Ricky Hatton insists that Manny Pacquiao's best hopes of beating Oscar De La Hoya will come in the later rounds.
Hitman expecting close contest between De La Hoya and Pacquiao
Ricky Hatton insists that Manny Pacquiao's best hopes of beating Oscar De La Hoya will come in the later rounds - but only if the Golden Boy tires.
De La Hoya and Pacquiao clash in the 'Dream Match' at the MGM Grand on Saturday - with light-welterweight king Hatton hoping to face the winner.
The fight sees four-weight world champion - and undisputed pound-for-pound King - Pacquiao step up two divisions to fight De La Hoya. In turn the Golden Boy, who has won world titles at six weights, is dropping down to the 147lbs limit after campaigning largely at light-middleweight and middleweight since 2001.
And Hatton insists that the fact both fighters are having to move out of their comfort zones to fight at welterweight means that the bout is too close to call.
"It's an interesting one really, because there's a case to be made for both," he said. "Oscar's coming down in weight, so he might be a little drained.
"Manny might not be big enough. Oscar could tire after seven rounds, and if he does Manny could come on in the later rounds."
Footwork
Although Hatton believes Pacquiao's best chance could come in the later rounds, he knows the Filipino will first have to find a way past De La Hoya's fearsome jab.
"Is Manny good enough to get across that left jab because of the height and reach?" he said.
"But one thing Manny does have is very fast feet and very good footwork. Maybe he has got the footwork to get past that jab.
"It's a tough one to pick, but if I had to, I'd say either Oscar by knockout in the first six rounds, or Manny by points."
Hatton will be an interested spectator in Las Vegas, with the Hitman hoping to secure a showdown with the winner.
"Oscar's said that he would love to come to England," Hatton added. "He's never fought in England and he's said it's something he'd like to do before he hangs his gloves up.
"But Manny Pacquiao could move down and challenge me for my world title if he were to win."
