPN reported that the 32-year-old American will fight again in July.
Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer has scheduled an afternoon news conference only six hours before Britain's Hatton and Filipino star Pacquiao fight for the Englishman's junior welterweight title.
The announcement is expected to be the return of Mayweather, 39-0 with 25 knockouts, on July 18 against Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez, 50-4 with one draw and 37 knockouts at the same MGM Grand arena where Pacquiao will face Hatton.
ESPN reported that talks concluded Friday with a deal struck to stage the bout at a catch weight of 144 pounds, less than Mayweather's former undisputed 147-pound division crown but well above 135-pound champion Marquez's weight.
During the week leading up to Hatton-Pacquiao, Mayweather was a looming shadow. His return diminishes Pacquiao's claim as pound-for-pound champion and follows a 10th-round stoppage of Hatton 17 months ago.
"I would love another crack at him," Hatton said before news of Mayweather's return. "It would be a different outcome."
Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Snr., serves as Hatton's trainer and had said last week that his son was back in the gym. A major question will be if father will help defeat son, something Mayweather Snr would not do when his son fought Oscar de la Hoya in 2007.
"This is a business," Mayweather Snr said. "He doesn't take care of me, so I have to take care of myself."
Pacquiao, seen as pound-for-pound king in Mayweather Jnr's absence after beating de la Hoya last December, said this week he would welcome a chance to fight Mayweather, also likely to come at a catch weight.
"I would fight him if he decided to fight again," Pacquiao said. "I can fight at different weights. It depends on the fighter."
Mayweather Snr taunted Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, with his take on the prospect of a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight should Hatton lose Saturday.
"I know Freddie Roach does not want Manny Pacquiao fighting my son. He knows what's going to happen," Mayweather Snr said. "You know he ain't going to see Floyd. He's going to get knocked out by Ricky. Trust me."
Roach said he had no problem with the idea.
"Manny is not afraid of anyone," Roach said. "Whatever comes next comes next. If Floyd comes out of retirement, OK."
Mayweather played the loud-mouth role to the hilt against de la Hoya to help spark the richest fight in boxing history and also against Hatton in another huge pay-per-view moneymaker.
De la Hoya's large Hispanic following and Hatton's loyal British supporters were the financial engines driving the bouts.
But the challenge of Mayweather spurred profits and his return could help the sport now that de la Hoya has retired to focus on promotion and economic conditions worse than before.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada, (AFP) - Undefeated boxer Floyd Mayweather Jnr reportedly will announce his return from a 17-month layoff just hours before Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton meet Saturday to decide which is his top rival.
Stealing the thunder from a long-awaited showdown for the pound-for-pound throne that Mayweather abdicated by retiring in December of 2007, the Los Angeles Times and ESPN reported that the 32-year-old American will fight again in July.
Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer has scheduled an afternoon news conference only six hours before Britain's Hatton and Filipino star Pacquiao fight for the Englishman's junior welterweight title.
The announcement is expected to be the return of Mayweather, 39-0 with 25 knockouts, on July 18 against Mexico's Juan Manuel Marquez, 50-4 with one draw and 37 knockouts at the same MGM Grand arena where Pacquiao will face Hatton.
ESPN reported that talks concluded Friday with a deal struck to stage the bout at a catch weight of 144 pounds, less than Mayweather's former undisputed 147-pound division crown but well above 135-pound champion Marquez's weight.
During the week leading up to Hatton-Pacquiao, Mayweather was a looming shadow. His return diminishes Pacquiao's claim as pound-for-pound champion and follows a 10th-round stoppage of Hatton 17 months ago.
"I would love another crack at him," Hatton said before news of Mayweather's return. "It would be a different outcome."
Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Snr., serves as Hatton's trainer and had said last week that his son was back in the gym. A major question will be if father will help defeat son, something Mayweather Snr would not do when his son fought Oscar de la Hoya in 2007.
"This is a business," Mayweather Snr said. "He doesn't take care of me, so I have to take care of myself."
Pacquiao, seen as pound-for-pound king in Mayweather Jnr's absence after beating de la Hoya last December, said this week he would welcome a chance to fight Mayweather, also likely to come at a catch weight.
"I would fight him if he decided to fight again," Pacquiao said. "I can fight at different weights. It depends on the fighter."
Mayweather Snr taunted Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's trainer, with his take on the prospect of a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight should Hatton lose Saturday.
"I know Freddie Roach does not want Manny Pacquiao fighting my son. He knows what's going to happen," Mayweather Snr said. "You know he ain't going to see Floyd. He's going to get knocked out by Ricky. Trust me."
Roach said he had no problem with the idea.
"Manny is not afraid of anyone," Roach said. "Whatever comes next comes next. If Floyd comes out of retirement, OK."
Mayweather played the loud-mouth role to the hilt against de la Hoya to help spark the richest fight in boxing history and also against Hatton in another huge pay-per-view moneymaker.
De la Hoya's large Hispanic following and Hatton's loyal British supporters were the financial engines driving the bouts.
But the challenge of Mayweather spurred profits and his return could help the sport now that de la Hoya has retired to focus on promotion and economic conditions worse than before.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Pacquiao weighs in at 138, Hatton at 140 for title showdown
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Manny Pacquiao weighed in at 138 pounds, his second-largest weight ever for a bout, while Ricky Hatton was at the 140-pound limit Friday ahead of their junior welterweight fight Saturday.
Filipino hero Pacquiao, seeking a title in his sixth different weight class, tipped the scales at 145 pounds when he stopped Oscar de la Hoya in the eighth round last December in the only heavier weight he has recorded.
English star Hatton, seeking the pound-for-pound crown as he defends his International Boxing Organization junior welterweight title, has not weighed more since 2000 except for welterweight bouts in 2006 and 2007, both of those when he was also on the limit at 147 pounds.
In the only other world title bout on the card, World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Humberto Soto of Mexico weighed in at 130 pounds, one pound heavier than Canadian challenger Benoit Gaudet.
Filipino hero Pacquiao, seeking a title in his sixth different weight class, tipped the scales at 145 pounds when he stopped Oscar de la Hoya in the eighth round last December in the only heavier weight he has recorded.English star Hatton, seeking the pound-for-pound crown as he defends his International Boxing Organization junior welterweight title, has not weighed more since 2000 except for welterweight bouts in 2006 and 2007, both of those when he was also on the limit at 147 pounds.In the only other world title bout on the card, World Boxing Council super featherweight champion Humberto Soto of Mexico weighed in at 130 pounds, one pound heavier than Canadian challenger Benoit Gaudet.
A big underdog last time, Pacquiao is now favored
By TIM DAHLBERG, AP Boxing Writer
LAS VEGAS (AP)—The last time Manny Pacquiao displayed his many talents he stopped Oscar De La Hoya in a fight no one thought he could win. The beating he administered that night not only sent De La Hoya into retirement, but cemented Pacquiao’s status as boxing’s newest star.
Pacquiao returns to the ring Saturday night much the same fighter he was five months ago, taking on Ricky Hatton in a lucrative 140-pound fight matching two guys who love to brawl. The big difference now, though, is that everybody expects him to win.
One big fight can create a lot of expectation, and the biggest task for Pacquiao may be managing them in the ring.
His trainer isn’t worried. Pacquiao, says Freddie Roach, is more focused than ever.
“The win over Oscar just gave him more confidence,” Roach said. “So many people said he couldn’t do it but he did. Oscar could still beat a lot of guys, but he didn’t win a second of that fight.”
Once again, Pacquiao will be facing a fighter who is bigger than him as he fights for only the third time above 130 pounds. Pacquiao weighed in at 138 pounds Friday while Hatton was at the class limit of 140 pounds.
But oddsmakers who saw him dismantle an even bigger De La Hoya make him a 2-1 favorite to beat the once-beaten Hatton and win a title in his sixth weight class since turning pro. Coming off a rugged training camp that Pacquiao believes was his best ever, he’s not about to argue the point.
“I believe that I am improving and everybody knows and can see that by my last few performances,” Pacquiao said.
Those last few performances have made Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 knockouts) a fighter in demand in a sport desperate for stars. He’s such a hero in his native Philippines that he talks about one day running for president there, but the win over De La Hoya in particular catapulted Pacquiao into rarified status in the sport.
He’ll make $12 million to square off for a minor title against Hatton, who will earn $8 million in a fight that sold out the MGM Grand hotel’s arena and will be televised on HBO pay-per-view with the main event beginning about 11:30 p.m. EDT.
“I do feel different now than before I fought Oscar,” Pacquiao said. “There is a big difference in my popularity now and I think that was because Oscar was popular too.”
Hatton, who will be backed by his usual throng of singing and chanting English fans, is coming off a knockout win over Paulie Malignaggi that seemed to help him regain any confidence lost in the only loss of his career, a 10th round stoppage in December 2007 at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Still, he knows there are a lot of people in boxing that look at him as little more than a tough guy brawler who likes to party a bit too much between fights.
“People say (I’m) over-hyped, overprotected, a fat, beer-drinking Englishman,” Hatton said at the final prefight press conference. “Well, I’m going to shock the world again.”
Though both fighters love to mix it up, they go about it in different ways. Hatton (45-1, 32 knockouts) tends to throw wide punches while moving constantly forward and trying to smother his opponent, while Pacquiao fights down the middle with hands held high from his southpaw stance.
Both say they plan to box more in this bout, but both have been known to simply start trading punches when they get hit.
“I don’t see it being a tickling contest,” Hatton said. “I see it being an absolute war because we’re both fighters by nature.”
A Pacquiao win could lead to an even bigger fight sometime later in the year. With rumors buzzing about Mayweather coming out of retirement for a July fight, there’s a possibility the two could meet in the fall in a clash of the holder of the current mythical title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world against the man who used to have that title.
Pacquiao is only 30, but he has been fighting professionally since making his debut as a 106-pounder in the Philippines in 1995, and he has engaged in slugfests over the years.
Roach said he would like to see him fight just two more times, then move on to other things.
“He wants to get into politics, but I told him you can’t do both,” Roach said. “Maybe if he could get Floyd out of retirement that would be it. No sense in going any further after that.”
LAS VEGAS (AP)—The last time Manny Pacquiao displayed his many talents he stopped Oscar De La Hoya in a fight no one thought he could win. The beating he administered that night not only sent De La Hoya into retirement, but cemented Pacquiao’s status as boxing’s newest star.
Pacquiao returns to the ring Saturday night much the same fighter he was five months ago, taking on Ricky Hatton in a lucrative 140-pound fight matching two guys who love to brawl. The big difference now, though, is that everybody expects him to win.
One big fight can create a lot of expectation, and the biggest task for Pacquiao may be managing them in the ring.
His trainer isn’t worried. Pacquiao, says Freddie Roach, is more focused than ever.
“The win over Oscar just gave him more confidence,” Roach said. “So many people said he couldn’t do it but he did. Oscar could still beat a lot of guys, but he didn’t win a second of that fight.”
Once again, Pacquiao will be facing a fighter who is bigger than him as he fights for only the third time above 130 pounds. Pacquiao weighed in at 138 pounds Friday while Hatton was at the class limit of 140 pounds.But oddsmakers who saw him dismantle an even bigger De La Hoya make him a 2-1 favorite to beat the once-beaten Hatton and win a title in his sixth weight class since turning pro. Coming off a rugged training camp that Pacquiao believes was his best ever, he’s not about to argue the point.
“I believe that I am improving and everybody knows and can see that by my last few performances,” Pacquiao said.
Those last few performances have made Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 knockouts) a fighter in demand in a sport desperate for stars. He’s such a hero in his native Philippines that he talks about one day running for president there, but the win over De La Hoya in particular catapulted Pacquiao into rarified status in the sport.
He’ll make $12 million to square off for a minor title against Hatton, who will earn $8 million in a fight that sold out the MGM Grand hotel’s arena and will be televised on HBO pay-per-view with the main event beginning about 11:30 p.m. EDT.
“I do feel different now than before I fought Oscar,” Pacquiao said. “There is a big difference in my popularity now and I think that was because Oscar was popular too.”
Hatton, who will be backed by his usual throng of singing and chanting English fans, is coming off a knockout win over Paulie Malignaggi that seemed to help him regain any confidence lost in the only loss of his career, a 10th round stoppage in December 2007 at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Still, he knows there are a lot of people in boxing that look at him as little more than a tough guy brawler who likes to party a bit too much between fights.
“People say (I’m) over-hyped, overprotected, a fat, beer-drinking Englishman,” Hatton said at the final prefight press conference. “Well, I’m going to shock the world again.”
Though both fighters love to mix it up, they go about it in different ways. Hatton (45-1, 32 knockouts) tends to throw wide punches while moving constantly forward and trying to smother his opponent, while Pacquiao fights down the middle with hands held high from his southpaw stance.
Both say they plan to box more in this bout, but both have been known to simply start trading punches when they get hit.
“I don’t see it being a tickling contest,” Hatton said. “I see it being an absolute war because we’re both fighters by nature.”
A Pacquiao win could lead to an even bigger fight sometime later in the year. With rumors buzzing about Mayweather coming out of retirement for a July fight, there’s a possibility the two could meet in the fall in a clash of the holder of the current mythical title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world against the man who used to have that title.
Pacquiao is only 30, but he has been fighting professionally since making his debut as a 106-pounder in the Philippines in 1995, and he has engaged in slugfests over the years.
Roach said he would like to see him fight just two more times, then move on to other things.
“He wants to get into politics, but I told him you can’t do both,” Roach said. “Maybe if he could get Floyd out of retirement that would be it. No sense in going any further after that.”
Thursday’s Fights
By The Associated Press
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP)—Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, Thailand, stopped Rafael Hernandez, Venezuela, 9, to win the interim WBA super bantamweight title; Kwanthai Chor Nor Pattalung, Thailand, stopped Little Roseman, Indonesia, 4, to retain the PABA minimumweight title.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)—Gonzalo Omar Basile, Argentina, stopped Hugo Anibal Abad, Ecuador, 2, to retain the WBO Latino heavyweight title.
BANGKOK, Thailand (AP)—Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, Thailand, stopped Rafael Hernandez, Venezuela, 9, to win the interim WBA super bantamweight title; Kwanthai Chor Nor Pattalung, Thailand, stopped Little Roseman, Indonesia, 4, to retain the PABA minimumweight title.
BUENOS AIRES, Argentina (AP)—Gonzalo Omar Basile, Argentina, stopped Hugo Anibal Abad, Ecuador, 2, to retain the WBO Latino heavyweight title.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Pascal to challenge Diaconu for title
MONTREAL (AP)—Jean Pascal will challenge Adrian Diaconu for the WBC light heavyweight title on June 19 at the Bell Centre.
Diaconu (26-0) won the interim WBC title with a 12-round decision over Chris Henry in April 2008 and later was given the full title when it was vacated by Chad Dawson.
Two scheduled defenses against Silvio Branco were canceled, and Diaconu’s only fight in the past year was an eight-round decision in a tune up bout over David Whittom.
The Pascal fight will be the first time he has put the title on the line, and happened only after rival promoters InterBox and Groupe Yvon Michel agreed to work together
Pascal (22-1) lost a bid for the WBC super middleweight title in December to Carl Froch in England, but came back with a fifth-round knockout of Pablo Nievas in April.
Diaconu (26-0) won the interim WBC title with a 12-round decision over Chris Henry in April 2008 and later was given the full title when it was vacated by Chad Dawson.
Two scheduled defenses against Silvio Branco were canceled, and Diaconu’s only fight in the past year was an eight-round decision in a tune up bout over David Whittom.
The Pascal fight will be the first time he has put the title on the line, and happened only after rival promoters InterBox and Groupe Yvon Michel agreed to work together
Pascal (22-1) lost a bid for the WBC super middleweight title in December to Carl Froch in England, but came back with a fifth-round knockout of Pablo Nievas in April.
Soto makes quick comeback in second title defense
by Jim Slater
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Six weeks after making his first title defense, Mexico's Humberto Soto climbs back into the ring on Saturday to risk his super featherweight crown again against Canada's Benoit Gaudet.
Soto's World Boxing Council (WBC) championship bout tops the undercard of the blockbuster world junior welterweight championship bout between Filipino hero Manny Pacquiao and British star Ricky Hatton.
"It's a big card and I'm happy to be on it," Soto said. "This is a big fight for me. I know I have to do well. I'm well prepared to go 12 rounds."
Soto, 47-7 with two drawn and 30 knockouts, faces Gaudet, 20-1 with seven knockouts, after stopping Antonio Davis in the fourth round in March at Tijuana.
"I know Gaudet very well," Soto said. "I know his style is to box but I hope he decides to fight with me so we give the fans something exciting to talk about."
There was only a light nod to the swine flu outbreak that has caused deaths and sparked worldwide concern but produced only one confirmed case in Nevada, that in Reno and well away from the entertainment mecca.
"Mexicans be sure to wear their masks," promoter Bob Arum said.
Soto, 28, won the vacant title last December when he took a 12-round unanimous decision over Francisco Lorenzo.
Gaudet, 29, has won 11 fights in a row and was brought in to face Soto after another planned title bout for the card was scrapped.
"I know I'm the underdog but I'm here to reach another big point in my career," Gaudet said.
The 2004 Olympian, who makes his US debut, trains in the same Montreal gym as light heavyweight world champion Adrian Diaconu and super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute.
"I'm a technical boxer. I will use my speed a lot more than my power. My power comes from my speed. I throw a lot of punches. I move a lot. I have good defense. I prepare my attacks. I'm a very smart boxer."
England's Matthew Hatton, Ricky's younger brother who is 35-4 with one drawn record and 13 knockouts, has an eight-round welterweight undercard bout against Mexico's Ernesto Zepeda, 39-11 wioth four drawn and 34 knockouts.
Also on the card is Filipino lightweight Bernabe Concepcion, 28-1 with one draw and 17 knockouts, who will face Colombian Yogli Herrera, 21-8 with 15 knockouts.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Six weeks after making his first title defense, Mexico's Humberto Soto climbs back into the ring on Saturday to risk his super featherweight crown again against Canada's Benoit Gaudet.
Soto's World Boxing Council (WBC) championship bout tops the undercard of the blockbuster world junior welterweight championship bout between Filipino hero Manny Pacquiao and British star Ricky Hatton.
"It's a big card and I'm happy to be on it," Soto said. "This is a big fight for me. I know I have to do well. I'm well prepared to go 12 rounds."
Soto, 47-7 with two drawn and 30 knockouts, faces Gaudet, 20-1 with seven knockouts, after stopping Antonio Davis in the fourth round in March at Tijuana.
"I know Gaudet very well," Soto said. "I know his style is to box but I hope he decides to fight with me so we give the fans something exciting to talk about."
There was only a light nod to the swine flu outbreak that has caused deaths and sparked worldwide concern but produced only one confirmed case in Nevada, that in Reno and well away from the entertainment mecca.
"Mexicans be sure to wear their masks," promoter Bob Arum said.
Soto, 28, won the vacant title last December when he took a 12-round unanimous decision over Francisco Lorenzo.
Gaudet, 29, has won 11 fights in a row and was brought in to face Soto after another planned title bout for the card was scrapped.
"I know I'm the underdog but I'm here to reach another big point in my career," Gaudet said.
The 2004 Olympian, who makes his US debut, trains in the same Montreal gym as light heavyweight world champion Adrian Diaconu and super middleweight world champion Lucian Bute.
"I'm a technical boxer. I will use my speed a lot more than my power. My power comes from my speed. I throw a lot of punches. I move a lot. I have good defense. I prepare my attacks. I'm a very smart boxer."
England's Matthew Hatton, Ricky's younger brother who is 35-4 with one drawn record and 13 knockouts, has an eight-round welterweight undercard bout against Mexico's Ernesto Zepeda, 39-11 wioth four drawn and 34 knockouts.
Also on the card is Filipino lightweight Bernabe Concepcion, 28-1 with one draw and 17 knockouts, who will face Colombian Yogli Herrera, 21-8 with 15 knockouts.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Pacquiao and Hatton ready for big fight
By TIM DAHLBERG, AP Boxing Writer
LAS VEGAS (AP)—There’s only one Ricky Hatton, as his admirers constantly sing to anyone who will listen. Good thing, because if there were any more Ricky Hattons his devoted followers in England might never have time to do anything but sing.
The problem for Hatton is there’s also only one pound-for-pound champion in boxing. His name is Manny Pacquiao, and all he did his last time out was give Oscar De La Hoya such a beating that De La Hoya decided it was time to retire.
That fight not only introduced Pacquiao to a lot of casual boxing fans, but prompted oddsmakers to make him a 2-1 favorite when he and Hatton meet Saturday night in a 140-pound fight that is the first big bout of the post-De La Hoya era. Despite the lopsided odds, both Hatton and his fans fervently believe he will be the one with his gloves raised when the fight finally ends.
“I’ve been here before,” Hatton said. “People say (I’m) over-hyped, overprotected, a fat, beer-drinking Englishman. Well, I’m going to shock the world again.”
A Hatton win might not be quite enough to shock the world, but it would deal a blow to the Philippines, where Pacquiao is such a national hero that there is talk about him running for president when he gets out of boxing. But while the Pacman was always huge at home, it wasn’t until he stopped De La Hoya that many in boxing began giving him his due as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game.
It’s a mythical title, but Pacquiao has won enough real titles to justify his coronation. Though the Hatton fight is for a lightly regarded crown, winning at 140 pounds will mean Pacquiao has won titles in six weight divisions, beginning at 112 pounds.
“If that happens, people will want to put my name in boxing history and that will be my legacy,” Pacquiao said.
The two fighters got together Wednesday for the final pre-fight press conference at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, where both had spectacular performances the last time they were in the ring. For Pacquiao it was the win over De La Hoya, but Hatton showed off some himself a few weeks earlier by stopping Paulie Malignaggi in front of thousands of his ever-singing fans.
Hatton’s only loss came when he was stopped by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the 10th round of their December 2007 fight, and his record and fan base were enough to get him a guarantee of $8 million for the scheduled 12-round bout.
“Manny has not fought anybody that’s going to put as much pressure on him with as much force and strength and power and hand speed,” Hatton said. “I’d like to think I’ll be too much for him, but I think it’s going to a wonderful fight.”
Promoters claim the fight has already sold out the 15,000-seat arena at the MGM and are selling closed circuit viewing at other Las Vegas hotels. They’re also hopeful that even an ailing economy won’t stop people from spending 50 bucks to order the fight on pay-per-view, perhaps with a few friends.
But the two fighters have largely avoided the kind of trash talk that normally happens before big fights, leaving that to others in their camps. For Pacquiao that means trainer Freddie Roach, and for Hatton it’s his new trainer, Floyd Mayweather Jr., the estranged father of the only fighter to beat him.
Mayweather read a poem he wrote about the fight Wednesday and did his best to taunt Roach. But Roach maintained his manners, for what promoter Bob Arum said was a good reason.
It wasn’t just because Pacquiao’s mother was in attendance in her first trip to the United States to see her son fight for the first time. No, even in boxing sometimes there must be some decorum of sorts.
“The trainer (Roach) is training a future president of the Philippines,” Arum said. “The people sitting here are already campaigning to be in the cabinet.”
LAS VEGAS (AP)—There’s only one Ricky Hatton, as his admirers constantly sing to anyone who will listen. Good thing, because if there were any more Ricky Hattons his devoted followers in England might never have time to do anything but sing.
The problem for Hatton is there’s also only one pound-for-pound champion in boxing. His name is Manny Pacquiao, and all he did his last time out was give Oscar De La Hoya such a beating that De La Hoya decided it was time to retire.
That fight not only introduced Pacquiao to a lot of casual boxing fans, but prompted oddsmakers to make him a 2-1 favorite when he and Hatton meet Saturday night in a 140-pound fight that is the first big bout of the post-De La Hoya era. Despite the lopsided odds, both Hatton and his fans fervently believe he will be the one with his gloves raised when the fight finally ends.
“I’ve been here before,” Hatton said. “People say (I’m) over-hyped, overprotected, a fat, beer-drinking Englishman. Well, I’m going to shock the world again.”
A Hatton win might not be quite enough to shock the world, but it would deal a blow to the Philippines, where Pacquiao is such a national hero that there is talk about him running for president when he gets out of boxing. But while the Pacman was always huge at home, it wasn’t until he stopped De La Hoya that many in boxing began giving him his due as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game.It’s a mythical title, but Pacquiao has won enough real titles to justify his coronation. Though the Hatton fight is for a lightly regarded crown, winning at 140 pounds will mean Pacquiao has won titles in six weight divisions, beginning at 112 pounds.
“If that happens, people will want to put my name in boxing history and that will be my legacy,” Pacquiao said.
The two fighters got together Wednesday for the final pre-fight press conference at the MGM Grand hotel-casino, where both had spectacular performances the last time they were in the ring. For Pacquiao it was the win over De La Hoya, but Hatton showed off some himself a few weeks earlier by stopping Paulie Malignaggi in front of thousands of his ever-singing fans.
Hatton’s only loss came when he was stopped by Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the 10th round of their December 2007 fight, and his record and fan base were enough to get him a guarantee of $8 million for the scheduled 12-round bout.
“Manny has not fought anybody that’s going to put as much pressure on him with as much force and strength and power and hand speed,” Hatton said. “I’d like to think I’ll be too much for him, but I think it’s going to a wonderful fight.”
Promoters claim the fight has already sold out the 15,000-seat arena at the MGM and are selling closed circuit viewing at other Las Vegas hotels. They’re also hopeful that even an ailing economy won’t stop people from spending 50 bucks to order the fight on pay-per-view, perhaps with a few friends.
But the two fighters have largely avoided the kind of trash talk that normally happens before big fights, leaving that to others in their camps. For Pacquiao that means trainer Freddie Roach, and for Hatton it’s his new trainer, Floyd Mayweather Jr., the estranged father of the only fighter to beat him.
Mayweather read a poem he wrote about the fight Wednesday and did his best to taunt Roach. But Roach maintained his manners, for what promoter Bob Arum said was a good reason.
It wasn’t just because Pacquiao’s mother was in attendance in her first trip to the United States to see her son fight for the first time. No, even in boxing sometimes there must be some decorum of sorts.
“The trainer (Roach) is training a future president of the Philippines,” Arum said. “The people sitting here are already campaigning to be in the cabinet.”
Promoter De la Hoya sees no flu fears for Pacquiao-Hatton
by Jim Slater
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - The swine flu outbreak that has caused seven deaths and worldwide concern is not a worry for Saturday's boxing showdown between England's Ricky Hatton and Filipino Manny Pacquiao.
"There's no concern about it here now," retired Mexican-American boxing star and fight co-promoter Oscar De la Hoya said on Wednesday. "All signs are we're going to have a successful promotion."
Nevada's first confirmed swine flu infection was detected on Wednesday, making 10 states in all where the outbreak which has been presumed to cause more than 150 deaths in Mexico has been identified.
"Swine flu is a huge concern," De la Hoya said. "It's a health issue and nobody wants to catch it. It's in the back of people's minds.
"I think we're going to provide some great entertainment on Saturday. That's what boxing is all about. I don't think people for that hour are going to be thinking about the swine flu."
A potential pandemic is especially troubling in an entertainment mecca like Las Vegas and there do figure to be fans from Mexico in the sellout crowd of more than 15,000 as well as global visitors for the junior welterweight fight.
Mexico's Humberto Soto, 47-7 with two drawn and 30 knockouts, will defend his World Boxing Council super featherweight crown on the Hatton-Pacquiao undercard against Canada's Benoit Gaudet, 20-1 with seven knockouts.
Two other Mexican fighters are in undercard bouts and Mexicans are typically part of the fan base for major fights in Las Vegas. Two top Mexican fighters will sign autographs on Thursday at a fan session for a Mexican beer sponsor.
Pacquiao, a Filipino hero, seeks a title in his sixth different weight class to match a boxing record while Hatton wants the pound-for-pound greatest tag now carried by Pacquiao after a victory over De la Hoya.
"Every Mexican, Mexican-American and Hispanic person I talk to said they have to watch this fight because of what Manny did to me," De la Hoya said.
Philippines health officials reportedly advised some not to attend the fight because of uncertainty about the swine flu and claimed Pacquiao must be checked for signs of the flu after he flies home to Manila on Sunday.
Whether or not Hatton might use the flu as an excuse is already a topic on Filipino boxing web sites.
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - The swine flu outbreak that has caused seven deaths and worldwide concern is not a worry for Saturday's boxing showdown between England's Ricky Hatton and Filipino Manny Pacquiao.
"There's no concern about it here now," retired Mexican-American boxing star and fight co-promoter Oscar De la Hoya said on Wednesday. "All signs are we're going to have a successful promotion."
Nevada's first confirmed swine flu infection was detected on Wednesday, making 10 states in all where the outbreak which has been presumed to cause more than 150 deaths in Mexico has been identified.
"Swine flu is a huge concern," De la Hoya said. "It's a health issue and nobody wants to catch it. It's in the back of people's minds.
"I think we're going to provide some great entertainment on Saturday. That's what boxing is all about. I don't think people for that hour are going to be thinking about the swine flu."A potential pandemic is especially troubling in an entertainment mecca like Las Vegas and there do figure to be fans from Mexico in the sellout crowd of more than 15,000 as well as global visitors for the junior welterweight fight.
Mexico's Humberto Soto, 47-7 with two drawn and 30 knockouts, will defend his World Boxing Council super featherweight crown on the Hatton-Pacquiao undercard against Canada's Benoit Gaudet, 20-1 with seven knockouts.
Two other Mexican fighters are in undercard bouts and Mexicans are typically part of the fan base for major fights in Las Vegas. Two top Mexican fighters will sign autographs on Thursday at a fan session for a Mexican beer sponsor.
Pacquiao, a Filipino hero, seeks a title in his sixth different weight class to match a boxing record while Hatton wants the pound-for-pound greatest tag now carried by Pacquiao after a victory over De la Hoya.
"Every Mexican, Mexican-American and Hispanic person I talk to said they have to watch this fight because of what Manny did to me," De la Hoya said.
Philippines health officials reportedly advised some not to attend the fight because of uncertainty about the swine flu and claimed Pacquiao must be checked for signs of the flu after he flies home to Manila on Sunday.
Whether or not Hatton might use the flu as an excuse is already a topic on Filipino boxing web sites.
Trainers provide war of words for Hatton-Pacquiao fight
by Jim Slater
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Verbal sparring between trainers Floyd Mayweather Snr and Freddie Roach has provided a provocative sideshow prior to Saturday's junior welterweight match-up between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather, the father of now-retired boxing star Floyd Mayweather who works with English star Hatton, and Roach, the usually mild-mannered trainer who guides Filipino hero Pacquiao, have traded taunts and bad-mouthed each other at will.
"He's Freddie 'The Joke Coach' Roach," Mayweather said. "Who has he really worked with? He had lots of big fighters. He hasn't done anything with them. What fighter has he ever made? He hasn't made nobody. It's that simple.
"I know Freddie is scared right now. He will probably crawl in some hole somewhere. He's the roach."
Roach, the verbal counter-puncher to his outspoken rival, has said Pacquiao has the talent to knock Hatton out in three rounds and shrugged off Mayweather's insults about his training skills and former boxing career.
"You look at who it's coming from. It doesn't bother me," Roach said. "I don't like him. His second-grade insults. Sometimes he gets under my skin so I fire back at him. But it's not going to make any difference in the fight.
"I've got the better fighter."
Each fighter has been respectful to the other even as each expresses confidence that he will come out on top on Saturday.
"That's just what they say. I don?t want to enter into that conversation," Pacquiao said. "I don?t want to talk too much before the fight. I don?t want to think about what they say. Those are their opinions.
"I don?t care about that conversation. My goal is to focus and concentrate on the fight."
That leaves the trash exchanges common at many big fights to the trainers.
"You got whupped so much Freddie," Mayweather said. "You're a bum."
"You're the expert on that," Roach replied.
"I'm already in your head. You ain't got me. I've got you," Mayweather said.
"Get a translator, will you?" Roach said.
"I've got you Freddie. I've got you."
The trainers' spat could serve as a distraction to allow both fighters to focus on their tasks in the ring rather than hyping a fight that stands well on its own based on the success of the men wearing the gloves.
"I don't have nothing against Freddie, but this is warfare," Mayweather said. "I'm looking out for my fighter and I'm going to do whatever it takes for him to win."
Hatton, like Pacquiao, shrugs off the hype aspects.
"I don't pay too much attention to it. Floyd is like that seven days a week and twice on Sunday," Hatton said. "It's Floyd being Floyd. I'll let Floyd do the talking. I know what I?m capable of doing.
"A lot of what we?ve seen is trash talk but I don?t think he?s going to publicly stick his neck on the line as much as he has if he didn?t believe I could back it up.
"I do still believe every word Floyd says. Floyd wouldn't put his reputation on the line and say it if he didn't think I could do it and appear to be a (fool)."
Hatton does think that Mayweather might have had an impact on Roach, however.
"This is maybe the most I've heard Freddie Roach. He is usually very quiet. Now he's talking about three rounds and done," Hatton said.
"When you start acting a little bit out of character, maybe he?s not quite as confident as he says. Maybe he has taken the bait from Floyd."
LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - Verbal sparring between trainers Floyd Mayweather Snr and Freddie Roach has provided a provocative sideshow prior to Saturday's junior welterweight match-up between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao.
Mayweather, the father of now-retired boxing star Floyd Mayweather who works with English star Hatton, and Roach, the usually mild-mannered trainer who guides Filipino hero Pacquiao, have traded taunts and bad-mouthed each other at will.
"He's Freddie 'The Joke Coach' Roach," Mayweather said. "Who has he really worked with? He had lots of big fighters. He hasn't done anything with them. What fighter has he ever made? He hasn't made nobody. It's that simple.
"I know Freddie is scared right now. He will probably crawl in some hole somewhere. He's the roach."
Roach, the verbal counter-puncher to his outspoken rival, has said Pacquiao has the talent to knock Hatton out in three rounds and shrugged off Mayweather's insults about his training skills and former boxing career."You look at who it's coming from. It doesn't bother me," Roach said. "I don't like him. His second-grade insults. Sometimes he gets under my skin so I fire back at him. But it's not going to make any difference in the fight.
"I've got the better fighter."
Each fighter has been respectful to the other even as each expresses confidence that he will come out on top on Saturday.
"That's just what they say. I don?t want to enter into that conversation," Pacquiao said. "I don?t want to talk too much before the fight. I don?t want to think about what they say. Those are their opinions.
"I don?t care about that conversation. My goal is to focus and concentrate on the fight."
That leaves the trash exchanges common at many big fights to the trainers.
"You got whupped so much Freddie," Mayweather said. "You're a bum."
"You're the expert on that," Roach replied.
"I'm already in your head. You ain't got me. I've got you," Mayweather said.
"Get a translator, will you?" Roach said.
"I've got you Freddie. I've got you."
The trainers' spat could serve as a distraction to allow both fighters to focus on their tasks in the ring rather than hyping a fight that stands well on its own based on the success of the men wearing the gloves.
"I don't have nothing against Freddie, but this is warfare," Mayweather said. "I'm looking out for my fighter and I'm going to do whatever it takes for him to win."
Hatton, like Pacquiao, shrugs off the hype aspects.
"I don't pay too much attention to it. Floyd is like that seven days a week and twice on Sunday," Hatton said. "It's Floyd being Floyd. I'll let Floyd do the talking. I know what I?m capable of doing.
"A lot of what we?ve seen is trash talk but I don?t think he?s going to publicly stick his neck on the line as much as he has if he didn?t believe I could back it up.
"I do still believe every word Floyd says. Floyd wouldn't put his reputation on the line and say it if he didn't think I could do it and appear to be a (fool)."
Hatton does think that Mayweather might have had an impact on Roach, however.
"This is maybe the most I've heard Freddie Roach. He is usually very quiet. Now he's talking about three rounds and done," Hatton said.
"When you start acting a little bit out of character, maybe he?s not quite as confident as he says. Maybe he has taken the bait from Floyd."
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