Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton: What Are the Possibilities?

Just saw an interesting read on the possible match up between Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao and Englishman Ricky Hatton. Amidst Top Rank promoter Bob Arum’s views that it could happen before the end of 2008, a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton may be unlikely. The Pacman is not in The Hitman’s plans despite Bob Arum’s mention that the fight may take place in November 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada, or Dubai, U.A.E.

Ricky Hatton, 29, is scheduled to stake his IBO light welterweight title against Juan Lazcano in Manchester on May 24, 2008 or at Wembley Stadium on May 31, 2008. And if he wins, The Pride of Hyde will possibly face Italian-American Paulie Malignaggi in September 2008 at the Madison Square Garden in New York City. Further down the road, Hatton aims to meet Floyd Mayweather in a rematch. Ricky Hatton moved up to the 147-pound welterweight division to challenge Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas, Nevada, last December 2007. However, Hatton lost on a 10th round knockout – it was the first loss in The Hitman’s career.

Will 2008 will be another banner year for Manny Pacquiao? Bob Arum highlights the distinct possibility that if The Destroyer overcomes Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15, Manny Pacquiao will be guaranteed the Fighter of the Year. The Pacman is scheduled to have three big fights in 2008. If Pacquiao beats Marquez, he fights in Macau at the end of June 2008 against David Diaz, the WBC lightweight champion. And when he beats Diaz, the Filipino boxing icon is then going to fight Ricky Hatton in November 2008?

On one hand, Manny Pacquiao, 29, turned pro in 1995 weighing only 107 pounds. He has since bulked up to fight as a flyweight (112), superbantamweight (122), featherweight (126) and now, superfeatherweight (130). If he takes on Diaz, Pacquiao will make his 135-pound debut. On the other hand, Ricky Hatton turned pro in 1997 weighing 138 pounds to knock out Colin McAuley in the first round. He also weighed in at 138 for a win over Dillon Carew two years later. The Englishman has never fought weighing less than 138. Both Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton are 5-6 1/2 tall. His record is 43-1, with 31 Kos; the Filipino pugilist’s 45-3-2, with 35 KOs. Hatton has a two-inch reach advantage.

Believe you men when I say that I sincerely believe that Pacman is all heart and may stand a chance against Hatton. However, Ricky Hatton is a legitimate light welterweight while Manny Pacquiao has never weighed in more than 130 pounds for a fight. The weight disparity will considerably favor the bigger of the two boxers - Ricky Hatton. Such are the views of some of my online buddies from a previous thread that I made with regards to the possibility of a Manny Pacquiao vs. Oscar dela Hoya bout. And I feel it’s a legitimate concern after all.

Even if Manny Pacquiao is not in Ricky Hatton’s list - when the money is right and the timing is perfect - anything can happen in boxing! Especially when it involves two of the most popular fighters today! And I kid you not!

"A Golden Glove for The AnitoKid!"

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