Pacquiao-Clottey, and Pacquiao-Morales IV Pacquiao should be ashamed of sparring a 0-6 fighter

January 29th, 2010 | by Quentin Reed

“Don’t listen to their words, fix your attention on their deeds.” —Albert Einstein

So I wake up this morning on this beautiful sunny day in Southern California doing my normal daily routine. A routine that consisted of me signing online checking the OfficialScoreCard web site, my GMail, Twitter, & Face Book accounts just like any other day. Then after I checked those sites I went to BoxingScene.com and to my surprise I see a headline entitled “Manny Pacquiao Gives His Sparring Partner a Beating”.

I was anxious to read the article because I wanted to hear exaclty what kind of damage it was that Manny inflicted on this “sparring partner”. Apparently “Pacquiao dished out a beating to Brooks” claimed Freddie Roach and on the surface it appeared as if Manny Pacquiao had just destroyed a top prospect or legitimate contender. But waiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttt a minute boys & girls, if you actually look through the “SMOKE SCREENS” blown out by Team Pacquiao, you will see that Bryan Brooks is no more than an 0-6-1 fighter who has been knocked out twice in his minimal career by 2 fighters who were fighting in their pro debuts.

On top of all that, Brooks hasn’t fought in 5 years. His last fight was in 2005 in which he fought to a draw.

Wait it gets better, Brooks was born in September of 1970. Now I am no Calculus Major, but if my math serves me correctly, Brooks should be 39 years of age quickly approaching the tender age of 40.

Why would Freddie Roach release statements to the media about Manny beating up a sparring partner of this caliber? Is this really news?

Are we supposed to bow down and praise Manny Pacquiao for beating up a guy in sparring with a record of 0-6-1 and hasn’t been in a proffesional fight in 5 years. Also, Brooks has never been in a proffesional fight longer than 4 rounds.

Is Team Pacquiao THAT desperate to get attention to the Pacquiao-Clottey fight that they have to make Pacquiao’s sparring sessions seem larger than life?

Maybe Top Rank & the rest of Team Pac are realizing the fight everyone is now interested in is the Mayweather-Mosley fight and they are grasping at straws trying to get any attention they possibly can?

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HBO Pacquiao Cotto 24/7 Episode 2: FIRE POWER

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HBO Pacquiao Cotto 24/7 Episode 1 : FIRE POWER

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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."

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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.

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MANNY PACQUIAO PRE-DEPARTURE STATEMENT

PhilBoxing.com
I am looking forward to the promotional tour that will be held in London and Manchester this weekend as I have received tons of emails from English boxing fans, who are one of the most passionate in the world.

Even if it’s going to be hostile territory for me--as Ricky Hatton comes from this boxing-crazy country--I know that I will enjoy every minute of my brief stay there as I have heard a lot of great things about England, its notable people, its amazing culture and its proud history.

After my trip to England, I will proceed to Los Angeles so I could kick off my preparation for Ricky Hatton, who is one of the world’s most exciting fighters. Hatton is a very dangerous opponent as I have seen most of his high-caliber fight on video and you cannot take somebody like him lightly.

This is going to be a big challenge for me. This early, I am confident in saying that I will train harder for Hatton and I won’t be surprised if I end up in a much better shape than when I fought the legendary Oscar De La Hoya last December.

Once I report for training camp at the Wild Card under my very capable trainer Freddie Roach, my sole focus will be training. I will be eating, breathing and living Ricky Hatton from the day I start my training camp.

I assure fight fans that when I get into the ring on May 2, I am going to show my best--as always--and ours will be an explosive and exciting fight.

And most importantly, I am dedicating this important fight to my beloved countrymen and to all boxing fans from around the world.

Manny Pacquiao
Boxing’s Pound-For-Pound King
February 27, 2009

Editor's Note: Pacquiao left Manila for London on board Cathay Pacific at 6:30 a.m. Friday.

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Ricky Hatton's excesses tamed as he prepares for Manny Pacquiao arrival

According to several insiders from Ricky Hatton's camp, the thoughts of trainers Floyd Mayweather Snr and Lee Beard on Hatton's excesses between fights have found a foothold.

Hatton has not 'binged' on his family holiday this year, and is believed to have had an earlier 'cut-off' point in his celebrations. Hatton is deadly serious about this contest, having felt he underperformed when he fought the then world No 1 pound for pound fighter in Floyd Mayweather Jnr 15 months ago.

It also appears that Hatton has grown tired of looking 'big' next to his upcoming opponents, with Manny Pacquiao due for a public fan rally in Manchester on Saturday, with the pair then heading down to London for a press open day at the Imperial War Museum on Monday.

Several times now, Hatton the man who has promoted his contest three months before on a press tour is not the man who appears in front of the fans and media in fight week.

Hatton is serious - and that can only be good, as Manny Pacquiao has the potential to close Hatton's career if he is not in tip-top shape.

Beard insists fans should not worry. "Ricky is coming along and is in great shape."

Pleasing for the camp, is that Hatton has passed several early fitness tests with flying colours. It is also a sign of growing maturity with the Mancunian, who wants two more fights after this, potentially against Floyd Mayweather Jnr, and one other major name,

For now, having been dismantled by Pacquiao, last December, Oscar De La Hoya would seem out of the equation. Beard is insistent on having Mexican sparring partners to approximate the Pacquiao style, admitting there is no-one in the UK capable of creating the havoc that the Filipino can generate in a ring.

Beard, who has been studying Pacquiao's style in minute detail, said the hallmarks of Hatton's opponent were "extremely strong fighter, very active and throws every punches in the book, allied with variety of punches, good on his feet and fine defensively or offensively going forward or backwards." No wonder Hatton is already in shape !

The business begins this weekend. It will be a long haul until the moment they meet at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, on May 2.

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Hatton wants to train at home, not Vegas

By Robert Morales, Staff Writer

Ricky Hatton of England is known to gain quite a bit of weight between fights. He likes to hang out with his buddies at the neighborhood pubs and drink lots of beer.

Hatton's trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., is stationed in Las Vegas. He would like Hatton to come to Las Vegas for eight weeks of training leading up to his May 2 fight against Manny Pacquiao at MGM Grand.

But Hatton told British newspapers earlier this month that he doesn't want to be away from home for eight weeks. He said he would miss his girlfriend, his son and his favorite soccer team.

Hatton, who is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions, will be facing the best pound-for-

pound fighter in the world. Yet he is worried about being away from home too long?

That's not a good thing.

But Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy, said he is not concerned.

"I have two comments on that," Schaefer said this week. "One, he should talk to Bernard Hopkins. He'd make sure his priorities are straight."

Hopkins is 44, but still one of the best fighters in the world, pound-for-pound. Sheer dedication is one of the reasons.

"The other one is, I'm not really worried about it because the guy who is going to train him is Floyd Mayweather Sr.," Schaefer said. "I can assure you Floyd Mayweather Sr. is going to make him forget his girlfriend and whatever else he has in his life, because Floyd Mayweather Sr. is a trainer who does not accept any of that whatsoever."

Schaefer said that although every fighter boasts he is going to be in the best shape of his life for a given fight, Mayweather is the trainer who will make sure Hatton is just that.

Schaefer said Mayweather also wants to show that he can train a fighter to beat Pacquiao. Mayweather formerly was Oscar De La Hoya's trainer, but not when De La Hoya fought and lost decisively to Pacquiao in December.

Schaefer said that to Mayweather, a win over Pacquiao would prove that De La Hoya made the wrong choice by not having him work his corner for that fight.

"One thing the Mayweathers have is an incredible will to win," Schaefer said.

So how long is Hatton going to be in Las Vegas? Only the last four weeks of his training camp. The first four will be spent in England.

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Pacquiao to use footwork vs. Hatton

By Jun Medina, Special Correspondent

Good footwork is a key element of Manny Pacquiao’s successful boxing career, a tool he used to advantage in pummeling to submission the bigger and stronger Oscar De La Hoya in their December 6 fight.

It’s a device he would need to employ again to the hilt when he tangles with British junior welterweight star Ricky Hatton in their coming May 2 bout, according to his renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

Nigel Collins, editor-in-chief of The Ring Magazine, observed that the signature move Pacquiao used in his “Dream Match” against De La Hoya carried the Filipino icon to his upset victory by “largely nullifying Oscar’s biggest weapon, his concussive left hook.”

“Pacquiao would step in quickly, deliver a rapid combination, pivot to his right, bend at the knee, and duck low,” Collins, a veteran boxing writer, wrote in his article “The Lost Art of Footwork” in the April issue of The Ring.

It is a routine that Pacquiao mastered at training camp and employed to near perfection during the fight, and handed De La Hoya, boxing’s biggest draw, his worst beating in his entire career.

“We developed that move especially to take away Oscar’s bread-and-butter [left hook] and work on it throughout camp,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainor for more than eight years. “Footwork is something of a lost art, but it was the key to Manny’s victory over Oscar.”

Collins observed that the top four boxers in The Ring’s current pound-for-pound ratings—Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez, Joe Calzaghe and Bernard Hopkins—are all known for employing intelligent footwork.

“Overlooked, misunderstood, and difficult to master, footwork [and its co-joined twin, balance] has always been and remains and remains the hallmark of the great fighter down throughout the generations,” said Collins, a keen student of The Sweet Science.

He said that among the iconic heavyweights, Jim Corbett, Jack Johnson, Gene Tunney, Joe Walcott, Muhammad Ali and Larry Holmes were all gifted hoofers.

Collins said good movement in the ring also played a major role in the success of fighters not normally associated with fancy legworks, noting how the likes of Joe Frazier, Mike Tyson, or better yet, Roberto Duran cut off the ring in their prime.

Among active fighters, Collins mentioned the ageless Bernard Hopkins, who practically gave unbeaten middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik a boxing clinic using excellent footwork.

“It’s all about footwork, footwork and balance. They’re together,” Hopkins told Collins.

Hopkins said that “70 percent to 80 percent of winning a fight is based on positioning,” adding that it is proper footwork that allows a fighter to be in position to attack or defend himself.

Hopkins said the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson and Sugar Ray Leonard both had great footwork, a quality that helped earn them their status as best among the elite boxing greats in the history of the sport.

According to Collins footwork has always been a part of the development of boxing since the time of the bare-knuckle prizefighters of the 18th and 19th century.

“Footwork has always been the shifting foundation upon which boxing excellence is built,” Collins said.

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Inevitable war of words in Pacquiao-Hatton superfight

Boxing's pound-for-pound No 1 Manny Pacquiao has hit back at Lee Beard's comments that Pacman "makes mistakes" in the ring, that there are flaws in the great Filipino's technique, and that Beard, Floyd Mayweather Sr and essentially, Ricky Hatton, will attempt to expose them come fight night on May 2.

"Let your ward train hard and good luck come fight night" was Pacman's response.

Part of the cut and thrust of a superfight are the intricacies, the discussions of styles, how they will meet, the records, the mutual opponents. One of the great aspects to this contest is that there are no mutual opponents, and that Pacquiao has never fought at 140lbs.

It has, and is generating, at times, fairly vitriolic debate. (Perhaps that is only to be expected with arguably two of the world's most popular boxers each with their own fervent following meeting in the square ring).

They say Pacquiao is more dangerous when riled. Like a coiled cobra. And that the more silent he is, the more dangerous he becomes. Humble men are often that way. There are similarities with Hatton. Focus is his key. He lost it against Mayweather. And I'm talking about the build-up in fight week here. So many fans, so much adrenalin. The finger across the throat stuff...just not Hatton.

It was good to see Hatton - back in light training this week - calm and collected about his fight with Pacquiao. And see him complimenting his opponent. "It's going to be an outstanding fight. None of us are ever in a dull fight. I don't think I've ever seen Manny in a boring fight. If I wasn't fighting Manny, I think I'd be a fan of him because he's always in outstanding fights." I assume the same will come from Pacquiao. Seeing him at Freddie Roach's gym it is clear that he lets his work ethic do the talking.

However, the likelihood is that Mayweather will get under the skin of the opposing camp for this fight, that Freddie Roach will bite, because the two have history. Beard also seems to have adopted the stance that he, too, will speak out and be vocal.

The diverse trainer-fighter relationships will have a bearing on this fight. They are stark in contrast.

Roach on Pacquiao: "Manny is like a son to me, he's more than just my fighter."

Mayweather on Hatton: "I will need more than a few weeks to teach him to box like my son, but you are going to see a different Ricky Hatton come fight night." I do not buy the arguments that Hatton can only brawl. I have watched almost all his fights, and there was a marked improvement in his fitness, movement and ring generalship against Paulie Malignaggi, who admittedly, was not a heavy puncher.

But criticism of Hatton's hit-and-hold tactics do not hold water. What he does, the way he fights, is within the rules. Look at the wily skills of Bernard Hopkins in defence. I believe we should admire fighters for their survival instincts.

One of the keys to the outcome of the fistic meeting between Pacquiao and Hatton may lie in whether Hatton can get Pacquiao onto the ropes, or into corners, to nullify his great lateral, bouncing, movement, which forms part of his great defence, honed and developed under Roach.

Long before we get to see these things, however, we are likely to have a protracted war of words between the camps. It just seems inevitable. What are the odds on Mayweather throwing the first verbal punch ? Odds-on.

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