Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton Is Too Big to Fail

As long as Floyd Mayweather is retired and Wladimir Klitschko and Vitali Klitschko obey their mother's command not to fight each other, there is exactly one boxing match that could possibly garner major mainstream media attention in 2009: Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton would be a wonderful fight matching two of the best boxers in the world, both of whom can draw in the United States and are huge stars in their own countries. Simply put, Pacquiao vs. Hatton is, like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, too big to fail.

And yet all indications are that negotiations for getting this fight done have failed because Pacquiao wants at least 60% of the revenue and Hatton won't take less than half. Just look at the headlines:

Pacquiao-Hatton on Brink of Collapse (Los Angeles Times)

Superfight Off as Filipino Walks Out (Telegraph)

Pacman-Hatton Bout Off (Manila Times)

Manny Wants $13 Million, Arum Fears Fight Canceled (Philippines Star)

Although the difference between a 60-40 split and a 50-50 split represents several million dollars, I still believe this fight is going to happen because it's too big to fail: It's big enough that even if one boxer or the other agrees to less than favorable terms, he'll be getting more money than he'd get against any other opponent. This fight has to happen.

More thoughts at FightOpinion.com.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-21-2009 @ 3:07PM

joseph bugado said...

pacquio should get 60 per cent of the take hatton lucky he can get this fight and make some money where can you go and fight and makes millions of dollars ok ricky hatton fight manny pacquiao now dont be scared it not the money it the pride but i think hatton no more chance with manny hatton going get licking

1-21-2009 @ 3:22PM

bnorris220 said...

Make it simple...let the winner get 60% of the proceeds. Then, we can find out who is really confident and willing to sign. The motivation would make for a great fight. Just my take.

1-21-2009 @ 3:50PM

chilco said...

Hatton is a great fighter with absolutely NO chance of beating Manny. He will receive the beating of a lifetime, which should be enough to pay for his extended hospital care and convalescent care.
My advice is to drink lots of ale and play darts at the pub.

1-21-2009 @ 4:14PM

Jason Elliott said...

Boxing sucks now. I am a huge fan. There are no true champions just a bunch of really good fighters.

1-21-2009 @ 4:42PM

joaquin said...

Ricky Hatton would be toast. Pac Man is just too much. He destroyed De La Hoya. He is just too good. But, Ricky don't lose that numba.....

1-21-2009 @ 5:32PM

v7 said...

I'm sorry but I think, Manny Pacquiao is more popular than this so-named Ricky Hatton. After beating Dela Hoya in the last fight, Manny is worth what he is asking for. And once this Hatton fights Manny, THEN he can command a bigger payout.

1-21-2009 @ 5:44PM

donbishop1008 said...

Jason Elliott i agree boxing nowa days sucks. Floyd Mayweather (My favorite Fighter) Best Fighter in the WORLD should come out of retirement & fight Pac Man. Dela Hoya is Old, any credible fighter can beat Oscar.

1-21-2009 @ 6:49PM

adesantisabc said...

Hatton does not even deserve a shot at manny he got KNOCK OUT against Floyd Mayweather. Hatton is a bum who has fought not one great fighting with an acception of Mayweather.

1-21-2009 @ 7:18PM

davidegarcia19 said...

How about Cotto and Pacquiao? That should make a better fight!

1-21-2009 @ 9:01PM

jmandsonspaint said...

bnorris220 has it right. Whatever the gate and pay per-view take is would be split with 60% going to the winner of the fight. 70% if one of the fighters is knocked out before the 5th round. They have incentive clauses in football and baseball why not boxing. Imagine if it was a winner take all deal. That would be a fight.

1-22-2009 @ 12:09AM

fpparcutilo said...

I agree man!!! If both of them dont agree to what they want?!..then winner take it all then!! or
winner take 60% and losser take 40%.

1-22-2009 @ 9:01PM

kalam007 said...

For those who didn't know Pacquiao just agreed to the 52-48 deal as of early this morning.
go to pacland to confirm this news

1-25-2009 @ 7:57AM

CONGRATULATIONS! said...

On May 2,its just gonna be Hatton and Pacquiao inside the ring.Both of their guts ,skills,punching power will be tested.Winning a boxing match likethis is not measured by nationality and what country of origin did the fighter come from.Come May 2nd,Ricky Hatton balls will be tested not by words not by arrogance not by audacity but by heart.We will see what you have on May 2 Ricky!

1-25-2009 @ 11:49AM

Andra said...

well with hattens last showing and trying to adopt a new style this late in his career he will be easy pickings far a superfighter.

1-25-2009 @ 5:25PM

lyfesaga said...

HOW ABOUT COTTO VS PAUL WILLIAMS OR COTTO VS BERTO
MOSLEY VS WILLIAMS OR MOSLEY VS BERTO LETS GET A UNIFICATION OF THE TITLES THESE DOES ANYONE AGREE ON THESE FIGHTS