After all the buzz about the Pacquiao-Dela Hoya Dream Match, and how the actual results beat all predictions of the outcome, it’s now time to look at the next big thing in the boxing ring: Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao vs Ricky “Hitman” Hatton. The date is already set at May 2, 2009 (May 3 RP time) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

I know, I know. You have your predictions too. After we Pinoys stuck it out with our hero despite the odds and the snubs of the boxing experts, its time to gather once more behind the Pacman.

Pacquiao Wins

If Manny dismantled the Golden Boy easily, how can Hatton, a smaller fighter, match up to him? Manny isn’t the pound-for-pound king for nothing. Manny has the speed, reach and power to knock out this brawler from England. Pacquiao’s handlers said Hatton will be an easy target because he is unidimensional, wide open and doesn’t have a good footwork. If he comes straight to Manny, a big-left to the head would put him to sleep.

Speed will be the key for Manny’s victory. I was at the front seat facing the big screen when Manny danced his way to beat De La Hoya. Awesome indeed! And those punches are so powerful that girls cried after seeing the latter’s badly deformed face.

Pacquiao in 5 rounds.

Hatton Wins

Ok, let’s play some bad boy here. There’s a much talked-about transformation of the Hitman because Floyd Mayweather Sr. trained him. He won in his last fight under Floyd Sr. who vowed to morph Ricky into a Floyd Jr, the former pound-for-pound king. If one lucky punch could hit Manny, would it be the end for our hero? The Hitman is a brawler and won’t brake when he starts cranking. A lucky punch is all it takes. Floyd Sr. believes so much in his ward.

If the fight would be held at Wembley, as initially suggested, there’s a big possibility of a Hatton win. A rowdy crowd, flying beer bottles, etc… (I am thinking of football hooliganism), would bother Manny.

Hatton in a split decision.

My Predictions

The fight won’t be a walk on the park for Manny Pacquiao. My 5-round win guess may be an underestimation of the foe. My prediction of a Pacman victory is as good as yours, even if you’re a Hatton fan. Manny fought three very good fights in 2008. 2009 won’t be any different. Even if Hatton is unbeaten at 140lbs, he isn’t really the best. He’s just another boxer who can give the sweet science more bucks and another lease of life. Pacquiao vs Hatton will be the fight of 2009, unless Floyd Jr returns from retirement and exchange blows with Manny at a latter part of this year.

What’s your fight results prediction for Pacquiao vs Hatton?

UPDATE of Pacquiao vs Hatton: The actual fight results ended with a KO and with Hatton lying in the canvass for too long. It was too brief a fight for such magnitude. Pacquiao KOed Hatton and the fight ended in 2:59 at round two. Can Mayweather Jr beat that?

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