Pacquiao vs. Hatton - An Early Statistical Look

[Dave Rado]

LOL at the resume comparison, Pacquiao's trumps Hatton's.

Well obviously it does, that's why he's P4P #1. But Hatton still has one of the best divisional résumés in boxing today, and it is irrationally downplayed by many.

Tszyu and Castillo were both ranked in The Ring's P4P top 10 at the time of their fights with Hatton. Tszyu was ranked #3, Castillo was ranked #9. Tszyu had come back from his lay-off the previous year, when he knocked out Sharmba Mitchell in 3 rounds and won The Ring's "comeback of the year" award - he did not fight Hatton in his comeback fight.

Hatton has been The Ring and Lineal champion for four years; every fight he's had at the weight since winning the championship has been against someone ranked in the top 10 at the weight; and two defences have been against the no. 1 contender. And he's beaten two P4P fighters. There are very few divisional champions with a record to touch his.

[Ch@mpBox@PR]

That was my first impression as well. It seemed pretty strange that Manny has more power when he has only faced Oscar over 135lbs. and Hatton has the edge in KO-%. 68% to 70%. You can make the case for Manny facing better opposition over that period, but Hatton has KO'd guys in a higher weight class than Manny has fought in all but one fight. So the edge definitely lies with Ricky in power.

Another thing is the fan base/popularity. How do they figure Manny has an edge there? How many fans does Hatton have to bring across the pond to sew that one up? 50k?

All in all, I know that it is natural to have Pacquiao as the favorite but by the way this column is written, you would have to believe that Ricky has no chance to win this thing. I happen to dissagree with that assesment wholeheartedly. Hatton has a great shot to pull off this mini-upset and I would not be suprised at all if he does.

-Peace, Chase.

Numbers dont tell the hole story buddy, and Hatton last KO was against Maussa. Pacquioa has KOd way better opposition and in numerous weight classes.

The chin comparison is ridiculous, Pacquiaos chin>>>>>>>>>Hattons chin by far.

The only categories I see Hatton have a advantage is strength and body punching!!!!!!!!

[WESS]

That was my first impression as well. It seemed pretty strange that Manny has more power when he has only faced Oscar over 135lbs. and Hatton has the edge in KO-%. 68% to 70%. You can make the case for Manny facing better opposition over that period, but Hatton has KO'd guys in a higher weight class than Manny has fought in all but one fight. So the edge definitely lies with Ricky in power.

Another thing is the fan base/popularity. How do they figure Manny has an edge there? How many fans does Hatton have to bring across the pond to sew that one up? 50k?

All in all, I know that it is natural to have Pacquiao as the favorite but by the way this column is written, you would have to believe that Ricky has no chance to win this thing. I happen to dissagree with that assesment wholeheartedly. Hatton has a great shot to pull off this mini-upset and I would not be suprised at all if he does.

-Peace, Chase.

Good link. in ya sig. pertaining Joe Calzaghe fighting Roy Jones Jr back in 03.

"But I know my capabilities and unless I got paid the crown ***els I wouldn't want to risk it."

That's the story of Calzaghe's career......

You might get RED K from some die hard Calzaghe fans that ignore some of his "truthful" comments. Anyway he did beat Jones, he just waited until Tarver ended his career. Its all good though......

Its like this........As I always have said and as Calzaghe felt himself. Anyone before 2003-04 couldn't touch Jones. FACT! But good on Joe he will make it into the HOF for 20 successful defenses and being undefeated...........

and that's about it......

No hate.....

[Chase8400]

No, they would say Hatton was over-rated, or that Pac is better at higher weight divisions than they thought he was, or a mixture of both. It's obvious to anyone with half a brain that Hatton is still either at or close to his peak.

But you will look ****** if it is a close, competitive fight, even if Pacquiao wins it.

Hey Dave,
As a full on Hatton fan, I will go on record testifying that Hatton is 100%, no doubt about it, IN HIS PRIME. I will have NO excuses as I did for Roy Jones, who I thought would put up more resistence against Calzaghe. Aside from a horrible ref job as was the case in Hatton-Mayweather, I will give Manny full credit no matter how he wins. Hatton has everything needed to be victorious and it will be an acomplishment for anyone to beat him at this phase in his career. -Testimonial.

[PapaBricks]

Hatton's last legit KO was Carlos Maussa in 2005. Castillo took a dive and Malignaggi was stopped by his corner.

Pacquiao's chin has stood up against everyone he fought from 122 up. Hatton has been down a few times. He was almost stopped against Collazo in the final round. He was hurt by Lozcano. He was Mayweather's first KO since Gatti. I could give Pacquiao the slight nod on chin.

Mayweather didnt KO Gatti the ref corner stopped it..If you count that as a KO than you have to count what he did against Sharmba Mitchell as his latest KO before Hatton

[Pullcounter]

pac trumps hatton in most categories, but hatton is stronger and if hatton makes the fight physcial, it will negate many of pac's advantages. in fact that's the only way hatton can win... even though he says he wants to jab and box.

[celtic tiger]

sori but them stats are b s**t

[grandres]

those stats are bull****! and im not sorry!

[Chase8400]

Numbers dont tell the hole story buddy, and Hatton last KO was against Maussa. Pacquioa has KOd way better opposition and in numerous weight classes.

Better than Kostya Tszyu? Surely not. Maybe on par, but nobody Manny has beaten is any better or any more dominant than Tszyu was. And as far as numbers go, yes you are right. Numbers don't tell the whole story, but they are still an aspect of the story that cannot be overlooked. Numbers are 'fact'. Most everything else is opinion. If you want to deal with Hatton's last literal KO and forget all about the Castillo destruction and thorough beating he gave Mallignaggi, I will enlighten you on how many actual KO's both fighters have on their records. That means 10 counts, not stoppages or corner retirements. Pacquiao-11 Hatton-15. I hope I've made my point this time.

The chin comparison is ridiculous, Pacquiaos chin>>>>>>>>>Hattons chin by far.

Okay, just so we are on the right page. Manny has a stronger chin because Hatton was stopped by the P4P best in the sport? You do realize that Manny was stopped by 2 journeyman fighters below 120lbs, right? That was an ill-advised comment about the 'chin' thing.

The only categories I see Hatton have a advantage is strength and body punching!!!!!!!!

At least we both agree on those aspects.

Pack a lunch if ya wana debate with me again.

[Chase8400]

Mayweather didnt KO Gatti the ref corner stopped it..If you count that as a KO than you have to count what he did against Sharmba Mitchell as his latest KO before Hatton

LOL, by that logic, Hatton was not a KO either. Just thought you might benefit from the correct knowledge.