Hatton-Pacquiao: What Options Does Ricky Have If Things Go Bad?
April 23rd, 2009
By Jason Kim: Although former lightweight champion Ricky Hatton (45-1, 32 KOs) seems to think that his power will be the key for him on May 2nd against the speedy Manny Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36 KOs) at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada, I’m wondering whether Ricky has a plan B to use if things don’t work out as he expects them to. After all, Hatton’s’ style of fighting is rather one-dimensional based on straight ahead, high pressure style of fighting. I don’t believe for a second that Hatton will even for second try to box with Pacquiao.
This is what has me worried for his safety in this fight, because Hatton cannot beat Pacquiao by simply trying to out-slug him on the inside like he typically tries to do. The loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the tough time that Hatton had in beating Juan Lazcano seems to have shown that Hatton’s gotten all he could out of his old style of fighting.
Hatton might have been knocked out in the Lazcano fight if the bout had taken place elsewhere rather than England, as Hatton was allowed to have his shoes tied just seconds after getting rocked by Lazcano in the 8th round. Additionally, the referee stopped the action and pulled Lazcano off Hatton just when he was going for the kill, giving Hatton another break and letting him escape the round.
I think Hatton is in over his head against Pacquiao, and won’t be able to match up with the Filipino fighter. Early on, I see Pacquiao as being much too fast for Hatton and battering the English fighter with speedy shots as he jumps in and out to brutalize Hatton.
At this point, Mayweather Sr. will try to give Hatton some advice in the corner, something along the lines of ‘avoid exchanges with Pacquiao’ and ‘stay out of there.’ But the problem is Hatton won’t have any control over the matter, because Pacquiao will be using his in and out style of fighting to rip off three punch combinations and then get away from Hatton before he has time to throw anything meaningful in response.
Although Mayweather Sr. will be telling Hatton to avoid exchanges, the advice will be useless because Hatton won’t have the speed or the defense needed to get out of the way of Pacquiao when he moves in quickly for his attacks. If Hatton was a better mover like Juan Manuel Marquez, he’d have the boxing skills needed to get away from Pacquiao and avoid his slashing attacks.
However, Hatton is pretty much a lead-footed fighter used to plowing straight ahead against his opponents rather than laterally and will find himself in a situation where he doesn’t have the required skills needed to adapt and use another strategy. With no other options available to him, Hatton will likely be beaten to a pulp much in the same way that David Diaz was against Pacquiao and left in a pool of blood on the canvas.
Tags: 14 Responses to “Hatton-Pacquiao: What Options Does Ricky Have If Things Go Bad?”
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sign of the times a 6th round k.o. by pacman
I dont have anything against Mexicans and I dont think its good to stereotype a people Rex. Certainly there are Filipinos who are equally abhorrent as well.
In boxing, I have great respect for the Mexican fighters. It was my first time to watch U Solis vs Viloria and that guy was a true champion, notwithstading getting hit with several solid shots.
As a Filipino, I will obviously cheer for Pacman, but I dont think it will be a walk in the park. It will be an interesting fight.
Hatton always say’s that Manny only manages to win against DLH because his washed up,walking dead man that is,but for me Manny is the person that has no fear weather the guy is far more bigger and far more experienced than him, still he goes on and finished what he signed up; so by just accepting that fight showed us the unparalleled courage that he has.
While Hatton he just pick his lesser challenge opponents and not gone to the ultimate fighter in his division or in higher weights. anyway being choosy helps him so much, it made his record more impressive so that he could lure his Idiot fans to watch him after that miserable loss to PBF and most importantly it made him part of the P4P top list which he dreamed to rule.
Sorry Ricky it will be all in your Dreams cos on May 2nd, May3 here in the Philippines he will again fall to a P4P king.
Ray! Oscar did offer Ricky to fight him but the thing is he did not accept it and we don’t know why!!!. the only thing that comes first in my mind is that Ricky was just afraid to face the PONY DLH which sum’s up the conclusion that they are both PONY, him and dlh.lol
At the end of the day ricky hatton is a top quality fighter. He is on the top level of his sport, the fans love to see him and he can get the business done in the ring.
His career is not over if he cant beat Manny. Hatton will never be short of opponents while the fans want to see him fight.
Hes going after the best and biggest fights he can find. That is to be respected even if he gets beat again.
The fight is a 50/50 fight. I think at the end of the day Manny has alot more to lose. If Hatton beats him he will lose his p4p title.
Whereas if Hatton loses they will say “he lost to the worlds best p4p fighter, theres no shame in that”. But if he wins certain people will see him as the p4p champion and it will open up a few more super fights on HBO. He has so much to gain from this!
Also its good to remember Hatton has been very successful, he is a rich man. If he loses this fight we will probably see him in 3 more fights then his career will be over. And thats good. The man has been in so many wars over the years and treated his body badly with his diet, it would be a shame to watch him deteriorate into a average fighter just for a few pay cheques.
GOOD LUCK RICKY!
YOU CAN DO IT!
Ricky has never been lightweight champ!!
Can Pacman take heavy body shots from Hatton…?? At some point early on Hattons gonna get on the inside and do his thing and then we’ll see what happens. Does anyone recall Hatton flooring Castillo with that left hook to the body? This fight could be over very quick. couldn’t call this one for love nor money!
ukansodoff you are correct! I don’t recall Hatton having a fight of any significance at lightweight!
The article is flawed from the first line. Rex, what will be your response if Hatton wins?
I have seen your childish remarks about this fight, and to be fair on you they are slightly amusing, albeiy extremely misguided!
the lazcano bit was pure arse…ricky flattened him but clumsily got hit with a couple of big hooks..he was never in serious trouble
Whatever happens it will be a great fight im sure, I doubt it will be as one sided towards either fighter as articles like this would have you believe, but fingers crossed that if anyything we get a classic.
Huge Hatton fan but i have to admit hes never been one for a plan B. Im sure there must be some things in his and Mayweathers minds for if things aint goin too well but im not sure what they can be.
I may be wrong but in the 1st line of the article it says Hatton is a former Lightweight champion. I dont remember that happening.
MANUEL PEREZ is just a Mexican and we all know what kind of people the Mexican’s are….I dont have to elaborate it.
There’s nothing that Ricky could do to avoid his second defeat against the P4P kingpin Pacquiao.
Yah thank goodness that there is still great writer aside from Chris Williams that knows the true art of BOXING. great FACTUAL article Jason I give you A for this one.