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"I know people really talk that fight up, and are really excited about it happening, but I actually think that though people are talking about it as one of the biggest fights of all time, it could actually be an anti-climax because it could be a wide points decision for Floyd over Manny.”
Ricky Hatton, the former two weight world champion, who now oversees a stable of boxers as promoter from his Manchester gym, told The Telegraph in an exclusive interview yesterday that he believes the much-touted Manny Pacquiao v Floyd Mayweather Jnr match-up "could be an anti-climax because it could easily be a wide points decision for Floyd over Manny".
Hatton, who fought both men regarded as the leading two pound-for-pound fighters in the world today, and lost to both, also weighed in on the controversial result of the Manny Pacquiao – Juan Manuel Marquez fight in Las Vegas 11 days ago, insisting that he saw Marquez as the winner “by about two rounds.”
Controversially perhaps, Hatton told The Telegraph: “I thought Manny had problems with Marquez’s style and maybe he would always have problems with that style. Pacquiao is a pure fighter. On the strength of that contest and performance, it is hard to see how Manny would beat Floyd Mayweather if they actually ever meet in a ring."
"I know people really talk that fight up, and are really excited about it happening, but I actually think that though people are talking about it as one of the biggest fights of all time, it could actually be an anti-climax because it could be a wide points decision for Floyd over Manny.”
Hatton had fulsome praise for Amir Khan – awarded the British Boxing Board of Control's 'Fighter of The Year' on Sunday night at a glittering gala ceremony at the Novotel, Hammersmith, London – whom Hatton believes has the style to make a fair challenge against Floyd Mayweather Jnr. There has been speculation that Khan may face Mayweather in 2012.
Hatton also insisted that British fans should take note of the impressive improvements made by Khan, the WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion, and believes he may have the style to trouble the American welterweight. “You really have to marvel at how much Amir has come on since he lost to Breidis Prescott three years ago. He has become a formidable boxer. Amir has that in-out style which could give Mayweather problems."
"Floyd likes fighters coming straight at him and Amir has the style to challenge Floyd. I’m not saying he would beat Floyd but I think he has a good chance against him. Floyd has that style like James Degale, who looks like a world beater when someone’s coming at him. I’m a huge fan of Amir and how much hard work he has put into his career in to trying to get to the top of the sport.”
Hatton does not believe that Khan would ever step into a ring against Pacquiao, however. "I think you can see that they are close friends, they have the same trainer, and it would be a very difficult step to take. I just don't see it."
Hatton also added that in the 18-month period after losing to Pacquiao before announcing his retirement, he had been tempted to fight Oscar de la Hoya at Wembley Stadium. “We talked about that fight and I was really tempted because I know we could have sold the place out twice over, but deep inside, hard as it was for me to admit, I knew my career was over.”
Hatton, who fought both men regarded as the leading two pound-for-pound fighters in the world today, and lost to both, also weighed in on the controversial result of the Manny Pacquiao – Juan Manuel Marquez fight in Las Vegas 11 days ago, insisting that he saw Marquez as the winner “by about two rounds.”
Controversially perhaps, Hatton told The Telegraph: “I thought Manny had problems with Marquez’s style and maybe he would always have problems with that style. Pacquiao is a pure fighter. On the strength of that contest and performance, it is hard to see how Manny would beat Floyd Mayweather if they actually ever meet in a ring."
"I know people really talk that fight up, and are really excited about it happening, but I actually think that though people are talking about it as one of the biggest fights of all time, it could actually be an anti-climax because it could be a wide points decision for Floyd over Manny.”
Hatton had fulsome praise for Amir Khan – awarded the British Boxing Board of Control's 'Fighter of The Year' on Sunday night at a glittering gala ceremony at the Novotel, Hammersmith, London – whom Hatton believes has the style to make a fair challenge against Floyd Mayweather Jnr. There has been speculation that Khan may face Mayweather in 2012.
Hatton also insisted that British fans should take note of the impressive improvements made by Khan, the WBA and IBF light-welterweight champion, and believes he may have the style to trouble the American welterweight. “You really have to marvel at how much Amir has come on since he lost to Breidis Prescott three years ago. He has become a formidable boxer. Amir has that in-out style which could give Mayweather problems."
"Floyd likes fighters coming straight at him and Amir has the style to challenge Floyd. I’m not saying he would beat Floyd but I think he has a good chance against him. Floyd has that style like James Degale, who looks like a world beater when someone’s coming at him. I’m a huge fan of Amir and how much hard work he has put into his career in to trying to get to the top of the sport.”
Hatton does not believe that Khan would ever step into a ring against Pacquiao, however. "I think you can see that they are close friends, they have the same trainer, and it would be a very difficult step to take. I just don't see it."
Hatton also added that in the 18-month period after losing to Pacquiao before announcing his retirement, he had been tempted to fight Oscar de la Hoya at Wembley Stadium. “We talked about that fight and I was really tempted because I know we could have sold the place out twice over, but deep inside, hard as it was for me to admit, I knew my career was over.”
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