Top trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. told fightnews.com that while he admits that Pacquiao has quick reflexes, the British bulldozer has what it takes to put an end to Pacquiao’s amazing winning streak.
"Everyone is building up Pacquiao to be the next great thing but Ricky will handle him," Mayweather said. "I know Pacquiao is fast but Ricky has extremely fast footwork and he’s strong. Believe me when I tell you we have a solid gameplan for that fight."
Like Pacquiao, who is fresh from a sensational stoppage of Oscar De La Hoya last Dec. 6, Hatton is coming off a smashing performance in his last bout against Paulie Malignaggi, whom he beat up in trouble-free fashion last Nov. 22.
Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach knows that Hatton is a far more dangerous foe than the Golden Boy.
"Manny can’t afford to stay on the ropes with this guy. He is a very good body puncher and movement will be the key (to win this fight)," said Roach recently.
Top Rank, which promotes Pacquiao and Golden Boy Promotions, Hatton’s promoter, are currently finalizing a deal for their much-awaited encounter possibly at the Thomas and Mack Center or MGM Grand.
Pacquiao and Hatton are just about equal in physical attributes.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao’s wife Jinkee gave birth to a healthy baby girl (7.9 lbs) at the Los Angeles Metropolitan Hospital late Tuesday night (early Tuesday in the US). The couple intends to name the newest member of the family Queen Elizabeth, who will now be joined by Emmanuel Jr., Michael Stephen and Mary Divine Grace, who are all in the US.
It was the famed fighter who cut off the umbilical cord.
The Pacquiaos will return to the Philippines on Jan. 10. By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin Online
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