LONDON - England's world light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton believes he will emerge victorious over Filipino pugilist Manny Pacquiao in their world title bout in Las Vegas on May 2.
The 30-year-old Englishman met up with Pacquiao, who confirmed his status as the world's leading fighter with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar de la Hoya in 2008, in London on Monday for a friendlier meeting than can be expected of the fireworks when they face each other in May.
"My size and strength will be a key factor," Hatton told BBC Sport.
"Light welterweight is my weight division. I've never lost at 10 stone [63,5kg] and I'm brimming with confidence."
While Hatton admires his opponent, a four-weight world champion, he believes that the Filipino beat a De la Hoya who was on the decline.
"I know he beat Oscar de la Hoya, but Oscar wasn't that difficult to beat and outbox that night, I think I could have done an equally as good job, if not better," said Hatton, who has a record of 45 wins from 46 fights.
Pacquiao, also 30 and who owns a record of 48 wins and three losses from 53 fights, said he felt the same thrill about this fight than he had for when he fought de la Hoya. - Sapa-AFP
Hatton ready for Pacquiao
LONDON - England's world light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton believes he will emerge victorious over Filipino pugilist Manny Pacquiao in their world title bout in Las Vegas on May 2.
The 30-year-old Englishman met up with Pacquiao, who confirmed his status as the world's leading fighter with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar de la Hoya in 2008, in London on Monday for a friendlier meeting than can be expected of the fireworks when they face each other in May.
"My size and strength will be a key factor," Hatton told BBC Sport.
"Light welterweight is my weight division. I've never lost at 10 stone [63,5kg] and I'm brimming with confidence."
While Hatton admires his opponent, a four-weight world champion, he believes that the Filipino beat a De la Hoya who was on the decline.
"I know he beat Oscar de la Hoya, but Oscar wasn't that difficult to beat and outbox that night, I think I could have done an equally as good job, if not better," said Hatton, who has a record of 45 wins from 46 fights.
Pacquiao, also 30 and who owns a record of 48 wins and three losses from 53 fights, said he felt the same thrill about this fight than he had for when he fought de la Hoya. - Sapa-AFP
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