Hatton knocked out in the 2nd round MGM Grand Las Vegas

Poor old Ricky Hatton I have to say against hope and in my heart fo hearts I did think that Pacquiao would win the fight but not in 2 rounds, I would have I been able to bet against Ricky I would have gone for points win to Pacquiao.  I am thinking how much has Hatton been affected by having a new trainer for the first time ever and maybe trying to learn new things and change the way that he has been fighting for the last 30 years this must have an affect.

I have a feeling that this will not be the last fight for Ricky I would in fact bet that he will have at least one more fight and that it will be in the UK, I would go as far to bet that he will fight Oscar DeLaHoya before he permenantly hangs up his gloves.

I did not feel that I could right a fair or objective report on this fight so I have used the report written by Andrew Walker at East side boxing.

Tonight at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA Manny Pacquiao Bukidnon, Philippines 49 (37) – 3 (2) – 2 totally outclassed and destroyed Ricky Hatton Manchester, England 45 (32) – 2 (2) – 0 inside two rounds in their Ring magazine and IBO world light welterweight title clash. Ricky Hatton looked noticeably nervous as he entered the ring which was in stark contrast to Manny Pacquiao who looked cool and calm, even smiling as he made his way to the ring. As the fight got underway Ricky Hatton was never in it from the opening bell and spent the whole two rounds being comprehensively beaten by the pound for pound number one Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton was down twice in the opening round and just hung on to survive to make round two. The second round brought more of the same with Hatton still lunging in and being out speeded, out manoeuvred and more crucially out gunned by the allegedly smaller Pacquiao. In the very last second of the second round Pacquiao caught Hatton with a peach of a left hook and knocked the Hitman out cold leaving those watching stunned. The fight was waved off by the referee Kenny Bayless and surely after such a one sided beating there is no way back for Hatton at this level if at all? Hatton eventually came round and left the ring on his own two feet but gave no interviews as he made his way back to his dressing room.

The future still looks bright for Manny Pacquiao inside the ring with a potential clash with returning former pound for pound champion Floyd Mayweather Jnr who announced his comeback fight today against Juan Manuel Marquez taking place on July 18th. Surely now the biggest fight in the world of boxing has to be Manny Pacquiao vs. Floyd Mayweather Jnr which as long as neither fighter loses beforehand, could take place towards the end of this year. As for Ricky Hatton surely retirement now beckons after a successful career that has earned him fame and fortune alongside a loyal following. Always a gentleman outside the ring and an entertainer in it, the time is right now for Ricky Hatton to hang up the gloves and concentrate on his promotional business.

No one likes to see a fighter of Ricky Hatton’s calibre destroyed as easily as he was tonight by Manny Pacquiao but I just don’t see a way back for Ricky Hatton inside the ring now after such a crushing defeat. Hopefully he will not let his pride get in the way of making a sensible decision. It would be sad to see the much loved Mancunian fighter have one last fight at a lower level in the hope of going out on a win. He has had a great career and was only ever beaten by the two greatest fighters of the modern era in Floyd Mayweather Jnr and Manny Pacquiao. Like Oscar De La Hoya has in the United States, Ricky Hatton could well transform himself into a successful promoter back in his native England.

Pacquia and Hatton’s in Verbal Spar pre MGM Grand Super fight

The more intriguing match may actually take place outside the ring at the MGM Grand on May 2.

While the two boxers taking part in the megafight at the Las Vegas casino have been about as cordial as possible in their dealings with the press, their trainers have exchanged verbal barbs on almost a daily basis.

A teleconference with international media members on Wednesday saw another battle in Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather Sr.’s escalating war of words — this time the two former boxers took it all the way back to their days in the ring.

“I most definitely was the better fighter than Freddie Roach,” said Mayweather Sr, who trains Ricky Hatton and posted a pro record of 29-6-1 with 19 knockouts.

“I got a (fight) poster with Freddie on my undercard.”

Not to be outdone, the normally more-reserved Roach, who posted a career mark of 39-13 with 15 Kos, fired right back at Mayweather.

“You got shot and it ruined your career,” joked Roach of Mayweather, who suffered a shotgun blast to his leg.

“I fought on TV more.”

Roach — Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, who last week sent Hatton a box with weight loss pills inside, poking fun at the Brit who is known to enjoy beers and fattening foods in between training camps — may have got the best blow in when he said Roger Mayweather, not Floyd is responsible for Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s tremendous success.

“Floyd made his son but Roger made him a boxer,” Roach said.

Wasting little time, Roach hit him with another flurry, saying he wanted Mayweather Sr. to present him with his third trainer-of-the-year award.

“I want you to present me the … award this year. This is as close as you’ll get to it,” Roach said. “You’re never going to win it. Ever.”

Mayweather fired back with his trademark “Freddie the Joke Coach Roach” line.

“I’m in your head,” Mayweather said, taunting Roach.

But Roach kept his cool, briefly, replying: “I’m not fighting you, Manny is fighting Ricky.”

“I want you Freddie,” Mayweather said.

“Come get me, you know where I am,” Roach replied.

Finally Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer stepped in telling the trainers to save their fireworks for fight night.

When the trash talk did finally get back to the actual fighters, Roach said that even though Hatton is fighting at 140-pounds, a weight in which the IBO and Ring Magazine junior welterweight champ has never lost at, that Pacquiao will be just as strong.

“Manny has KO’d four sparring partners out of seven. He’s looking good at this weight,” Roach said.

“Hatton will be heavier at fight time but that doesn’t make him stronger. I have the stronger fighter, I guarantee that.”

Mayweather countered that Hatton will push the action, forcing Pacquiao to fight while backing up.

“Ricky will definitely back him up. He can’t fight backing up, he’s no Muhammad Ali,” Mayweather said.

When the subject turned back to the fake gift Roach sent last week, Mayweather said, “You tried to be my friend.”

Roach replied, “I don’t want to be your friend.”

Mayweather blasted back, “You really won’t want to be my friend after May 2.”

http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/apr/23/trainers-again-trade-verbal-jabs/

For the best Hotel Rates in town click here

MGM Grand Las Vegas – My review

MGM Grand
3799 Las Vegas Blvd S
Las Vegas
NV 89109
+1 702 891 1111
MGM Grand Las Vegas

LocationYou have already hit the jackpot with this great location, sitting on the corner of the Strip with Tropicana Ave the busiest road intersection in the USA. There are foot bridges connecting the MGM with the Tropicana, New York New York and Excalibur. There is also a Las Vegas monorail station connecting MGM with the rest of the East side of the strip, this will be extended to the airport but that is a few years away.

Theme Supposedly Hollywood glamour, other than the big lion at the entrance there is nothing that noticeably sets it aside from any other casino. The first time I went to Vegas they had an Emerald city/yellow brick road theme as you entered with the characters from the movie (minus Toto who had been stolen).With thunder and lightning and all, this was pretty cool but that has gone and been replaced with a smarter more serious image.

Rooms MGM has two basic classes of rooms Grand Tower and West Wing, Grand tower can come with one or two beds and have loads of space, they have nice bathrooms and toiletries and all have a sofa and desk these are some of the largest standard rooms in Las Vegas, the West wing rooms are contempory and modern but smaller and darker and the bathroom is sort of integrated into the room, you have only a shower not a bather  and you can only get these with one bed. MGM has a number of suite options but there are only really three that I can afford, Bungalow, Celebrity Spa and Hollywood,. A bungalow suite is a big room with a large seating area, a Celebrity Spa Suite is a Bungalow suite with a large bathroom with a spa in it and a Hollywood Suite a two rooms suite with a large bathroom. All of these are nice suites and contrary to belief most are available on most floors so you are no more likely to get a good view because you are in a suite than a room, also be aware that your room will not be assigned until check in so you may not get the suite that you have booked.

Attractions MGM used to have the best theme park on the Strip but sadly this has been removed and replaced with high roller accommodation. The loss of the theme park aside MGM still boasts some great attractions; the lion’s habitat where you can see lions and cubs paraded in a glass „habitat” and a state of the art amusement arcade which has all the latest video offerings as well as some stunning virtual reality games. MGM has screening rooms for upcoming TV shows you get free tickets and you watch shows yet to be aired and give you opinion this happens every day and is totally free of charge. I  think it also fair to include the rainforest cafe as an attraction as it is so much more than just somwhere to eat.

Pool The MGM Grand pool complex  is fantastic, you guess that when as you enter you are offered a Map! There are 5 pools, various spa baths and an amazing Lazy River MGM opens at least one pool every day of the year.

Shows and Entertainment There are currently two shows at The MGM Cirque de Soleil’s KA and Crazy Horse Paris (over 18 only). The Hollywood theatre is used to host headliners it was Tom Jones on our last visit David Copperfield is there as I type. The MGM Grand Garden Arena is one of the biggest venues in Vegas and is used for concerts and boxing.   MGM has a good selection of good bars added to Studio 54 nightclub and the Tabu ultra lounge if you wanted to you need not go anywhere else for your entertainment. MGM is also home to MGM GRand Arena this is one of the premier venues in Las Vegas it plays host to the biggest boxing events in the US such as Ricky Hatton, De La Hoya and Mayweather and holds concerts such as Maddonna, Billy Joel and Britney. MGM I feel also has the best selection of non Ultra lounges and the best bars on the Strip its great for relaxing drinks in a non club enviroment.

Dining MGM  is great for dining , the Grand Buffet (B$13.99, $15.49 D$25.99 and Champagne Brunch $20.48 or $18.99 without the champagne) this is a good buffet its not a contender for the best buffet crown but its good and good value, be warned that the queues can be long and the “champagne” on the brunch is not that hot but for $2.50 unlimited who can complain ! There is a good food court for quick eating including, Nathan’s Hotdogs, a pizza place  and Haagen Daz’s. The 24hr coffee shop is big and can take a while for food to be served and sometimes is not as hot as it should be. The rainforest café is a good bet for younger diners with animated robot animals and thunder storms. MGM has 8 offerings in the fine dining class Nob Hill, Pearl, Joel Robuchan, L’Atelier, Craftsteak, Fiamma, Sea Blue and Fiamma. There are 4 casual restaurants the very good Wolfgand Puck café, The grand Wok, Emeril’s and The Grand Wok. The MGM also has the obligatory 24 hour Starbucks.

Gaming171,500 sq ft WOW its big its very big contains nearly 4000 slot machines over 100 tables and 17 roulette wheels table minimums start at the usual Strip rate of $10 but these can be few and far between in busy periods. Some of this gaming space has been give to a Sports book and poker room. There are several huge sections of penny and nickel machines but they tend to be away from the main sections of the casino and you feel like you are hidden from main view. The most annoying thing about this casino floor is that it is so big you get lost you must at all times follow the signs hanging form the roof and even then its still easy to get lost and disorientated. The size of the casino does work in its favour as well though even in busy times if you wander around for long enough you can usually find a quieter area.

Drinks service As a nickel player I would say that the drink service sucks. They just don’t want to give you anything, when I moved on to quarter machines it was better but only marginally. I think that this is in part to do with the size of the casino because even once you have managed to place your order you can wait another 30 minutes for the drink to arrive. This is not the place to come to if you want to get loaded, Note this seemed to have improved last visit.

Overall A huge lively resort with everything under one roof, nice big rooms in a great location and great rates can be found when they run offers.

Good points The location is great, the pool is great the dining options probably the best on the Strip. Unlike many other resorts they seem to have got the timing right for the check in you don’t seem to have to wait too long and the beds are the most comftable in Las Vegas if not the world.

Bad points It gets crowded really crowded even walking through the Casino at peak times is a mission. Like every other resort they assign rooms at check in, this can mean that you do not get what you think that you have booked, your suite, bed or smoking option may not be available and you may be assigned something else.

Top Tip Check in at the airport whilst waiting for your luggage this saves time when you get to the resort. Do not take up on the offer of an “upgrade” to a West Wing room they are smaller and miles away from anywhere stick with the Grand Tower.

Best Las Vegas rates for Hatton -v- Pacquiao May 2nd MGM Grand

 

Many of the offers on some of my older posts are out of date so I have decided to replace all of them with in date offers listed below, all of these offers are available for everyone they are booked directly with the hotel’s giving you not only cast iron security but also the best possible rate as the middleman is cut out, unless stated on the booking page all are 100% changeable and refundable with no penalty and you only pay the first night as a deposit upfront. These are all the very best deals that can be found anywhere on the internet. All updated offers are also posted here and this is regually updated

Have fun – Simon

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

BEST HOTEL RATES FOR HATTON FIGHT WEEKEND HERE

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

Best price hotels in Las Vegas

Ticket news to follow

Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquaio half price tickets, MGM Grand Las Vegas

Goldstar have alimited amount of half price tickets for the fight on Staurday 6th december at the MGM Grand Arena get them whilst you can. Click here for more details

Boxing: Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquaio
MGM Grand Garden Arena- Ballroom (South Las Vegas, NV)
Saturday, Dec. 6 @ 3:30pm (main event at 6:00pm)

Full Price: $500.00 – $1500.00    Our Price: $250.00 – $750.00

Two legends of boxing collide at the MGM Grand, as Oscar De La Hoya takes on Manny Pacquiao in one of history’s most anticipated fights. De La Hoya, Los Angeles’ famous “Golden Boy” and six-division world champion, takes on Filipino star Pacquiao, currently Ring magazine’s no. 1 pound-for-pound fighter.

Hatton Victory over Malignaggi in the 11th Round

Ricky Hatton coasted to a one-sided win over Paulie Malignaggi at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, with his opponent’s corner stopping the fight in round 11. Malignaggi had occasional success with his jab but fought virtually one-handed for much of the fight and lacked power. Manchester’s Hatton had Malignaggi in trouble with some savage left hooks, and overhand rights.Going into the 11th, Malignaggi was behind on all three scorecards, causing his corner to throw in the towel. Hatton joined up with new trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr just seven weeks ago, but there were signs of real improvement following some worrying recent performances, as Hatton promised there would be.

Hatton, 30, improves to 45 wins (32 KOs) and one defeat, while Malignaggi falls to 25 wins (five KOs) and two defeats.

While the Grand Garden Arena was by no means full, most of the estimated 9,053 in attendance were supporting Hatton. Hatton, wearing a fat suit, was accompanied to the ring by Oasis’ Gallagher brothers, who were charged with carrying their fellow Manchester City fan’s belts. Hatton suffered his only defeat as a professional at the same venue last December, when he was stopped in 10 rounds by Floyd Mayweather Jr, making his victory doubly sweet.

“I enjoyed it better than last time I was here, that’s for sure,” said Hatton.

“I’ve just come into a new camp and I’ve been working on new things. Floyd and I have been together for seven or eight weeks and it doesn’t happen overnight.

“But I showed glimpses of what I can do. And after being with Floyd for seven weeks, I think that’s pretty impressive.”

Hatton -v- Malignaggi MGM Grand – ready to rumble ;-)

The bout might be between a Brit and an American Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, but there’s little doubt who the raucous crowd will stand behind inside the Strip casino come Saturday night.

Not so fast with those American flags Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton has returned to Las Vegas and brought with him another strong contingent of British boxing fans to go along with the American supporters he won over last December.

“I think all the fans that have bought tickets that have come over from Britain and the fans from the United States have given us fantastic support,” said Hatton, who sports a 44-1 career mark, with his lone loss coming at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr., last winter.

“I always get treated well by the American people, the American fight fans, especially in Las Vegas and it’s a pleasure to come back.”

The Hatton camp knows that the infusion of Brits who came over for the Hatton-Mayweather fight will not be topped, but it is are hopeful somewhere around 8,000 members of the “Hitman’s” army will attend the 12-round title fight.

Of course, the boisterous Brits bring with them their cheery songs and ringing soccer cheers, which includes a popular verse based off “Walking in a Winter Wonderland” that goes:

There’s only one Ricky Hatton,

One Ricky Hatton,

Walking along,

Singing this song,

Walking in a Hatton wonderland.

“British fans are generally known for that, but Ricky Hatton fans can be a little on the noisy side,” said a smiling Hatton, about his enormous support.

“It makes you feel very proud. I think the fans look at me as more a friend, rather than a British sportsman. Both British and American fans have really supported me well, and I want to make them proud.”

That’s why after his loss to Mayweather Jr., and lackluster showing against Juan Lazcano in front of some 50,000 of his countrymen in Manchester, England, Hatton new a change was needed.

He switched trainers from Billy Graham, the only teacher he’d ever had, to Floyd Mayweather Sr., the father of the only fighter to ever beat him.

“I’m not going to change my style, I’ve worked too long,” Hatton said. “I think that Floyd’s polished me up in certain areas, though.

“Many fights I’ve shown my boxing ability and sometimes I’ve show that I’ve got the boxing ability, but don’t always show it. I’m working with a trainer now that’s slowing me down and letting me work on different things and this Saturday night, I’m going to show it.”

Hatton’s brother, Matthew, said he’s seen the new-found determination on his brother’s face.

“It’s been a different training camp. I’ve seen a big improvement in him,” said Matthew, who shared the long runs up Mount Charleston with his brother during their long training camp in Las Vegas.

“He’s really up for this fight. I’m expecting good things from him.”

– Andy Samuelson

De La Hoya to fight Pacquiao at MGM Grand, Las Vegas Dec 6th

Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya announced today that on December 6th he will be fighting Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, watch this space for ticket information.

After weeks of on and off negotiations, Oscar De La Hoya, boxing’s most bankable superstar, and Manny Pacquiao, the pound-for-pound king, jointly announced on a media teleconference that they would meet Dec. 6 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The fight, which could easily generate $100 million, will take place at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds, meaning Pacquiao, who holds a 135-pound lightweight belt, will move up two weight classes to meet De La Hoya, who will come down to 147 for the first time since 2001.

“Manny Pacquiao is considered the best fighter in boxing today and I always want to fight the best,” said De La Hoya. “I am glad we were able to make this fight happen because while Pacquiao is at the pinnacle of his success and has defeated all of the top fighters he has faced, I am going to show the world that it stops with me. December 6 can’t get here soon enough.”

Said Pacquiao, the icon of his native Philippines, “This is my greatest challenge. When I take that walk to the ring to fight Oscar, I will carry all the people of the Philippines — the entire country — on my shoulders. I promise I will fight with all of my heart and that I will give everything I have. Like my trainer Freddie Roach says, I have what it takes to win the biggest fight of my life.”

Dan Rafael – who writes for ESPN

For the best possible Las Vegas hotel Deals click here

Circus Circus from $41 TI from $62 Excalibur from $51 Luxor from $55

Hatton -v- Malignaggi Tickets on Sale for MGM Grand Las Vegas

Ricky “the hitman” Hatton -V- Paulie “magic man” Malignaggi November 22nd MGM Grand Arena Las Vegas, this will bne the 140 pound unification fight, if the record of either of these warriors is anything to go by this will be a fight not to miss.

Tickets for the most eagerly awaited fight in Vegas go on sale tomorrow to British fight fans. For fight fans outside of the UK you can buy tickets online from www.Ticketmaster.com

If you need a hotel for the fight the very best offers all direct with the hotels are available here

Tomorrow Wednesday the 13th of August, the official booking hotline
opens at 10am which will allow you to purchase your tickets for the 22nd
November for Las Vegas.

The telephone number is 0844 822 56 56 (opens 10am)

Further information is available in our Official Hatton site forum
(click the poster to visit if you require any further information) such
as pricing, seating arrangement etc