Pacman-Hatton Recap
By Howard Reed
THE FIGHT
It was a circus atmosphere in Las Vegas when flooded with fans of both Ricky Hatton (singing the insidious “Hatton Wonderland”) and Manny Pacquiao. For those that like to view records Hatton went into the fight at 45-1 with only a single KO at the hands of Floyd Mayweather jr. to mar his record. Pacquiao was 48-3-2 and almost perfect since he came to the USA to defeat Lehlohonolo Ledvada via a sixth round KO in June of 2001. He lost to Eric Morales but would later avenge that loss. With the devastation of Hatton at 2:50 of the second round he becomes only the second boxer to reign as champion in 6 different weight classes. The now retired Oscar De La Hoya was the first. For once the experts were 100% correct in that Pacquiao had too much speed and too much power for Hatton who had really not shown a lot since he beat Kostya Tszyu back in June of ’05.
Round 1
In the end Hatton was made to order for Pacquiao. “We knew that when Hatton gets ready to throw a punch he cocks his hand which makes him open to a right hand”, explained trainer Freddie Roach. That’s what happened late in the first round when a right ended a four punch combination that drops Hatton for a count 8 by referee Kenny “No Nonsense” Bayless. Just before the round ended Pacquiao landed a punch that got thru a Hatton glove to plant Hatton on the back of his lap again. The bell rang safe Hatton and to extend the fight.
Round 2
One of Hatton’s great strength is his heart. One of Hatton great weakness’ is his great heart. When in deep trouble Hatton’s first and only plan is to come forward tossing leather. When Hatton does this his punches get wider bordering on “rounds house telegraph messages”. Pacquiao got the message peppering Hatton with left and right combinations that had Hatton bewitched, bothered and bewildered. Hatton had his brief moment when he landed a right flush with no apparent effect. Pacquiao ended the proceeding with a terrific right hook to the body followed up with a beautiful left hand that had Hatton out cold before he started to fall. He lay motionless for minutes before he groggily was help to his corner. In one of the great understatements of all time Hatton said at the post fight press conference “he’s a great fighter.”
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Unofficial never elected Mayor of Phuket
Mr. David Brook from 91.5 FM radio in Phuket raced to the computer to add his 100 Baht’s worth. “Well I reckon we have just witnessed a boxing phenomena as Hatton, no slouch himself, was literally demolished by Manny Pacquiao with seconds to go in the 2nd round. Two right hand hooks in the first round floored Hatton twice but the big swinging left hook in the 2nd put the lights out completely. Words such as dominant, spectacular and impressive are almost a disservice to Pacquiao who looked cool and relaxed even before he came to the ring. So dominant that the punch count was 73-18....wow. Great atmosphere....and the whole World has just seen greatness personified.....’
’Wow !!!!’
Sir Frog from the Lily Pad
Former professional boxer Patrick, aka Sir Frog, croaks his views. “I thought when round one started that Hatton was bigger and stronger . Pacquiao started very aggressively, where was Hatton's defense? Why did Ricky box so open? He’s an English boxer with his own style that made him a champion. The first right hook from Pacquiao should have Hatton thinking to keep up his hands. He continued the same style. Is this the famous Mayweather Sr. style? You can adapt any style, but as soon you get hit, you're back to your normal style.”
“Then "bang-bang" Hatton down twice in the first! Saved by the bell! Who would have thought that? In round two, the damage was done, a big left hook on Hatton's chin, down for long time. Pacquiao is THE BEST pound for pound boxer in the world! Next up for Pacquiao... the winner Mayweather "Chicken" Jr-Marquez? Maybe Cotto? Mr. Pacquiao, you're the best for me out there!”
Darts Champion John Lowe
A man of few words but wondrous deed’s from the oche’. “What a wonderful KO by the Pacman!!"
"WOW"
Mayweather Ahead for Pacman?
Not for awhile as Floyd “Chicken” Mayweather jr. ends a “retirement” that the entire world that was not on some mind numbing substance knew wouldn’t last. Mayweather jr. took the opportunity of the world’s boxing press in attendance for Pacquiao-Hatton to announce he would fight on July 18 against Juan Manuel Marquez. Many including The Square Ring though that Marquez bested Pacquiao in their March 2008 fight. It was a split decision with Marquis on the short end of the split. Mayweather fans, both of them, point out that Marquez is a five-time champion in three different weight divisions. Some, Larry Merchant HBO boxing analysis for one, think that Mayweather pick his opponents with a “persnickety” mind sight. He picks is opponents like a punter dopes out a new Teelock when the monthly checks clears. In Marquez, Mayweather is fighting a man that has never fought at more than 135. Against Mayweather jr., Marquez will have to fight at 140-145. Mayweather will be the bigger man hence stronger boxer.
Pacquiao will fight someone that will not test his abilities but then who can? Maybe a Miguel Cotto whose only lose came at the possibly loaded gloves of Antonio Margarito. Cotto-Pacquiao won’t be an option as both fighters are promoted by Bob Arum who always tries to keep his pay checks from facing each other. Love to see Pacquiao move up against a resurgence Sugar Shane Mosley. Won’t happen as “Sugar” Shane’s in with Golden Boy Promotions and Arum doesn’t want to give them a foot in the door at this time. Actually at any time.
COMING UP
Sunday, May 10
You can probably catch this one on the telly early Sunday morning in Land of Smiles at either Shenanigans or Jamison’s. The question is why you’d care is another question. When Chad Dawson (27-0) met Antonio Tarver (27-5) the first time is was a blow out for Dawson as at most he lost only 2 or 3 of the 12 rounds. Sure it’s for the IBF light heavyweight crown but so what? Tarver has always been over-rated especially when up against a good fighter. Dawson is good.
Tuesday, May 12
On May 12th somewhere in Thailand Denkaosan Kaowichit (46-1-1) will defend for the first time his WBA flyweight title he won with a rousing second round KO of veteran Takefumi Sakata the last day of 2008. The two had battled to a flat footed draw in November of ’07 so it took Koawichit 13 months to get another shot. He didn’t waste the opportunity. His opponent is Hiroyuki Hisataka (17-7-1) has lost 4 of his last 6 and lacks power which would lead a person to believe that after the fight Kaowichit will have another mark in the win column.
JEEVES RETURNS
Jeeves, manservant to the Lord of the Manor, returns from a 2 week suspension for being “out of order.” “So Jeeves how about the new digs and the fight.” ‘Your Lordship like you I overestimated Hatton’s abilities and failed to notice Pacquiao’s immense talent. The lads that got up early for breakfast and a fight at either Shenanigans or Jamison’s didn’t even have time to get their toast buttered. Like you and my countrymen we will be dining on humble pie filled with crow for some time. The new digs? Very nice with lots of room. Some things never change so here’s your pints of fine lager, the recently purchased Rod Stewart at Albert Hall DVD and a couple of fine cigars. I heard that while in Pattaya you jumped in a Baht cab at the Diana Inn on your way to see Wil Tailor to the Stars on Soi 6. An Aussie sitting in the cab asked, “Where you headed mate ?” Your answer was Soi 6..hu….to see my tailor. His response was ”Sure you are.”
Cheewit dee khrup.” |
