Talks of who’s the best and who’ll knock one another down ends tomorrow.
Because on May 3 (Sunday, May 2 Saturday in U.S.), one man will stand tall after the 12-round International Boxing Organization junior lightweight bout between our very own Manny Pacquiao and Briton defending champion Ricky “Hitman” Hatton.
Oscar dela Hoya, the futureboxing Hall of Famer, whom Pacquiao destroyed during their December non-title bout last year, predicted a victory by Hatton just within 12 rounds.
Photo taken when I interviewed him one-on-one in 2004 in Ortigas, Pasig City.
Dela Hoya, who in his prime has been called the “Golden Boy’, believes Hatton has all the tools, the speed and the strength to counter Pacquiao’s noted lefty and speed as well.
But having covered Pacquiao during his super flyweight and flyweight days when I was still a sportswriter, I’m glad to have seen the Pac-Man progress from being a mere aggressive attacker, to someone, who has improved tremendously with his hand speed and footwork.
And though Hatton would more likely be weighing around 154 pounds come fight time, Pacquiao has developed enough body muscles to parry whatever punches the Briton might be throwing at him.
One thing certain, that Pacquiao’s place in international boxing history has long been cemented, thanks to his classic wins over Erik Morales, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Dela Hoya.
But a victory over Hatton, the proud Briton, would bring more rejoicing all over the Philippines.
And his victory would once again put the Philippines in the map of the world.
Mabuhay ka Manny! We’re proud of you!