In news that should come as a surprise to absolutely no one, the Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton fight is back on, with two of the best and most popular boxers in the world ready to meet in the ring on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Hatton and Pacquiao had both indicated this week that the fight was off because they couldn't agree on a split of the revenue, but as we noted on Wednesday, Pacquiao vs. Hatton was just too big to fail.
It would have made no sense at all for either party to walk away from these negotiations, because as long as Floyd Mayweather is retired, neither boxer could make nearly as much money against another opponent as they can make against each other.
Promoter Bob Arum told ESPN that Pacquiao's guarantee of $12 million for the fight -- certainly more than he'd make against other potential opponents, who lack Hatton's drawing power -- will be enough to get the contract signed.
"Manny has assured me that he has signed the contract and was going to announce it to the Filipino press," Arum said. "I think everyone [on Pacquiao's negotiating team] finally came to the realization of where we are in the world and where this economy is."
Pacquiao is widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world, and he'll be favored to beat Hatton, who is the world junior welterweight champion. Hatton, however, will have the crowd on his side, as he's popular enough in his hometown that easily 10,000 people will travel from Manchester, England to Las Vegas to fill the MGM Grand to watch the biggest boxing match of the year.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Pacquiao versus Hatton is a great fight. I really like both fighters! However, I think Pacquiao has too much speed mixed with punching power for Hatton. Pacquiao stops Hatton in the eight.
Barrera, Marquez, De la Hoya and now Hatton. Pretty soon, Pacquiao will take over as CEO of Golden Boy Promotions.
next victim,ricky hatton. who ever wins 2nite will between mosley & margarito will be next fight 4 manny.
Morales,Barrera,Marquez,Diaz & de La Hoya, now Hatton, time for an English guy, still Manny will prevail.
Certainly we know who the victor will be. Despite the fact that during '08, every champion fell to their opponent. This is the return of them. Manny didn't flinch during the previous year, and this year will be his own. At least in front of Hatton, and until Mayweather returns. We'll see what goes on....
i want to see pacquiao and mayweather fight to see who is the best pound for pound manny will be winniner
Episode 1
APRIL 11
Episode 2
APRIL 18 (10:00-10:30 p.m. - PST)
Episode 3
APRIL 25 (9:35-10:00 p.m. - PST)
Episode 4
MAY 1 (9:30-10:00 p.m. - PST) (the night before the fight)
http://pacquiao-vs-hatton.blogspot.com/2009/03/pacquiao-vs-hatton-247-schedules.html