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Predicting
Hatton-Pacman  HATTON,
PACQUIAO | | It's
a given that the upcoming Pacquiao versus Hatton match will give the fans their
money's worth. With both fighters looking to knock each other out, we are all
assured of nonstop action from the first round.
Predicting
the outcome of this fight is harder than it seems. Both fighters have distinct
advantages that may |
give
them the edge come fight night. Pacquiao has a definite edge in speed and overall
boxing skills, but Hatton has the advantage in power, being the naturally bigger
guy.However,
there are lots of factors that may nullify their respective advantages. Hatton
may be successful in roughhousing Pacquiao on the inside and land body punches,
hence, successfully negating the Pacman's speed advantage. On the other hand,
the Filipino southpaw may box superbly well and make the Briton miss-what good
will punching power do if it can't land.
So
to make a more definite prediction, we will analyze the most probable outcome
based on their respective last three opponents.
RICKY
HATTON VS. FLYOD MAYWEATHER JR.
In
this fight, although Hatton was relatively successful in the early rounds, Mayweather
simply outclassed and outboxed him. While Mayweather was able to ride out the
storm and figured out Hatton's style, the Briton failed to adjust his own tactic
against his opponent. He did not make the necessary adjustments as the fight progressed.
He only had plan A in that fight and never bothered with a plan B.
On that
night, if Hatton were fighting Pacquiao, my speculation is that he may have been
more successful as the Filipino is not really a defensive specialist-although
Manny has improved much in this department.
However,
please note that Manny has the speed and the power to ride out the tough moments
in any big fight. Based on Hatton's performance against Mayweather, if that was
Pacquiao, I believe the Filipino's speed and power may eventually outperform Hatton's.
(Pacquiao by unanimous decision)
RICKY
HATTON VS. JUAN LAZCANO
In
this fight, Hatton did well in boxing Lazcano and in dictating the tempo. However,
if it was Pacquiao he was facing, he won't be able to dictate the tempo by outboxing
a much-quicker fighter. And given that he was wobbled in that fight does not fare
well for the Briton. If it was Pacquiao, it could have been bad. (Pacquiao by
knock out)
RICKY
HATTON VS. PAUL MALIGNAGGI
It's
hard to put this fight in a Pacquiao-Hatton perspective because Malignaggi absolutely
has no power with only 5 KOs in 25 wins. It was obvious from round 1 that the
Hitman does not respect, at all, the power of the Magic Man. Hence, it's hard
to gauge this fight from a Pacquiao standpoint.
| | | But
Malignaggi is a tough fighter nonetheless, and he is the same fighter who stood
his ground against the very powerful Miguel Cotto.
If
at all, this is a good workout for Hatton in case Manny decides to box for 12
rounds in their upcoming fight (which I highly doubt)
So
if it was Manny he was facing, would Hatton's game plan in this fight be successful?
The answer is-probably. But as I said earlier, this fight is not a good measure
for his upcoming match against the tornado from the Philippines. |
ANALYSIS
If
there is a fight in Hatton's resume that he should study on, it is his gallant
but futile performance against the former pound-for-pound number 1 Floyd Mayweather.
And why not, Manny and Money have the same basic strengths-speed, power, and punch
accuracy. Of course their respective approach to boxing are totally different,
but the things that matter are the same.
The
problem with Hatton in his fight with Mayweather was that he failed to adjust
as the fight went on. He was initially successful with brawling but continued
to do the same thing round in, round out. He should have adjusted his style while
Money May was slowly catching up to his style.
If
he does that to Pacquiao, he will meet the same fate. But if he gets smart and
switches styles-boxing, brawling, etc.-round in, round out, he may be able to
pull it off.
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