Popular English boxer Ricky Hatton of England will be in for a big surprise as Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao is expected to dance around him in the early rounds to neutralize his aggressive stance and then finish him in the later rounds
Ricky Hatton must change his old outdated boxing style if he wants to stay longer in the ring and survive Pacquiao’s power punches in the early rounds. If Hatton decides to fight using his bull style trade mark, he will be in trouble as Pacquiao will finish him in the early rounds.
Hatton is known to be an offensive boxer. He will carry his full power to his opponent without hesitation and he is likely to succeed if his opponent’s defense is weak. Hatton is expected to immediately cross the center line, release his full punching power and hope that his punches hit the target. In his previous fights, particularly in his bout with Floyd Mayweather, Jr he did not attempt to make any adjustment on his fighting style. His style is predictable and Mayweather knew it.
Ricky Hatton won over Paulie Malignaggi in his most recent fight because Malignaggi’s defenses were weak. There was hardly any effort from Malignaggi to counter Hatton’s aggressive stance. If Hatton is given a slightest chance by his opponent to penetrate his defenses, he will grab that opportunity to deliver his whole arsenal without let up. That is his proven fighting trademark.
In his most anticipated fight with Manny Pacquiao, he will get a surprise of his life as Pacquiao is expected to quickly switch to a new fighting style to address any changes in Hatton offense. But initially Pacquiao is expected to dance around him in early rounds.
Any change in Hatton’s fighting style, will make him vulnerable to Pacquiao’s power and speed. A change in fighting style for any boxer is always a difficult and arduous task. It takes years of practice to adapt to a certain fighting stance. If Hatton decides to change his fighting style to address Pacquiao’s speed and power at this time, not to mention his being a southpaw, Hatton will become a willing victim of Pacquiao. Changing or adapting to a new boxing stance to address a certain and known boxing style of his opponent, take many months or even years to perfection. And Hatton does not have the luxury of time.
In the case of Pacquiao, his trainer, Freddie Roach has made long-term changes in Pacquiao’s boxing style. Among others, Roach was successful in converting Pacquiao’s right hand into a powerful punching weapon that almost surpassed the natural power of his left hand. Roach was also successful in developing Pacquiao from a less defensive fighter to one of the most skillful and offensive boxers that he is today.
As Roach said in an interview by boxing reporters, ‘Speed kills…’ Indeed, Roach patience and creativity paid off for his favorite ward. Through more than eight years of their association as boxer and trainer, Roach has been successful in his efforts to capitalize on Pacquiao’s power and speed. He made necessary adjustments to enhance these powerful and valuable assets.
If Hatton insists on his outdated boxing style, Pacquiao will finish him earlier than expected.
Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Ricky Hatton of England will clash on May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
