Is De La Hoya an advantage for Hatton vs. Pacquiao?
Oscar De La Hoya’s career was ended by Manny Pacquiao, so maybe there’s no one better than him to know how to beat the Filipino southpaw. Or perhaps no one worse.
Well, it just happens that De La Hoya is Ricky Hatton’s promoter heading into Saturday’s Hatton-Pacquiao megabout in Las Vegas, when the Englishman puts his IBO light-welterweight title on the line against the man rated as boxing’s best pound for pound fighter.
De La Hoya was dominated by Pacquiao on Dec. 8, so much so his corner threw in the towel. But that unique perspective can only help Hatton, who is the +200 underdog for this fight on WagerWeb.com.
“I’ve already been there with Manny Pacquiao. I’ve experienced his speed, I’ve experienced his punches,” De La Hoya said. “So obviously, the advice that I’ve given (Hatton), I’m sure he’s gonna use.”
Hatton said Pacquiao’s status as the best boxer in the world is fair, but that he’s far from intimidated.
“Manny is the best pound for pound boxer in the world,” he said. “I understand him being that. I am the underdog. But that doesn’t scare me. I’ve been here before.”
Hatton likened his situation to when he fought and defeated Kostya Tszyu for the IBF light-welterweight title four years ago.
“I’ve been reading all the websites, magazines and papers and everybody seems to have made their mind up about this fight already,” said Hatton. “I’m here to shock the world again.”
He said a switch to trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. has paid dividends and given him the right blend of skills and strength to succeed.
“In the years gone by I’d always shown in glimpses I had a good jab and boxing ability but in too many fights I hadn’t been showing it,” Hatton said. “Everybody is saying I’ll resort back to a brawling style but resort back to what? I don’t think I’ve changed a great deal, I’m just more polished in certain areas.”
Hatton is known for his powerful left hand, and Pacquiao is well aware of this.
“(Hatton) is a good and strong fighter. I know he has a very strong left hand and I have to take care of that and focus on that,” Pacquiao said. “I’ve studied a lot of techniques for him.”
De La Hoya said the fight, dubbed the “Battle of East and West,” won’t go the full 12 rounds. The over/under on WagerWeb.com is 9.5 rounds.
“I don’t see it going the distance,” he said. “Not early, but maybe late. I know who (will win) but it’s not gonna go the distance.”
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
