Round-by-Round -- Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton
OK. We're less than an hour away from the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight. We have one more undercard fight to watch (or endure). Think about it, this is like boxing's Super Bowl. Now, imagine if on Super Bowl Sunday you had to watch three football games first -- with teams of varying talent. Some undercards are good, this one, not so much. But hang in there, we'll be back with the main event.
(Quick note -- Soto just scored a knockdown, maybe we'll get to the main event sooner.)
We're here with IBC, Richie from Levittown, Casspix and JP, so look for plenty of comments.
Also, check in with Newsday's Wallace Matthews, who is blogging over at the Final Score.
Click to see photos from the fight, and previous Manny Pacquiao fights and training
Tictac left us a comment on the blog asking about Hatton's brother. According to several internet reports, Matthew Hatton won a unanimous eight-round decision.
Humberto Soto just knocked out Benoit Gaudet. The main event is now a few minutes away. Give-or-take two national anthems, ring entrances, etc., etc.
Tom Jones? Really? Sir Tom Jones? Wasn't here there for Calzaghe too?
Make that three national anthems.
HBO reports that Hatton now weighs 152 and Manny is 148. That's nice considering the official weight is 140.
Official introductions -- Michael Buffer -- Let's Get Ready to RUUUMMMBLE.
Quick Survey -- Richie from Levittown, Casspix pick Pacquiao, IBC, JP and yours truly are picking Hatton.
Round One:
A lot of pressure from Hatton. He's backing Manny up. Manny boxing well in the center of the ring. Ricky tying him up. Red welt on Hatton's cheek. Right hook drops Hatton. He's hurt. Hatton down again. Manny was landing at will. Pacquiao 10-8 round.
Richie says there is a lot of Duran in Manny Pacquiao. IBC is getting ready to leave. He says Hatton won't make it back.
Round Two
Hatton stills comes out aggressive. Hatton standing up too straight. Manny landing with the right hook. Pac Man now backing him up again. Pac Man is extremely accurate. Pac Man still backing him up, but punching a bit wildly. A left hand just flattened Hatton. The fight is over. He's flat in the center of the ring.
(Folks, keep reloading)
Hatton looks in very bad shape on the canvas. He's being attended to by officials. It was a perfect, wicked left hand from Pacquiao.
Hatton is now sitting up.
The end comes at 2:59 of round number two.
Manny Pacquiao just keeps getting better and better. He is a fantastic fighter. What is amazing is that he's actually getting stronger as he climbs in weight. And remember, he's 30 and turned pro at 106 pounds.
Watching replays. Hatton was wide open for the left. His head was way up in the air, totally exposed for Pac Man. The Mayweather Jr.-Pacquiao fight now has to be made.
Ricky Hatton is unable to conduct the post-fight interview. Walking back to his dressing room, he still looks a bit wobbly. Someone from his entourage is putting his hand over the HBO camera to obscure the view.
Click here to see all of The Neutral Corner's coverage of the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight.
Click to see photos from the fight, and previous Manny Pacquiao fights and training
AP photo
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