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/

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Have fun – Simon

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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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Ticket news to follow

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

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Boxing: Oscar De La Hoya vs. Manny Pacquaio
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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

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Ricky Hatton to fight Malignaggi at MGM Grand, Las Vegas 22nd November

Further to article below Ricky “the Hitman” Hatton has apparently  confirmed he will be fighting at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas on the 22nd November this Year. The bout will take place in the MGM Grand Garden Arena where he has his only defeat of his career against Floyd Mayweather las year.

“Ricky Hatton looks certain to confirm he has switched his next fight from New York to Las Vegas, as exclusively revealed by The Times earlier this week, in order to save his army supporters money in the build up to Christmas.

The 29-year-old IBO light-welterweight champion is due to fight Paulie Malignaggi, holder of the equivalent IBF belt, in November, and reportedly had his heart set on a bout at Madison Square Garden. Hatton has always dreamed of topping the bill at the legendary venue, where New Yorker Malignaggi is also a big draw.

But the Manchester-born fighter says that fighting in New York could be significantly more expensive for his travelling supporters and so is prepared to return to the scene of his only defeat, December’s 10th-round knockout by Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand, on November 15 or 22.

Hatton’s father and promoter Ray said: “Although it would be great to top the bill at Madison Square Garden – even though he’s only fought there once before – this is about the fans.
“His exact words were, ‘Dad, the fans made me, so I want what’s best financially for the fans. I want to make it more a price for them because it is near Christmas’.
“He’s putting his weight behind Vegas because of the money the fans are going to save.”

Source Times online

Book your hotel as soon as you can, if you book direct, with any MGM Mirage resort you only pay the first night as a deposit, if your plans change (or Ricky’s do) you can get your deposit back with no penalty. If you book direct you get the best possible rate as there is no middleman, if the arte goes down after you book and you contact the hotel and they will drop your rate but in my opinion once they know the fight is on the rates will soar so book early. Beneath are the best offers currently available for dates covering the 22nd November. Luxor, Excalibur, New York New York and Monte Carlo are all an easy short walk from MGM Grand.

MGM Grand Specal internet offers

Excalibur, free upgrade to Widescreen room, $25 dining credit 2 for 1 tickets for tournament of kings form $51 per night

Excalibur Stay and Pay from $51

Mirage from $72 a night

Luxor various offers from about $68ish>

New York New York free room upgrade

Circus Circus from $41 but non refundable and a long way down the Strip

Hatton – Mayweather and the rooms at the MGM Grand Las vegas

Well my hopes and predictions were wrong Ricky Hatton got knocked out in the 10^th round at the MGM Grand last night in front over 300 fans with at least another 16,000 in Vegas with no tickets. Floyd Mayweather was the victor and the better fighter, Ricky was out boxed for at least 7 of the 10 rounds and Mayweather deserved the title. It was not the great spectacle of boxing that we had hoped but a great fight never the less and Hatton at least was able to joke about it being a fluke and that he had slipped afterwards and Mayweather acted the gent and I think was saying that he had accomplished everything he could and wont be fighting again where as Ricky has said he will continue. I am hoping that he fights De La Hoya in London in April. Good luck Ricky in whatever you do next.

I thought I would give you quick insight in the two basic room types at the MGM Grand Las Vegas, before I start next week on other Las Vegas topics.

You have two basic types of room at the MGM Grand Tower rooms(shwon above) and West Wing rooms. The Grand Tower rooms are bigger (in fact they are some of the biggest standard rooms on the Las Vegas Strip)and the West Wing rooms trendier but about 100sq foot smaller, the West wing beds only come with a King bed option if you need two beds you have to stay in the Grand Tower. All of the Grand Tower rooms are accessed by 4 banks of central elevators near the casino floor and check in desks when you get to your floor you will be amazed at the length of corridors they are huge. The Grand Tower rooms are great they have big windows and many have nice views the bathrooms are a good size and all have a desk and chairs, safe and a big TV and the king bed rooms have a nice sofa. The west Wing rooms are cool they have flat screen TV’s and a small flat screen TV in the bathroom so you can watch telly whilst shaving. There is only a glass wall between the toilet and the rest of the bathroom so you need to be pretty well acquainted to stay in one of these rooms.

In all MGM Grand rooms the beds and bed linen have recently been replaced the beds in MGM Grand are the most comfable that I have ever slept in all in all it’s a good place to stay.