Ricky Hatton is back out in Las Vegas preparing for another crack at the pound-for-pound title.
In the build-up to May 2 you can follow the Hitman's every move with his exclusive fight diary on skysports.com.
Scroll down for Ricky's latest entry as we take you right behind the scenes...
Head-to-head: Ricky reckons he beats Manny
Wednesday, April 30
First thing this morning it was the usual run around Sunser Park, then back home for a breakfast.
Today was a big day in the grand scheme of things - the big head-to-head press day where I get to meet Manny Pacquiao again.
I have been watching Manny on 24/7 and the like, and he seems to be a genuinely nice guy.
I know the so-called experts have got me down as the underdog, but I am sure they aren't seeing the same fight as I am.
Ricky Hatton
Quotes of the week
MGM Grand, Las Vegas
Saturday, May 2
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But come Saturday all the niceties will be put to one side when we meet in the centre of the ring, just the two of us.
I really don't see this fight going the distance, I just see an exciting fight and I see myself winning it.
I know the so-called experts have got me down as the underdog, but I am sure they aren't seeing the same fight as I am.
After the press conference - which was live on Sky Sports News - I went back to the apartment to rest, have a meal and then a massage.
Then I signed a few autographs for the merchandisers. One of the items is a Union Jack suit that I wore for a photo-shoot with The Sun newspaper in front of the famous Las Vegas sign.
After the fight, I will be auctioning the suit off for the Help for Heroes charity; I want to raise some money for the lads and lasses in our armed forces because they protect our country and do us proud.
Comments (12)
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Jacob Matthews says...
This definetly should not be billed as a match for the 'pound for pound' title. That would imply that Hatton has won various belts at various weights, beating good champs along the way, which he hasn't. Ricky Hatton can play in the premier league, but as Mayweather showed, he is not champions league material. Since that fight he looked awful agaisnt Lazcano and beat the one handed Malignaggi, which does not count. As for the "size" and "strength" difference, Manny weighed in at 143 for the oscar fight and has never looked so sharp, so there is not a real difference. Any doubters I invite you to watch the Oscar fight then straight away watch the Malignaggi fight. Then you'll know. Manny to win on points OR by TKo in round ten
Posted 18:08 30th April 2009
Graham Bluebeer says...
its definately a close match up, but, although i hate to say it i think manny's superior speed combined with his superior boxing skills will win this fight. Manny has beaten (badly) some of the greats of the sport...and has out classed them each time, by hitting and not geting hit. i see combinations in ricky face all night to be honest the other thing, if hatton was to win, then i dont see why hes saying he will be P4P king?!, hatton is currently outside the top 10, so by beating the number 1 he will move up yes, but his one fight achievement dosnt justify number 1,manny go there by NEVER mentioning he deserves it, after all, its a title given by the pundits, and by continuously beating the best.....damn, it took pacman whooping De la hoyas butt to get there!! so really it should naturally go to the number 2 in marquez. so i hope hatton wins, but it wont mean he P4P champ
Posted 18:02 30th April 2009
Robert Sunners says...
My two favourite boxers in the world right now go toe-to-toe on Saturday, but I can only see one winner. Manny has amazing hand speed that will no doubt get him a few rounds but I can't see Ricky being hurt by him. Hatton in the ninth, all the best to Ricky, don't know how you're managing to understand a word Floyd says!
Posted 18:02 30th April 2009
David Cross says...
Go get him ricky, You will do us proud as always and knock him out in 5, His speed will count for nothing when there aint any power behind it. After this simple win you can have another crack at mayweather. Good luck.
Posted 17:33 30th April 2009
Lee Gresham says...
Manny won his first world title in the Flyweight division and he is now fighting at Junior Welterweight. Even in defeat, Manny would still be a better pound for pound fighter compared to Hatton who has struggled badly when moving up a weight division. To be the best pound for pound fighter Hatton will have to win this fight and then move back up for a rematch with Mayweather.
Posted 16:15 30th April 2009
John Baker says...
I just wanted to know why this is being billed as fighting for the right to be called the P4P best. Pacman is considered the P4P best but if Ricky does beat him, he does not automatically become the P4P champ. The ratings do not work like that. What a Ricky win will do is propel him up the rankings but it wont make him the champ. Marquez will probably take over at the top if Pacman loses. I am sure Ricky doesnt mean he will become P4P champ, he is just using it to drum up interest.
Posted 15:43 30th April 2009
Stephen Crawford says...
Wat a fight this is going to be, There so like each other, explosive, powerful, heart like a lion, and proud of their countries. I dont think this is going to be about boxing skills, I think its going to be about who wants it more. The whole world is in for a real treat. But come on hitman do it for britain, we all believe u can do it . :)
Posted 15:15 30th April 2009
Rob Harris says...
Best of luck for Saturday Ricky, prove the doubters wrong and bring home the P4P title. Have a few Guiness for me to celebrate afterwards!!
Posted 14:33 30th April 2009
Michael Dawson says...
I'm afraid Hatton is too big and strong for Manny. I love manny hes my favourite boxer, but I know Hatton will do England proud and be p4p king!
Posted 13:31 30th April 2009
Sean Orr says...
Will Manny handle Ricky's body punches? Will Ricky handle Manny devilish fast hands...All set up for a classic....no running or hiding just war ...
Posted 12:57 30th April 2009
Bobby Mills says...
Hatton to take PacMan to school. Hatton in round 8
Posted 12:53 30th April 2009
Jon Estasy says...
I've been a long time supporter of yours Ricky! There aren't too many great GB boxers left fighting now other than yourself, Khan and Haye. Go get'im (Pac Man) and show all the doubters just why you're called "The Hitman"!! I'll be watching on the edge of my seat screaming at the tele as always! ;-)
Posted 12:30 30th April 2009
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