Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton: The Fight is On

This is another fight that boxing aficionados all over the world will be looking forward to--Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton.

This well publicized fight between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao will still go on despite endless intrigues. I have watched on TV that the two are already starting their rounds of publicity stunts everywhere, as in literally across continents.

But who will really prevail between these two boxing giants?

Being a Filipino who closely follows his fights, I think it will still be Pacquiao who will win, the Filipino boxing icon and people's hero, who is obviously in better shape than England's most famous boxer, Hatton. Honestly, I think that Hatton looks old and weary. But anyway, Pacquiao should not let his guard down with this one, even after his series of victories in high-profile fights, as anything can go wrong in the ring. He should still prepare like this fight was his last, as what he did in the past. He should remain humble and not rely on his past victories. After all, the saying that "looks can be deceiving" is almost always true, so Pacquiao should give Hatton the benefit of the doubt--if only for his own benefit.

It can be remembered that Pacquiao disfigured boxing's golden boy Oscar dela Hoya's

handsome Hispanic face in a well celebrated and much-awaited match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, USA last December 2008. Still fresh from the euphoria of this well deserved victory, Pacquiao already left for the United States again early last February 2009 for his very rigid training in order to prepare against Hatton.

With Coach Freddie Roach carefully planning their fighting strategies, Pacquiao is gearing up well for this fight. He has every intention of winning this one, as aside from the monetary incentive, it will will be another feather in his cap to defeat Hatton. With all his winnings, Pacquiao has already established himself as a legend.

It can be remembered that Pacquiao was still deciding to fight against either Floyd Mayweather or Hatton. Well, I guess the better opponent for him would be Hatton. It think it is a better match. But then again, it is all about the money right? Last year, Pacquiao defeated three boxing greats in different decisions--Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez (130 lbs), David Diaz (135 lbs) and Oscar dela Hoya (147 lbs).

With this fight however, Pacquiao will have to go down 7 lbs in order to qualify for the match against Hatton. With this fight, Pacquiao is guaranteed to bring home $12 million. Whew! That is a whole lot in pesos.

I will surely look forward to their fight on May 2, 2009.