Duel Pacquiao Versus Hatton

MANILA, Philippines—The former promoter of Ricky Hatton has downplayed the British Hitman’s chances against Manny Pacquiao, saying the Filipino sensation will be stronger and quicker than when he pummeled Oscar De La Hoya last month.

“I have to admit I don’t like Hatton’s chances,” Frank Warren, widely considered as the top promoter in Britain, said in an article posted on boxingscene.com.

Hatton was under Warren’s wing for several years, before the two had a falling-out in 2005.

Warren believes the light-welterweight fight will work for Pacquiao more than Hatton, the reigning IBO champion in the 140-lb division.

“Boxing at light-welterweight will suit him (Hatton) but it will favor Pacquiao more because he’ll be that bit quicker than he was against Oscar De La Hoya at welterweight and even stronger,” Warren said.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, had predicted a “late knockout victory” for the Gen. Santos City southpaw in the mega-buck showdown scheduled May 2 in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao has also been installed by Las Vegas pundits as a 2-1 favorite to beat Hatton, who is coming off an 11th-round demolition of American Paul Maglinaggi last November.

Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., had earlier belittled Pacquiao’s chances against Hatton.

Mexican Erik Morales, who lost twice by knockout to Pacquiao in their fight trilogy, has also picked Hatton to prevail.

Pacquiao and Hatton will split the expected $58.2 million fight purse with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum pointing out that Hatton’s fan following in Britain will contribute handsomely to revenues from the showdown.

“We might do a million homes on pay-per-view in England,” Arum said in an interview with the Los Angeles Times recently.

“You have to give Hatton some credit for what he brings to the table.”