Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton / Photo: Newscom

There is little doubt that Manny is the pound-for-pound champion at this point. But what about all-time? Manny has compiled a 49-3-2 record in six different weight classes. Yes, six different weight classes. But under the tutelage of legendary trainer Freddie Roach, he has become quite possibly the most feared fighter in boxing today. Translation: he’s getting better with each fight.

I had little doubt that Manny would win this fight. Even with all the bravado of Ricky and his trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. leading up to the main event on HBO’s 24/7 series, I felt Manny was the faster, more technical fighter. But even Manny was surprised with the ease in which he disposed of his opponent:

“I’m surprised this fight was so easy but I did work hard since the beginning of March in training camp. Nothing personal. I am just doing my job, but this is as big a victory for me as when I beat Oscar De La Hoya.”

All the talk about Ricky being a bigger, stronger man — c’mon. He was a shade taller and a few pounds heavier. I did not, however, predict a second-round knockout for Manny. I thought Ricky had enough to possibly go the distance with him. After three months of training (to Manny’s two months), Ricky barely showed up for this fight.

Manny’s win sets up what I feel is an inevitable matchup with undefeated and unretired Floyd Mayweather Jr. in what could be one of the best fights of all-time. Sure, Floyd needs to get past Juan Manuel Marquez (July 18) in his first bout since “retirement.” And that could be a heck of a fight in it’s own right. But Pacquiao/Mayweather Jr. is what every boxing fan wants to see.

Source: ESPN.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Manny Pacquiao Knocks Out Ricky Hatton

Almost 13 years to the day I moved westward to spend the summer in Berkeley, California. My home that summer was near the corner of McGee and Addison, just south of University Avenue. Had I never left this Saturday, May 31, I could have walked two short blocks, about 1,000 feet, to see perhaps the world’s greatest pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquaio and his June 28 opponent David Diaz train at the WestWind Karate School.

If you live in the Bay Area this is a must-see event. Diaz’ workout will begin at 11:00 a.m. and Manny will follow him at noon. After the workouts there will be an autograph session. Admission is free but the crowds are sure to be huge so get there early. Who wouldn’t want to see the Pac Man?

The studio is located at 1551 University Avenue and is an easy two blocks south of the North Berkeley BART station. If you’re driving take the University Avenue Exit off US-80. Drive about 1.5 miles down University and the studio will be on your left.

While you’re there, could you get me a Freddie Roach autograph? Please?

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Photo Source: Newscom.com

Post from: EveryJoe

Pacquiao and Diaz Live In Berkeley This Weekend…For Free!