Will Hatton's Hammers Be Enough to Pound Pacquiao?

Will Hatton's Hammers Be Enough to Pound Pacquiao? Posted: 2009-04-24-23:00 BY: Dan Horgan Manchester native Ricky Hatton's best chance of beating Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao on May 2 is by overpowering the southpaw with robust punches -- and lots of them. The only question is if Hatton's heavy hands will be enough to thwart Pacquiao's incredible skill-set and athletic prowess. Hatton is, undoubtedly, a bigger man than Pacquiao. "The Hitman" has spent his entire career at 140 pounds, with a few trips seven pounds north to fight for welterweight titles. Conversely, Pacquiao has spent the better part of his career fighting between 112 and 126 pounds. Only four years ago did "Pacman" move up to 130 pounds, and only eleven months ago did he first fight at 135 pounds. Pacquiao's first fight above 140 pounds came against Oscar De La Hoya just four-and-a-half months ago. Hatton is one of the strongest 140-pound fighters in the world. He 32 has knockouts amidst his 45 wins, and his busy, heavy hands wear down his opponents throughout twelve-round fights. Hatton lacks one-punch knockout power, but his consistent attack weakens his foes slowly but surely. So the result of May 2nd's clash will largely be decided on Hatton's ability to punish Pacquiao enough over the course of twelve rounds to leave Pacquiao susceptible to a knockout. If Hatton can get to Pacquiao's body early, he could slow the pound-for-pound king to the point where he can't escape incoming blows. If Hatton wears Pacquiao down, the Brit's size and strength will play a big factor in the later rounds when Hatton is going for the knockout victory. Hatton will likely need a KO win because Pacquiao is faster and more skilled. Hatton’s game plan will revolve around taking away that speed and skill through laborious punishment throughout the fight.