Hatton -v- Pacquiao Super fight May 2nd MGM Grand Las Vegas

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Ricky Hatton will face Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on May 2nd. The bout will be for Hatton’s Ring Magazine and IBO world junior welterweight titles and tickets will be available from Friday.

The Mancunian’s last fight was at the MGM as he secured a convincing victory over Paulie Malignaggi in November, while Pacquiao memorably beat Oscar de la Hoya at the venue with a fine performance in December.

After weeks of protracted negotiations surrounding the Filipino fighter’s financial demands, Hatton is delighted the contest will definitely go ahead.

“I’m really excited to get back in the ring in Vegas after beating Malignaggi in November,” said the ‘Hitman’.

“I am confident that I am the fighter to take down the pound-for-pound champion and I believe I will be victorious on May 2.”

Pacquiao (48-3-2, 36KOs), who, like Hatton, is 30 years old, will be hoping to build on his impressive win over de la Hoya.

“I always like new challenges which is the reason I am anxious to fight Ricky Hatton,” said Pacquiao.

“My trainer Freddie Roach will put together a new game plan which will be much different than the one we used against Oscar (de la Hoya).

“There are concerns because Hatton is a very strong puncher so I must deal with that in the ring.

“I promise I will be completely prepared and will do my best for all of my fans in The Philippines.”

De la Hoya, president of Golden Boy Promotions who will be promoting the fight with Top Rank, thinks a fantastic bout is ahead.

MGM Grand

“When Manny Pacquiao goes into the ring he fights for his country, the Philippines, and tens of thousands of Filipinos worldwide.

“He is a tremendous athlete and unlike any other champion we have ever promoted. When Manny walks to the ring he carries the weight of his country on his shoulders and he fights with all of his heart, every second of every round.

“We are very excited that this fight has been made, as it is the fight fans wanted and the one I look forward to seeing myself.

“This fight has all the makings of a ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate and I think Hatton will de-throne Pacquiao and become boxing’s pound-for-pound king.”

Hatton, who has only lost once in 46 fights, beat American Paulie Malignaggi in November and had made no secret of his interest in meeting the winner of Pacquiao-De la Hoya.

With the Pacquiao fight in danger of collapse, Hatton’s camp had also been chasing De la Hoya himself or a re-match with Floyd Mayweather Jr – the only man to defeat Hatton.

But a fight with Pacquiao, who has lost three of his 48 fights with two draws, is now on and promises to be one of the fights of the year.

http://www.irishtimes.com

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