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Friday, November 27, 2009

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Fight Full Replay Video (UPDATED)


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Sunday, November 15, 2009

PACQUIAO VERSUS COTTO FIGHT REPLAY VIDEOS (UPDATED!)

Pacquiao-Cotto (Fight Video Replay, Download Links)

source: TIM DAHLBERG | sports.yahoo.com

LAS VEGAS (AP)—Manny Pacquiao’s speed and power were way too much for Miguel Cotto’s heart.

Pacquiao put on yet another dominating performance Saturday night, knocking down Cotto twice and turning his face into a bloody mess before finally stopping him at 55 seconds of the 12th round.

The Filipino star used his blazing speed and power from both hands to win his seventh title in seven weight classes and cement his stature as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. Cotto took such a beating that his face was a river of red from the fury of Pacquiao’s punches but he refused to quit even as his corner tried to throw in the towel after the 11th round.


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Round 1


Round 2


Round 3


Round 4


Round 5


Round 6















Saturday, November 14, 2009

PACQUIAO WINS OVER COTTO BY TKO!

Again Pacquiao wins and proclaimed to be the new World Welterweight Champion! Congrats Manny! Another Achievement! Watch the Full Replay Video here in few hours!

Friday, November 13, 2009

Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto Official Weigh In

Pacquiao weighed in at 144 pounds, his heaviest ever, while Cotto was 145 at a weigh-in Friday attended by some 7,000 fans.

The fight has the potential to be one of the most entertaining of recent big bouts, if only because Pacquiao fights in a frenetic style and Cotto loves nothing better than to move forward while throwing a relentless swarm of punches. But there are still questions about Pacquiao’s chin against a bigger fighter as well as how much Cotto has recovered from the beating he took last year at the hands of Antonio Margarito.

















Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Friday, October 16, 2009

Cotto Getting Ready In Florida; Arum Says Pacquiao's Trainer Gives Edge


By Rick Folstad


TAMPA - Interesting tattoos. They spread out across the arms and torso of Miguel Cotto like a creeping vine, growing upward, closer and closer to his cheek and chin, toward that crazy Mike Tyson look that Cotto might want to avoid.

When it’s jokingly suggested by a member of the media that Cotto doesn’t let the tattoo creep up onto his face ala Tyson, Cotto just grins. He’ll do what he wants, but I’m guessing the artwork won’t stretch past the collar line.

The tattoos have grown some since the last time Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) was here training at the Fight Factory. That was this spring when he was getting ready to fight Joshua Clottey in June at Madison Square Garden. He won that fight, but it didn’t come easy. He won by split decision and received a bad cut over his eye from a head butt early in the fight. Any questions about his heart were answered.

So he and his growing tattoos and his young trainer, Joe Santiago, are back in Tampa, training for his fight with Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2) on Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Cotto likes training in Tampa. There aren’t a lot of distractions here and the weather in October is hot and humid, kind of like it is back home in Puerto Rico.

“Puerto Rico is my country and that's where I live,” he said, talking with the media after a two-hour workout that included skip roping, bag work, a session on the focus mitts and some crunches. “But there are a lot of distractions when I’m there. That’s what I like best about Tampa, there are no distractions. I do two things when I’m here. I train and I rest. Train and rest.“

Cotto’s training regimen is a lesson in routine. Everything is planned, precise and consistent. And he seldom says a word. He just listens to his music and works the rope or the bag or the mitt. The last time we were here when he was getting ready for Clottey, he went through the same routine he went through for Pacquiao, again, hardly saying a word.

He doesn’t give out secrets.

Promoter Bob Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, was in town this week to see how the second half of his promotion was doing. Earlier this month, he was in the Philippines checking on Pacquiao, who is training in his home country intil later this month.

“I’m very, very careful not to favor one fighter over the other,“ Arum said as he watched Cotto train. “Right now, with Manny so far away, it makes it easier (not to show favoritism). I never interfere. I just want to see that they are both getting the best possible training.”

Arum might not have a favorite, but Pacquiao is a bigger draw right now than Cotto, and he’ll get a bigger piece of the pie.

“I take great pride in this fight,“ Arum said. “We have two guys who are going to make their biggest payday on Nov. 14. Pacquiao will make over $20 million and Cotto will make over $10 million. And I helped create that.“

Still not showing any favoritism, Arum said Pacquiao’s biggest advantage going into the fight was having trainer Freddie Roach in his corner.

“Manny is an offensive machine,” he said. “He blends in his defense in the best possible way. In essence, he turns himself into a magician in the ring. He can disappear while in plain sight.

“Manny is an explosive puncher, but he doesn’t have the ultimate power Miguel has. Miguel is the bigger guy, and Manny might be vulnerable to Miguel’s left hand to the body and the head. It’s how Manny reacts to those left hands that will be the story of the fight.”

Arum said there are no secrets about what each one brings into a fight.

“They both have histories,“ he said.

The two will be fighting for Cotto’s WBO welterweight title, though they’ve abandoned the 147-pound limit and agreed to a catch weight of 145 pounds.

Asked what he thought of the catch-weight, Cotto said if he thought he’d have trouble making 145 pounds, they wouldn’t have taken the fight.

“I weighed 146 when I fought Clottey,“ he said. “I’m in my best shape ever.”

Sunday, October 4, 2009

Pacquiao-Cotto "Firepower": Free Live Streaming

Watch Out for the free live streaming of the fight, only here. On November 14, 2009





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Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Pacquiao-Cotto showdown set for November: Reports



LAS VEGAS, Nevada (AFP) - – Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rican fighter Miguel Cotto will meet in Las Vegas in November at a catch-weight of 145 pounds, ESPN and Filipino newspapers reported Monday.

The US sports network and Phillipines media reported that Pacquiao, considered the pound-for-pound world champion after flattening England's Ricky Hatton in the second round in May, will meet Cotto on November 14.

Reports also had the fight at 145 pounds, two below the welterweight limit and five above the light-welterweight category maximum.

Promoter Bob Arum handles affairs for both Pacquiao and Cotto.

The reports come after moves by unbeaten US star Floyd Mayweather Jnr and World Boxing Association welterweight champion Shane Mosley to try and lure Pacquiao into a deal.

Mosley, a US veteran, said he was willing to take only 40 percent of the purse and would agree to fight at the light-welterweight limit in order to strike a deal with the Filipino star.

Mayweather, whose ring return from retirement was pushed back to September due to a rib injury, is the fighter most fans would enjoy seeing Pacquiao face in a showdown between the former and current pound-for-pound kings.

But Mayweather said last week it was unlikely he would fight Pacquiao because both camps insistent on the lion's share of a 60-40 fight purse split. Mayweather also has bitter feelings toward Arum, his former promoter.

Monday, June 8, 2009

PACQUIAO CONFIRMS OCTOBER 17 FIGHT - FAVORS FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR.!



Pinoy boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao has confirmed that October 17 will be his next fight date after his successful campaign against Ricky Hatton last May 2.

Pacquiao, the current pound-for-pound (P4P) king, will have to choose among todays boxing stars Floyd Mayweather Jr., Miguel Cotto, and his bitter rival Juan Manuel Marquez.

The hard-hitting southpaw from General Santos City, however, is leaning towards a match with Mayweather, the former pound-for-pound ruler.

Mas ok si Floyd Mayweather [Jr.], gusto ko nga iyong maraming sinasabi, said Pacquiao.

The undefeated Mayweather, however, said Pacquiao would have to find an antidote for a slick boxer like him.

Nobody has the antidote to beat Floyd Mayweather Manny has been beaten in the past, said the former pound-for-pound king.

The undefeated Mayweather will be having Marquez for his comeback fight on July 18, and Pacquiao thinks the undefeated black American has the upper hand.

Walang kasiguruhan pero [may] advantage si Mayweather, he said.

But Pacquiao believes that Marquez is also capable of beating Mayweather.

He's fast also but he doesnt want to get hit, Pacquiao said referring to Mayweather. So tapang ang pinaguusapan.

Pacquiao has already collided with Marquez twice with both fights ending in controversies.

The Filipino knocked down Marquez thrice during their first meeting in 2004 but the Mexican managed to get a draw.

Pacquiao and Marquez fought again in 2008 with the Filipino winning via split decision. With a report by Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News


Saturday, May 23, 2009

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Monday, May 4, 2009

Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton Fight Full Replay Video (UPDATED)

Pacquiao vs Hatton Full Video British Version Sky Sports 

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Pacquiao Hatton Fight Replay Video (Updated)


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Victory for Pacquiao!



1st Round - Pacquiao let Hatton Kiss the floor twice
2nd Round - Pacquiao hits jaw of Hatton letting him off to sleep and unconscious



Congrats Manny Pacquiao!







Replay Video Click Here

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 4

The Last Installment of Pacquiao Hatton 24/7. Enjoy and see you here Live on for the coverage of my Free Livestreaming of the Pacquiao Hatton Fight 11hours from now


Friday, May 1, 2009

Pacquiao vs Hatton Official Weigh In!

Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton (45-1 32 KOs) came in right on the mark at 140 lbs while Manny "Pac-man Pacquiao (48-3 6 KOs) came in two lbs shy at 138 today at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas...


Sunday, April 26, 2009

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 3

Episode 3 of the HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7






Sunday, April 19, 2009

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 2

Pacquiao Hatton HBO 24/7 Episode 2 Watch Pacquiao vs Hatton Fight for free Live Streaming at http://pacquiaovshattonfight.blogspot.com on May 2,2009 (U.S. Time) May 3, 2009(Philippines Time)

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

HBO Pacquiao Hatton 24/7 Full Video Episode 1


Watch Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao and Ricky "HITMAN" Hatton Prepare for their MAY 2, 2009 Mega Fight. Episode 1

Sunday, April 5, 2009

Trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr., Freddie Roach exchange verbal jabs before Pacquiao-Hatton



In preparation for the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton junior welterweight championship fight May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, feuding trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr. and Freddie Roach continue to slug it out for the best pound-for-pound title in their profession.

It's almost as much fun as the matchup in the ring.

The bad blood got spilled again in the pre-fight media gatherings leading up to "The Battle of East and West" on HBO pay-per-view ($49.95) next month.

A special four-tier trophy standing more than 5 feet tall, with the inscription "No. 1 Pound for Pound Best Trainer in the World," was unveiled Monday at a Hollywood red-carpet news conference to promote the fight. It prompted both trainers to up the ante in their long-raging war of words.

As usual, Mayweather, of Grand Rapids, belittled Roach.

"They've got Roach in the hall of fame. He should be in the hall of shame," he told the international media. "Let's tell the truth like it is: You see Freddie Roach training and you see me training, it's night and day. Don't even compare. Don't even come close. Freddie Roach is a joke. And that's why I say his name is Freddie 'The Joke Coach' Roach, as far as I'm concerned.

Roach didn't hesitate to fire back.

He, after all, recently was named 2008 Trainer of the Year by the Boxing Writers Association of America -- for an unprecedented third time.

"Floyd can read some good poems. That he's all good at that I know of. What has Floyd Sr. achieved? His son's a natural-born fighter. His brother, Roger, trained him anyway. Floyd never trained his son for a world title fight," he said. "He tells me he's the greatest (trainer), but what has he done?

"He trained Oscar De La Hoya after Oscar has already won four world titles," he added, for emphasis. "Floyd is a legend in his own mind."

The feud flared up again during a private media luncheon.

The animosity between the rival trainers stems from when De La Hoya fired Mayweather in 2007 and hired Roach to prepare him for a fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A transcript of their latest verbal exchange Monday, captured by Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times, appeared on BoxingScene.com. Some of the highlights:

Mayweather Sr.: My man is all those good things we were talking about. And then you went over to Freddie 'The Joke Coach' Roach.

Roach: Please change that. Get a new line. That one's old.

Mayweather Sr.: It's old Freddie, but it's got to be used because you is a roach. You is a joke, Roach.

Roach: You were the greatest. Just shut up.

Mayweather Sr.: Freddie, don't get upset. We are all just here talking. I know I get up under your skin, don't worry about it.

Roach: Can I borrow some of your rings?

Mayweather Sr.: You can buy them. Sure you can.

Roach: I can't afford them.

Mayweather Sr.: You can't afford them? We both (got) a lot of money. Is that what you're trying to say. It's like the stupid thing you said before. You are in the Hall of Fame. No, you belong in the hall of shame.

Roach: I'm in the hall of fame. Are you?

Mayweather Sr.: I have to stand up when I hear a guy like you is in the hall of fame. You have to be joking me. Everybody knows that you are a joke. You know that you don't belong in the hall of fame. You know the old guy that died, Eddie Futch. I'm saying that because you didn't get in the hall of fame yourself.

Roach: Why aren't you (in there)?

Mayweather Sr.: You didn't get in the hall of fame yourself. You don't know nothing. We all know that you're punch drunk anyway.

Roach: And you're not? And you're not?

The report concludes with Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, interrupting the affair: "Alright, we are going to put that on the undercard."

Hilarious stuff.

Perhaps more entertaining is what'll happen if Hatton defeats Pacquiao and lures Mayweather Jr. out of retirement for a rumored megafight in November.

Imagine the verbal sparring match between trainers Floyd Mayweather Sr. and his estranged brother, Roger, who replaced him in corner and helped guide "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather's rise to the title of pound-for-pound king.

If that happens, it'll be a Mayweather three-for-all leading up to that contest.

Source: http://www.mlive.com/boxing/index.ssf/2009/04/trainers_floyd_mayweather_sr_f.html

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Hatton-Pacquiao buzz hits Hollywood

As hundreds of fans filled the area in front of the historic Roosevelt Hotel, with hundreds more gathered on the sidewalk across the street on Hollywood Blvd. on Monday night, actors Mickey Rourke and Mark Wahlberg made their way down the red carpet.

This was no Hollywood premiere, but a news conference for the highly anticipated junior welterweight fight between Ricky Hatton of England and Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines on May 2 at MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

It was an affair befitting two fighters with fanatical rooting interests.

"I mean, this is fun," said Bob Arum, Pacquiao's promoter. "It's over and above the usual press conference."

Minutes earlier, Arum had climbed under the velvet rope to talk to a group of screaming fans who were trying to get his attention. A hotel employee said, "Oh, that's cool," of Arum's move.

"They're my fans, they're my customers," Arum said. "You gotta say hello to your customers."

Richard Schaefer stood on the red carpet doing interviews and exchanging pleasantries with fans.

"This is great," said Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, which promotes Hatton. "You have the two most popular fighters in the world fighting each other and to do a red carpet on Hollywood Blvd., I think they deserve it. They've earned it."

And just think, if Coach Ben Howland's UCLA basketball team hadn't been eliminated in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, Howland might not have been able to
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attend.

But Howland was there, taking it all in at the hotel that hosted the first Academy Awards 80 years ago.

"Yeah, I love boxing," Howland said. "I'm very excited about this fight. And I'm looking forward to attending, hopefully, in May."

Howland marveled at the tremendously animated crowd.

"It's unbelievable," he said. "I mean, look at the amount of attention and interest for this fight. It's spectacular."

It was all that.

Even Pacquiao, who is swarmed just about everywhere he goes, had that deer-in-the-headlights look as he turned the final corner of the red carpet before heading into the hotel.

"You know, I understand that there are a lot of fans coming here tonight because there is a Hatton and Pacquiao conference," Pacquiao said. "I understand they are rooting for me."

Most of them were. But once this event hits Vegas, it will be difficult to tell which fighter has brought along the stronger following. Pacquiao's fans seem to make more noise than any other group. They are ultra-passionate.

But Hatton's might be the most tireless. When some 35,000 of them ventured across the pond for Hatton's Dec. 2007 fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in Las Vegas, many didn't even have rooms, let alone tickets. They just stayed up all night drinking and filling the casinos with one rendition after another of "Walking in a Hatton Wonderland."

"It's going to be electric, really electric," Arum said. "And one prediction I can make, which I can guarantee 100 percent - they will sell more beer at the MGM Grand Garden than in any night in years."

Shoot, try ever.

There also was a bit of boxing talk at Monday's gala. Some of it centered on the speed advantage of Pacquiao and the size edge Hatton will bring into the ring.

Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) has said, since this fight was made, that he doesn't put much stock in Pacquiao's welterweight victory over Oscar De La Hoya last December because

De La Hoya appeared spent from the opening bell.

"He looked a shell of the Oscar we know, and I don't want to put Manny down a bit too much, but I don't think it was hard to beat Oscar that night," Hatton said.

Before then, Pacquiao had never fought at higher than the 135-pound lightweight limit. Even though he and Hatton are virtually the same height, Hatton has fought most of his career at the 140-pound junior welterweight limit.

And, he's fought a couple of times at welterweight (147).

Furthermore, even though Hatton said Monday that he weighed 150, he claims he will weigh 154 pounds on the night of the fight, which would be a gain of 14 pounds from the weigh-in.

"I think size will play a big factor," Hatton said. "I've beaten bigger men, like (welterweight) Luis Collazo, a strong, fast, massive southpaw. I made Kostya Tszyu quit on his stool (after the 11th round). Manny's nowhere near as big or strong as these guys. Obviously, he's dangerous in other areas, like his speed, his footwork and the southpaw (stance). But I'm boxing a lot cuter than I was maybe a few fights ago."

But Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, said he believes his fighter is going to overpower Hatton.

"In studying Hatton for the last two months, I mean, his chin's up in the air, he swings from outside, he's so hittable," Roach said. "If Manny just punches down the middle, he's going to kill Hatton."

Whatever transpires, it should thrilling.

"It's going to be crazy," Pacquiao said. "If you look at the style of Hatton and my style, it's kind of similar styles. So we expect a lot of action."

It will be available on HBO pay-per-view for $49.95.

Who's really the best junior welterweight?

The May 2 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton is the junior welterweight fight everybody is looking forward to. But Timothy Bradley and Kendall Holt want to eventually have something to say about who is the best in the division.

Neither Hatton nor Pacquiao hold one of the four major belts, but Bradley and Holt have one each, and they will square off tonight in a title unification fight in Montreal (on Showtime).

During Thursday's final news conference, both Bradley and Holt made reference to Pacquiao and Hatton.

"I consider us the best fighters in the division," Bradley said of he and Holt. "I want to fight the best in boxing and that is exactly what Kendall and I are doing here. We are at the top of the division."

The winner will face the stars.

"Pacquiao is moving up to 140 and he is the best pound-for-pound fighter," Holt said. "Hatton is a star at 140 as well, but we are the champions and these stars are going to have to face us."

Holt also talked about what the future might hold.

"After I win, if Hatton wins, then I'd like to fight him," he said. "Pacquiao is pound-for-pound the best, but he hasn't fought at 140, so we'll see what he can do."

It might seem like Bradley and Holt have forgotten they have a fight with each other. That is somewhat understandable because Hatton and Pacquiao are where the money's at in the division.

But Bradley (23-0, 11 KOs) is one of the most focused fighters out there. And it's doubtful he is looking ahead.

"I respect every fighter I fight," Bradley said. "But going into this fight, it is plain and simple: I just think that I am better.

I'm going home with both belts. I'm hungry for this victory."

To which Holt (25-2, 13 KOs) replied, "Tim said he is hungry. Well, (tonight) I'm going to give him a lot of leather to eat."

Source: http://www.dailynews.com/sports/ci_12069527

PACQUIAO ENTERS 5TH WEEK OF TRAINING (WITH PHOTOS)




Los Angeles, CA.:- As promised, here is my Wednesday report from the Pacquiao training camp at the Wildcard Gym.

I purposely got to the gym a whole lot earlier just so I can catch up with the training of Gerry Penalosa who comes to the Wildcard Gym way ahead of the Pacman.

Gerry came in at exactly 11:30am and immediately got on with the business of getting ready for his April 25th date with Juan Manuel Lopez in Puerto Rico.

With 24 days still to go before that fateful day, Gerry is already looking very sharp. In fact, one of the pundits at the gym stated that he looks so ready that he can fight even if his match with Lopez is done tomorrow.

Gerry sparred four rounds with a Filipino-American boxer they called Diamond.

He is a 130 pounder and had been boxing for six years and taller than Penalosa.

The young man gave a good account of himself but of course he was no match for the defensive strategist in Penalosa. He managed to sneak in a few good right hooks but he ate a lot of leather in return.

Then the Pacman came in way pass two o’clock. Apparently, he run up the hills of Griffith Park earlier in the morning and didn’t have time to get ready in time. Besides, he apparently wanted to finish some business before he came to the gym.

But as soon as he got to the gym, which incidentally was cleared out of people not connected to the Team and to HBO by security chief Rob Peters, he proceeded to the dressing room to changed.

His initial tasks were stretching exercises with Alex Ariza to get him warmed up.

Following that procedure which lasted about 20 minutes, he donned his sparring gloves assisted by Buboy Fernandez and Nonoy Neri and climbed up the ring to do the punch mitts with Freddie Roach.

What was supposed to be a 10 round deal turned out to be 12 at first, then Pacquiao asked for more so they ended up doing 16 rounds.

All during the procedure, they were strategizing and rehearsing their battle plans in anticipation of what Ricky Hatton and Mayweather will come up on May 2nd.

Then the Pacman went on to do the single and the double speed bags followed by shadow boxing and the rest of the usual routine.

The crew from HBO’s 24/7 filmed the whole training regimen of Pacquiao.

After Pacman was done, Dennis Laurente of the Elorde Gym in Paranaque came up to do his thing. He was ably assisted by Buboy Fernandez with the punch mitts.

Bernabe Concepcion came along too. Although his fight with Steven Luevano has been called off, Concepcion appears upbeat and continued to do his part. “I am hoping they will find another fighter,” he said to this writer. “The promoter tells me that we should know in a week or two,” he added.

Concepcion worked with Freddie Roach and it was amazing to see Roach do some more punch mitts with him almost right after the grueling 16 rounds with Pacquiao. Truly, the man is a work-horse and a marvelous trainer.

Also spotted on the ring sweating it out were Bobby Pacquiao and Rodel Mayol.

Both of them indicated that they have no immediate schedules but they are keeping in shape just in case something comes along.

A couple of large boxes of shoes and training outfits, jackets and t-shirts were delivered to the gym. A quick perusal of the stuff revealed that the brand name was different from the usual ones we see with Team Pacquiao. But just the same, they were gifts to the Team and they were graciously accepted.

Also spotted at the Wildcard Gym today was the basketball varsity team from the University of the East headed by Coach Lawrence Chongson. They are in town to do a basketball camp in the San Fernando Valley area and then will compete against other teams in Las Vegas in about two weeks.






source:philboxing.com

Hatton’s got no defense — Roach

Day in and day out, trainer Freddie Roach just couldn’t seem to understand why fight fans keep on asking him why he thinks Manny Pacquiao will get past Ricky Hatton as though the British is just a mere speck on the road and not a roadblock that some aficionados love to portray him to be.

“Hatton gets hit easily and he’s got no defense,” Roach told the Bulletin Friday from the Wild Card Boxing Club, site of Pacquiao’s training camp for the May 2 battle with Hatton at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Manny is way much better than Hatton. I just can’t see Manny losing the fight,” said Roach, who believes Pacquiao will get the job done in three rounds or less.

“I am more confident in saying that Manny will beat Hatton than when he fought (Oscar) De La Hoya,” said Roach, who presided over another heated eight-round sparring session involving Pacquiao against hot welterweight prospect Raymond Serrano of Philadelphia and rugged lightweight Urbano Antillon.

“Eight rounds of good and hard rounds and Manny just keeps on getting better and better and I am happy where he’s at right now,” said Roach.

Still, Roach wants to instill in Pacquiao’s mind that he cannot afford to relax against Hatton.

“Getting his back on the ropes would be the biggest mistake (that Manny will make),” said Roach, when reminded that in one of the workouts with Antillon, Pacquiao allowed his sparmate to pound away as though he was a punching bag.

“He’s getting bored that’s why he does that,” said Roach, noting however that Pacquiao will be on his guard next week with the arrival of Mike Alvarado, an unbeaten junior-welter from Denver, Colorado.

Alvarado holds a 25-0 record with 18 knockouts and is fighting underneath the Pacquiao-Hatton show.

Roach stressed that Pacquiao just cannot elect to stay stationary against Hatton, who thrives against fighters who stand still and trade at close range.

Under Roach’s plans, Pacquiao will go eight rounds on Saturday “then go nine rounds next and ten rounds before going 12 rounds (sometime in the third week of this month).”

Friday, April 3, 2009

Manny Pacquiao Promises 'Once in a Lifetime Fight' vs. Ricky Hatton


In a telephone interview with FanHouse, Manny Pacquiao, widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, talked about his dominant win over Oscar De La Hoya, his upcoming fight with Ricky Hatton (Saturday, May 2 on HBO pay-per-view) and what it's like to be the biggest star in the Philippines.

Michael David Smith: We're a few months removed from your fight with Oscar De La Hoya. When you look back on that fight, are you surprised at how thoroughly you dominated him?
Manny Pacquiao: Well, before the fight I believed, of course, I was going to beat Oscar -- but not in an easy fight like that. I am surprised that it was an easy fight.

Most people consider you the best boxer in the world. Do you consider yourself the best boxer in the world?
I don't want to think about that, whether I'm the best in the world. I want to focus on my career and give a good show in my fight with Ricky Hatton.

The person who was considered the best boxer in the world before you was Floyd Mayweather Jr. Do you think Floyd is really retired, or will we see him in the ring again?
I think he's going to fight again. He's not really retired.

Do you think you will fight him some day?
That's possible. Maybe after this fight. I heard from Floyd Jr.'s camp that he's coming back to the ring.

So people around Floyd have told you that you should expect him to return?
Yes, that's what I heard from the people around Floyd, that he's not really retired.

Do you think he would want a tune-up fight against an easier opponent or would he jump right in and fight you if you beat Ricky Hatton?
For me -- if I'm Floyd -- I would fight a tune-up fight and then fight me. That's for me, but I don't know what his plan is. He might want to fight me right away.

Obviously, before you can fight Floyd you'll need to beat Ricky Hatton. What kind of challenge does Ricky Hatton pose to you?
Ricky Hatton is a strong fighter, a good fighter. He's the top guy, and he's never lost at 140 pounds. I would never underestimate Hatton. I consider this fight the toughest fight of my career. I'm not looking past this fight.


Have you watched a lot of tape of Hatton's fights to prepare?
Yes, I've watched his last few fights. I study every opponent I fight, and as I train for Hatton I look for certain techniques that I can apply to this fight.

You've fought everywhere from strawweight (106 pounds) at the start of your professional career to welterweight (147 pounds) against De La Hoya. What do you think is the ideal weight class for you?
I'm comfortable at 140 pounds. I weigh 148 right now.

You're the most popular athlete in the Philippines, but is there a down side to your fame? Do you wish you could just walk down the street and be left alone?
I wish I could. I wish I could. But that would never happen. Especially right now. I can't walk down the street in the Philippines.

You're 30 years old, you've been boxing professionally since you were 16, and you have 53 professional fights under your belt. How much longer will you box?
I don't want to fight much longer. I'm planning right now to retire soon.

What will you do after you retire?
My plan is to run for office.

I know you've run for office in the past as well. What is it about politics that appeals to you?
I want to run for office because I want to help people. I grew up in poverty, and I want to see other people have better lives. I think I can improve the situation for a lot of people.

I've heard that you are recording your own entrance music, and against Hatton you'll come out to a song that you sing yourself.
Yes, I have a new album and I'm going to use my song as my ring entrance on May 2.

Will you get more involved in music when you retire from boxing?
Yes. I love to sing. I'd like to have a concert soon after my boxing career ends.

What would you like fans to know about you?
Just that they should watch my upcoming fight on May 2 against Ricky Hatton. It's going to be a great, great fight, a once in a lifetime fight.


source:boxing.fanhouse.com

Thursday, April 2, 2009

Fight will be short and sweet


MANILA, Philippines - Those hoping for a long, bitter struggle between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton on May 2 won’t get it.

“It’s going to be short and sweet,” said Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, during Monday’s red-carpet meeting between the two great boxers and their trash-talking handlers in Hollywood.

Roach said it could or should be over in three rounds.

“I think it’s going to be the best three rounds you’ve ever seen. Ricky is going to force the action and Manny is going to respond to it. But Manny is going to get him early and I believe he will knock him out in the early rounds.”

Even Mark Wahlberg, the rapper, actor, endorser and producer rolled into one said during the press conference he doesn’t expect the fight to last the distance.

The 38-year-old celebrity, who ran a series of underwear ads for Calvin Klein before he became a movie star, is Roach’s friend, and is obviously rooting for Pacquiao.

“Freddie is the best,” said Wahlberg who visited Pacquiao at the Wild Card Gym as the latter trained for his Oscar dela Hoya fight last December.

“We know what he did to Dela Hoya and he’s going to do the same to Hatton. Obviously, the winner will fight Floyd Mayweather (Jr.),” he said in a video clip posted on the net by Lance Pugmire of the LA Times.

The world is waiting for that Pacquiao-Mayweather fight although Bob Arum, the promoter of the Pinoy icon, and Roach are not too keen on fighting the ex-pound-for-pound champion.

But Pacquiao could be open to anything.

“For me – if I’m Floyd – I would fight a tune-up fight and then fight me,” Pacquiao told FanHouse.com. “That’s for me, but I don’t know what his plan is. He might want to fight me right away.”

“I think he’s going to fight again. He’s not really retired,” added Pacquiao of the American who retired last year undefeated in 39 fights.

During the same press conference, Roach traded jabs with Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr.

“Pacquaio’s going to go from first class to coach, because of the Roach,” said Mayweather Sr., so flamboyant he can move around in a pink suit.

Then, according to reports, chants of “Man-ny! Man-ny!” filled the room, and Pacquiao, as if on cue, took the microphone by saying “I fight for freedom. I fight for Scotland” the way it was delivered by actor Mel Gibson in his epic film “Braveheart.”

“They’ve got Roach in the Hall of Fame (when) he should be in the Hall of Shame,” added Mayweather Sr.

Roach didn’t take it sitting down.

“Floyd can read some good poems that’s all he’s good at that I know of. What has Floyd Senior achieved? His son’s a natural-born fighter. His brother, Roger, trained him anyway. Floyd never trained his son for a world title fight. He tells me he’s the greatest but what has he done? He trained Oscar De La Hoya after Oscar has already won four world titles. Floyd is a legend in his own mind,” said Roach on the TimesOnline.


source:philstar.com

Red carpet Ricky



Ricky Hatton is an old stablemate, and good friend of Michael Gomez. They were together under Billy Graham.

Ricky pitched up in Hollywood this week and was handed the real red carpet treatment. Film stars Mickey Rourke and Mark Wahlberg were on hand at the famous Roosevelt Hotel on Monday night, for the final media leg of the worldwide attraction that's 'Hatton-Pacquiao'!

We are Stateside to gain a real insight into the camps of both Hatton and his outstanding ring foe Manny Pacquiao, and this special evening press conference was a great start! Hundreds of Hatton and Pacquiao fans had been waiting all day for a glimpse of their heroes, and there was a real fight fever in the air.

Men, women, children... everyone. Plenty of supporters on both sides, but especially for Pacquiao. Yet I spoke to some knowledgeable fans who feel this is Hatton's fight. They were passionate with their views.

Ricky appears to be in serious shape already, and there is a burning desire and edge to him. As the underdog, he is desperate to prove people wrong again, and is utterly convinced that he will finally become the pound-for-pound champion.

Pacquiao was cheered by the hordes hanging out on Hollywood Boulevard. Sharply dressed, relaxed and cool, Pacquiao once again offered no real fight prediction.

Sideshow

This is one classy champion, who prefers to keep his quotes to a minimum and let it all fly on fight night. Tremendously dedicated, Pacquiao seemed in excellent condition with over four weeks to go; there was a glow about Manny, and he really looked the part.

A sideshow was provided between trainers Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather, who continues to goad and wind up his arch rival. Mayweather's poems have hit Manchester and London on this global tour and he was off again here.

Promoter Bob Arum added to the circus by providing a garish trophy for the winning coach - just to add some spice and a sub-plot to the fascinating main event.

Fight figures joined the celebs on show, and I caught up with Victor Ortiz, one of the finest prospects in world boxing. What a great guy. Victor will soon be in hard training for a crack at the WBA Light-Welterweight champion Andreas Kotelnik, but he cannot wait for the Hatton-Pacquiao fight. He sparred with Oscar De La Hoya before the Golden Boy's nightmare against Pacquiao. He might be a fine southpaw for the Hitman's camp too this time, if they can work something out.

The media turn out was enormous - you know it's a big event when photographers bring step-ladders - and there was much jockeying for position, but our excellent cameraman out here, Oli Hallowes, managed to fight his way through through the madness so we could interview the main protagonists on the red carpet. It was a different, fun and memorable event: tune into Friday Fight Night for our exclusive piece from Hollywood.

Back home, well done to Tony Quigley for his rousing British Super-Middleweight title win against the always-brave Tony Dodson last week. I would love to see Quigley in another Liverpool showdown against Paul Smith.

As a commentator, it is obviously imperative to remain impartial, but it's only human nature to get close to people, and it's very easy to find friends within the fighting industry - mostly those who I have worked with for years.

Adamant

'Smigga' is a pal - we were brought together through our passion for Liverpool Football Club. Not only do I think his boxing talent will turn him into a domestic champion one of these days, I fully expect to see Paul in Rome for the Champion's League final on May 27th!

Ricky is another good mate of mine. But that's not the reason I feel he may upset the odds and defeat Manny Pacquiao. I really think he can win this fight. I never thought he'd beat Floyd Mayweather in December 2007, and as others began to sway towards him when that mega-match closed in, I remained adamant that Ricky would, unfortunately, come up short. The weight, the timing, really just the simple brilliance of Mayweather.

Pacquiao deserves his place at the top; he is a supremely fast, skillful, powerful southpaw who has achieved truly great things, but he is not the defensive genius that's Mayweather. I'm not sure Manny beats Floyd - a fight we should see if Pacquiao wins on May 2nd - because Mayweather's 'retirement' was never permanent.

Yet I don't think Pacquiao necessarily beats Hatton. This time the weight is correct, and the time may be right for the Hitman. Ricky Hatton could well become pound-for-pound king.

Having said that, I have been mightily impressed with Pacquiao's attitude and drive ahead of the super-fight. I also really like, admire and rate his trainer Freddie Roach. Freddie told me over and over again that Pacquiao would easily stop De La Hoya in the middle rounds. I ignored him.

Now he predicts Hatton's downfall in a short, explosive tear up a la Hagler-Hearns. Roach actually has a big soft spot for Hatton, but he really likes his fighter in this, and says Ricky won't last three rounds.

I am standing poised to ignore my friend Freddie again - maybe that's my folly - but it's not a heart-over-head call. I just have a sneaky suspicion that Ricky Hatton will be too much for Manny Pacquiao at his beloved 10 stone.

However, if you read my exclusive report next week from the training camp of the man Hatton must topple, you will see why Manny Pacquiao is the heavily fancied pre-fight favourite...

Source: skysports.com

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Hatton to pack kryptonite vs Super Pacman


Manny Pacquiao will assume the role of Clark Kent when he meets Ricky Hatton on May 2 in Las Vegas.

Hatton trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. told Doug Fischer of The Ring magazine’s online edition on Wednesday that the British banger’s knack for throwing body blows will be “Pacquiao’s kryptonite.”

For Hatton to improve on his chances of scoring an upset at the MGM Grand, he will have to get through Pacquiao’s first line of defense.

“I have to be aggressive because Pacquiao is aggressive. Everyone pulls away from him and that’s when he catches him. I hope to move in on him,” said Hatton, who set up camp in Las Vegas over the weekend after six weeks of hard training in Manchester.

”Floyd is teaching me to use my jab and to move my head as I come forward, which will help me get inside without getting caught, but once I’m there it will be the old Ricky that breaks (Pacquiao) down,” said Hatton, who is a 2-1 underdog.

The final push of Hatton’s training will be supervised by Mayweather Sr. and assistant Lee Beard and the fighter’s agent, Paul Speak, stressed that they have “acclimatized” to the desert weather.

Speak said “everything is going well” and that “Ricky's younger brother Matthew will fly out to join the camp soon.”

Since turning professional in 1995, Pacquiao has been stopped twice — by countryman Rustico Torrecampo with a head blow — and by Medgoen 3K Battery of Thailand with a right to the ribcage when Pacquiao lost the World Boxing Council flyweight title on the scales for failing to meet the 112-lb limit.

Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico had also hurt Pacquiao with a body shot in their rematch last year, making Team Hatton more than confident of getting the job done in sensational fashion.

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said his fighter will have to stay away from the ropes since Hatton is a devil when given the chance to pound away when his man is pinned on the ropes.

Pacquiao is making his debut at 140 lbs, a weight class that Hatton considers as his territory.

Source: mb.com.ph

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Ricky Hatton focused on Manny Pacquiao showdown



Ricky Hatton's mindset and focus is "very similar in frame of mind to when he fought Kostya Tszyu", according to the British boxer's father and manager Ray Hatton.

Hatton has cut to within 10lb of the 10st weight limit for his showdown with Filipino fighter Manny Pacquiao, a month from now in Las Vegas on May 2.

"I've not seen Ricky in this frame of mind since 2005, when he was preparing for the biggest step up in his life," Hatton Snr said on Wednesday.

Hatton battered Tszyu, then considered in the top five pound for pound fighters, to a standstill at the MEN Arena to take the IBF 140lb title, the Australia-based Siberian unable to come out for the 12th round.

"Yes, he was hyped up when he fought Floyd Mayweather 16 months ago, but without the controlled focus he is showing this time," Hatton's father said.

Source: telegraph.co.uk

Monday, March 30, 2009

Pacquiao-Hatton Hollywood premiere highlights



t was quite a night Monday, as Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton and all of their entourages made for a unique "Hollywood Red Carpet" news conference at the Roosevelt Hotel, attracting hundreds across Hollywood Boulevard who saw not only the boxers but also celebrities such as actors Mickey Rourke and Mark Wahlberg.

Wahlberg, a close friend of Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach, discussed the event and the coming May 2 fight in Las Vegas in this video:

Hatton's entertaining trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., unveiled his latest fight poem to everyone's delight.

And the media mobbed the Philippines' national icon Pacquiao as he walked off the red carpet into the Roosevelt.

What emerged beyond the hype orchestrated by publicists Fred Sternburg and Kelly Swanson was the strong sentiment that the bout won't last 12 rounds because Hatton usually charges forward to bully his opponent and Pacquiao became 2008 fighter of the year by unleashing a barrage of precise blows in three fights.

Roach, who correctly predicted his fighter would stop Oscar De La Hoya by the ninth round, says Hatton's going down by the end of the third.

Pacquiao admitted, "I expect [Hatton] to come forward," but added "only God knows" when the fight will end. "The styles of both of us look similar. It's expected to be a lot of action."

Hatton agreed. "Manny doesn't box to box [for the judges], he goes for the knockout."

Hatton said his move back down to 140 pounds after a December 2007 knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. is important. He said he'll enter the ring at around 154 pounds, making him Pacquiao's largest foe yet. He told The Times earlier Monday that he sized up Pacquiao in their personal meeting and is confident he'll be able to impose his will on the smaller foe.

"This is my weight division, that'll make a tremendous difference," Hatton said inside the Roosevelt. "I'm stronger [under Mayweather Sr.], attacking and jabbing better. I think that gives me an edge."

He also irked Pacquiao by saying, "Anyone who knows boxing knows that the Oscar Manny beat isn't the Oscar we've known."

Pacquiao said he's heard that criticism from others. "Part of being a fighter is that they're not all your fans," adding, "To fight [De La Hoya] was an honor, to win was a big bonus. I brought honor to my country."

Keeping with the Hollywood theme, Pacquiao drew laughs when he spoke like Mel Gibson in "Braveheart," declaring, "I'm fighting for freedom against the Englishman."

Source: latimes.com

Pacquiao, Hatton: Expect an action-packed bout

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton were both on the same page in declaring that their upcoming fight will feature nothing but pure action.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday in Los Angeles to promote their bout, both Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) and Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) said they are looking forward to a night of toe-to-toe fighting.

"I expect (Hatton) to come forward. The styles of both of us look similar. It's expected to be a lot of action,” Pacquiao said.

Hatton echoed the current pound-for-pound king’s statement, acknowledging that his opponent always goes for the kill.

"Manny doesn't box to box (for the judges), he goes for the knockout," the British slugger said.

Yesterday’s news conference, dubbed “Hollywood Red Carpet,” enjoyed the presence of accomplished actors Mark Wahlberg and Mickey Rourke. Both celebrities are known to be Pacquiao fans, having visited the southpaw regularly at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles whenever he trains for a fight.

The Pacquiao-Hatton fight, titled “The Battle of East and West,” will be aired live on pay-per-view on May 2 (May 3 in Manila).

Source: philstar.com

Sunday, March 29, 2009

HATTON'S PACQ-ING A PUNCH



Ricky Hatton has landed the first shot on Manny Pacquiao - a month before they clash in the ring.

Hatton rubbished world pound-for-pound king Pacquiao's win over Oscar De La Hoya when they squared up at a red-carpet event in Hollywood.

'The Hitman' claims 'Golden Boy' was just a shell of the fighter who has graced the world stage for 15 years because he was weight-drained.

"Any win over Oscar is magnificent," said Hatton."But was that the Oscar De La Hoya we have come to love? I don't think so.

"Only Oscar can say what happened on the scales, but he looked a shell of the man we know. I don't think it was hard to beat him that night."

Hatton, 30, jetted out to his training camp in Vegas at the weekend and is confident of becoming the new world pound-forpound king after going toeto-toe with Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The Filipino is moving up to light-welterweight, where Hatton has never been beaten, and the Hitman feels he has underestimated his speed.

"A lot of people are seeing it as size versus speed," said the IBO champion.

"These same people thought Paulie Malignaggi would outspeed me in my last fight and that wasn't the case.

"And that was only after seven weeks working with my new trainer Floyd Mayweather Senior. "We're even quicker again.

Ultimately I think size will play a big factor. He has dangers in other areas, like his speed and footwork, but I'm boxing a lot cuter than I was a few years ago.

"I respect Manny but he should be a bit more worried about my power."


Source: mirror.co.uk

Monday, March 2, 2009

News PACQUIAO AT WESTMINSTER CATHEDRAL (PHOTOS)



London, ENGLAND -- Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines is greeted by hundreds of Filipino fans as he arrives to attend mass at Westminster Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic church in England and home to one of the most celebrated choirs in the world. Pacquiao is in London for his mega UK media tour to officially announce his upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. -- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.


Hundreds of Filipino fans await the arrival of four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines at Westminster Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic church in England and home to one of the most celebrated choirs in the world. Pacquiao is in London for his mega UK media tour to officially announce his upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. -- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.


Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines is greeted by hundreds of Filipino fans as he arrives to attend mass at Westminster Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic church in England and home to one of the most celebrated choirs in the world. Pacquiao is in London for his mega UK media tour to officially announce his upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.

Ricky Hatton comes face to face with Manny Pacquiao

By Steve Bunce, sundaymirror.co.uk 1/03/2009


When Manny Pacquiao fights, the whole of the Philippines stands still and crime drops to zero.

Pacquiao meets Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on May 2 for the IBO light-welter weight belt - but the Filipino idol believes that there is something far more important on the line.

"It is a fight between two great boxing nations - there is national pride," said Pacquiao, who came face to face with Hatton and 6,000 cheering fans at the Trafford Centre on the outskirts of Manchester yesterday.

"This fight will be a great challenge because Ricky is a great fighter. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime fight.

"I wanted to come to Britain to meet Hatton's fans - they are great fans just like mine.

"I've seen Hatton's fans in Las Vegas and I know just how devoted they are. Hatton should be proud of them because I'm proud of my fans.

"My fans know that when I fight I fight for every single one of them."

Not only does crime cease in the Philippines when Pacquiao is in action, even the rival and warring political parties call a truce.

Yesterday's appearance in Manchester was part of a short promotional tour that will end in London tomorrow before Pacquiao takes up residence at Freddie Roach's Wild Card gym in LA.

Hatton presented Pacquiao with a Manchester City shirt and nailed double two to beat him at a game of darts - and he is convinced history will repeat itself in the ring.

Hatton said: "This is a fight between two nice men but there is nothing nice about either me or Manny when we get inside the ring. We're both aggressive but where some other fighters have been worried about him, he certainly won't worry me."

Pacquiao and his close friends will share a small apartment near the LA gym and cook all their own food.

"I know about sacrifices and that is why I will be with Freddie next week," added Pacquiao. "This will be the hardest fight of my life.

"I've been in a lot of big, big fights and beaten a lot of great fighters.

"My last fight against Oscar De La Hoya was important but Ricky Hatton will be much harder.

"He is a great fighter with great fans and I will have to train harder than I have ever trained before. Freddie knows just how serious this fight is for me and the Filipino people.

"I will be using the best sparring partners to prepare and on the night I will be perfect for victory."

Hatton will remain in Manchester for another four weeks before shifting his own training camp to Las Vegas to join up with Floyd May weather Snr.

Lee Beard, who looks after Hatton's training in the UK, is convinced that the Manchester boxer is in the best possible shape at this point in his strict training regime.

"Ricky is sharp and his weight is fine," said Beard.

"This is the biggest fight available and Ricky is determined not to make a single mistake.

"We will prepare before the move to America and when he gets on the plane he will be in terrific shape."

Sunday, March 1, 2009

HATTON-PACQUIAO ENGLAND PRESSCON PHOTOS



Manchester, ENGLAND -- "MANNY MANIA" --- Six thousand screaming fans all wanted to touch or just get near four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (ctr), General Santos, Philippines as he arrived for a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday. This stop today was one of the first press events on the mega UK media tour to officially announce Pacquiao's upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England on Saturday, May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.


Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao(R), General Santos, Philippines speaks as Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton(L), Manchester,England looks on during a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank


Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (R), General Santos, Philippines talks with reporters during a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday. This stop today was one of the first press events on the mega UK media tour to officially announce Pacquiao's upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight against Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton,Manchester,England on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.


"EYEING THE TARGET" -- Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao(L), General Santos, Philippines and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton(R), Manchester, England throw a friendly game of darts at a local pub in Manchester,England Saturday during one of the stops on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. -- Photo Credit: Chris Farina


Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (R), General Santos, Philippines and Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, Manchester, England pose at a press rally where 6000 fans showed up to support the fighters at the Trafford Center in Manchester,England on Saturday during one of the stops on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank


Four-time world champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines speaks during a press rally at the Trafford Center in Manchester, England on Saturday on their mega UK media tour to officially announce their upcoming World Jr. Welterweight championship fight on Saturday,May 2 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas,Nevada. Pacquiao vs Hatton is presented by Top Rank and Golden Boy and will be available on HBO Pay Per View. On Sunday,Pacquiao will tour London followed by a press conference Monday at the Imperial War Museum. --- Photo Credit: Chris Farina - Top Rank


IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion (Left) signs autographs for fans in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce his May 2, 2009 world championship bout against Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.


IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton (Left) and Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao (Right) pose in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce their May 2, 2009 bout at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.


CEO of Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer (Center) addresses the media in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce the May 2, 2009 world championship bout between IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton and Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.


IBO and Ring Magazine Junior Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton speaks to the media in Manchester, England on February 28, 2009 at the press conference to announce his May 2, 2009 world championship bout against Five Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Number One Ranked Pound For Pound Fighter Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View in the United States and Sky Box Office in the United Kingdom. PHOTO CREDIT: William Sheratt - Hoganphotos/Golden Boy Promotions.