Dubai: The Philippines' Manny Pacquiao showed why he is rated the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by knocking down Britain's Ricky Hatton three times to win their much anticipated junior lightweight showdown in Las Vegas on Saturday.
In a fight that was seen as a matchup of two great fighters looking to cement their place in boxing history as the best pound-for-pound stars, Pacquiao totally outclassed his rival in 359 explosive seconds.
Hatton felt the full force of Pacquiao's speed and power as he suffered what was only the second defeat in his career and first at 140-pounds.
The Englishman's only loss came in 2007 when he moved up to welterweight and was stopped in the 10th round by US star Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Pacquiao improved to 49-3 with 37 knockouts against Hatton who dropped to 45-2 with 32 kayoes. He secured his place among boxing's top legends, adding the junior welterweight crown to past world titles at lightweight, super featherweight, junior featherweight, featherweight and flyweight.
The Filipino was in great form right from the first bell at the MGM Grand Arena; landing a high percentage of his power-packed combinations to get Hatton in all sorts of trouble.
Pacquiao sent the Englishman crashing to the canvas twice in an action-packed first round and then knocked the lights out of Hatton with a devastating right cross to the head with seconds remaining in round two.
Ringside doctors rushed to the aid of Hatton, who lay motionless on the canvas, However, he eventually recovered and was able to leave the ring unaided before being taken to hospital for a routine post-fight test.
"I am surprised this fight was so easy," said Pacquiao. "I did work hard in my training camp and it paid off. This is as big a victory for me as when I beat Oscar De La Hoya."
Pacquiao's trainer Freddy Roach, who had predicted a quick knockout by his fighter, said, "This is no shock at all. Hatton pumps his hands before he throws a punch, and it makes him a sucker for the right hook. Manny is a monster, he is the best fighter ever. There is no surprise here."
Both fighters are 30-years-old and were trying to cement their spot in ring history in the junior welterweight division, but it was Pacquiao who totally dominated his opponent from the first bell.
Hatton had no answer to the left-right combinations that the Filipino icon threw at him and twice hit the deck in one of the most explosive opening rounds of a boxing match.
Pacquiao then finished the fight with a thundering right to the jaw that floored the Briton.
"That was the best knockout punch I've ever seen," Pacquiao trainer, Roach, said. "It was the perfect shot. That rarely happens."
According to computer statistics, Pacquiao landed 73 of 127 punches in just under six minutes, including 34 of 53 power punches in the second round, while Hatton connected on only 18 of 78.
Pacquiao matched the all-time record by becoming a champion in his sixth different weight class by lifting Hatton's International Boxing Organisation junior welterweight world title after dispatching now-retired six-division champion Oscar de la Hoya.
Pacquiao will reportedly take home $12 million from the bout while Hatton was set for an $8 million-payday. Pay-per-view income alone for the megafight is believed to have crossed $40 million.
For Pacquiao, the future looks bright with a fight against Floyd Mayweather Jr already being talked about.
Hatton's trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. did not attend the postfight news conference, leaving co-trainer, Lee Beard, to do the talking.
"We knew about Manny's speed and that it could play a factor in the fight," Beard said. "What you saw was two rounds of action and Ricky got caught."
Your comments
wow!!! Manny you made it! Victory to all Filipinos!!! Mabuhay!
Aziza
Deira,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 15:27
what a great and thunder knockout punch i've ever seen in boxing history...CONGRATULATIONS MANNY!
Julius
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 15:16
With great pride and honor! Once again you made Filipinos Unite. Mabuhay Ka!
Vickoy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 15:14
wow pacman!!! again u made everyone proud. saludo kami saiyo. i am really an avid fan and i watch all ur games since the very start of ur career. keep it up kabayan... every pinoy all over the world is happy for u. u make pilipinoes proud to be pinoy... mabuhay k kabayan... malakas, matatag, may determinasyon, may tagumpay...
Rafiya Ahmad
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 14:45
this victory simply shows mannys 'fists does more of the talking. mayweather,think twice.
Jack
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 14:44
A humbling event for all other nations. A fighter of pure caliber. He is A FILIPINO! Cheers! Philippines.
Mac Alister Tuplano
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 14:27
Pacman I'm so proud of you. you made it again. keep up the good work.
Eduardo
malolos bulacan,Philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 13:57
It was a great fight, beware of the fighting skills of the Filipinos!!! Who's next... Congratulations Manny!
Raymond Christopher
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 13:40
We all had our jaws dropped starting on the first knockdown till the end of the match. Truly upset here but what can you or Our Hatton do when the opponent's as brilliant as Manny. Kudos to him. I have high respect for the Filipino warrior.
Ricky Stewart
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 13:26
pacquiao rocks! this is the only time Filipinos r truly united frm all walks of life. u made us all proud, how i wish my father has seen this fight...he's ur biggest fan! thanks PacMan for giving once again glory and honour to our countrymen! Long live Philippines!
Maruja
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 13:23
i just woke up at 5:00 am to see the fight and im happy he knock out hatton... i want to see the next fight
Clark B. Gasis
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 13:22
Your really great Pacman more power and God Bless u. Thanks for giving filipino people honor and pride to other country.
karen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 13:13
Congrats manny pacquiao. you are such an inspiration to all of us not just to filipino people but to all the people around the world. your perseverance plus your faith in Him are your winning factors. I salute you. congrats
Veronica
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:27
Congratulations Manny Paquiao!
We are very proud of you!
Mabuhay ang mga Filipino, Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!
Shey
Rashidiya,Dubai
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:26
Filipinos... Tough and Hard... a great Fighter! You stood for us. Manny!You're really such an amazing fighter!
Anna May
Deira,Dubai, UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:24
We are proud of you Pacman! You are the greatest fighter ever... Saludo kami sayo... Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy!!!
Dennis Olideles
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:23
Congratulations Manny! You made all Filipinos proud. I like your new song too played while you are being introduced, very patriotic! Mabuhay ang mga Filipino!
Hazel Kampitan
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:23
Everybody is surprised. You made it easy. Filipinos all over the world are uniting and cheering with your victory...We're very proud of you! keep up the good work''
Kabayan....Be one of us!
Mctemz
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:22
wow.... pacman really did it again.. really proud of you
Kathy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:19
Thank you very much keeping us proud here in abroud...
Jaydee Dungao
Dubai UAE,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:18
Manny proves that he is the "Real Deal" as the pound for pound king! Mabuhay ang Pinoy!
Eduard Daling
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:14
We're proud of you Manny!! you are a great man... You always raising up our flag in all nations. God Bless you always..
Jenkin
Pampanga,Philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:13
hurayyy.... we're so proud of you Manny: Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.your such a hero for our nation. imagine 2nd round? hu!
God bless you always and your family
Vangie F.
San Fernando,Philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:13
You made again the Filipino people standout among others!!! We are proud of you Manny Pacquiao. Mabuhay ka Manny,Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!!!!
Anthony Jones Nase
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:07
no doubt! filipino's are great warriors...not only in boxing but in different ways....we salute u pacman!!!!!!FILIPINO!!!!!! AHO! AHO! AHO!
Marlon
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 10:07
Well done Manny! I have been watching his fights for a long time. Manny is really a great fighter and moreover he is a very humble person.No doubt he is having talent but at the same time he worked very hard to achive this fame!
Shin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:56
The Best ka Manny! you prove that Filipino is Strong, Wise, Hard worker and most of all Undefeatable! I'm Proud to be a Filipino!
Dave
bulacan,Philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:52
We are proud of you Manny!!! Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy....Congrats...
Lito V.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:52
i can't really imagine how manny pacman reaches this stage.. proud to be Filipino..salamat pacman sa inspirasyon!!!god bless
Struck Demabildo
Cebu City,philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:52
No doubt Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao is the best ever pound for pound fighter in the whole boxing world!! You are definitely the People's Champ!!
Elmo
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:48
Congratulation Manny "pacman" Pacquiao, you made us proud, keep up the good work.. cheers
mabuhay ang Pilipino!!!!
Jo
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:40
Filipino again proves to be a world class. Thank you Manny and God Bless you always :)
Billy
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:39
Who's next? Better be ready Mayweather Jr... Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy!!!
Nard
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:38
Manny Pacquiao I'm proud to you...Youre the hero of Filipinos. CONGRATULATIONS ! ! !
Liberty Frane
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:35
Well done, Manny! You're really great! We are pretty much proud of you. Mabuhay!
Vic Roa
Macao,China
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:33
Pacquiao is a powerful man inside the ring. No one can beat him. Great job Pacquiao! What you have done is another honor for our country Philippines!
Celyn
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:26
Congrats manny! Proud to be Pinoy...
Jo
Manila,Philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:26
Another sensational stoppage by the Pacman..I'm pretty sure this fight will turn all the doubters of the Number 1 pound for pound boxer to believers! Mabuhay Manny and to all Filipinos..
Hats off to Team Pacquiao as well. They did a very lovely job.
F. Tena
Abu DHabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:21
i am very proud of what my countryman paquiao did no doubt he is the best pound for pound
Roberto Fajardo
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:20
Hurrah for Manny Pacquaio. Now it is clear. He remains Undefeated.
James Buntag
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:15
Congrats Manny the greatest Filipino Boxer all over the world! we're so proud of you! your the best Manny "Pacman"Pacquiao.. And to Ricky Hatton Congrats also.
Bisayakolikemanny
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:11
Pacquiao is really the best!
Maria
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:09
I've watched the fight... its really amazing. Pacman is a best boxer of all time.
Julliane
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:04
The best Manny Pacquiao.
Al Ghulam
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 09:00
That's for all the Filipinos!
Erma Layco
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:58
Viva Filipino! Once again his victory proved that we Filipinos are undefeatable fighters for the dignity of our nation. That's another remarkable battle. Mabuhay ka Pilipino!
Jun
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:51
Awsome! Knock-out in two rounds!
Noel Espiel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:47
Pacman rules!
Ricky de Guzman
Quezon City,Philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:46
Hoooray to Manny Pacquiao! Congratulations! No doubt from the start that you will fail us from winning on this fight.
Eileen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:44
Well done Pac-man.... Filipinos all over the world are cheering for you even more. Congratulations!
Junax
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:43
Thanks for bringing up our flag again Manny. Even our country has many problems you stopped all the worries and pains for this day! More power! Im a proud Kabayan!
Mhadzie
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:42
Pacquiao is really a great fighter.. Congrats.
Romel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:41
Congratulations Manny! You make me proud to be a Filipino.
Joel
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:38
Wow! That's incredible! We are very proud of you Pacman!
Lovelyn
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:34
For Manny Pacquiao, we Filipinos are proud you... Once again, you unite the Filipinos and give us pride with your triumph. Keep up the good work.
Wheng
Davao City,Philippines
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:33
I'm so proud of you Manny Pacquiao! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas. Mabuhay ang mga Pinoy. I'm Proud to be A Filipino.
Mark
Dubai,UAE
Posted: May 03, 2009, 08:26
