In my last post, I didn't really get into detail about the fight. After all, that's why we were in Vegas (partially). Going into this fight, I wasn't really rooting for anyone. I'm a fan of Manny, but I knew what Hatton was capable of and he's no slouch. 
It all started with the weigh-in at MGM. I was expecting a huge turn out for PacMan, but it wasn't even close. It was probably 75% Hatton fans. It was intimidating to be surrounded by all these Hatton fans, hyped up on booze and pride for their fighter. Any attempt to cheer for Manny was drowned out by the blaring horns, banging drums, and chants of "There's only one - Ricky Hat-ton!"
We purchased tickets to closed circuit at Mandalay, which is basically watching the fight on pay-per view in an arena, on a huge 4 sided screen with other people. This time it was majority Manny fans, so imagine the the atmosphere when Manny got the KO. The whole crowd erupted while strangers high-fived each other. Everyone had the "euugh" face. It was a wrap. I don't think anyone expected it to end that quick. I personally thought Hatton was going to be Manny's toughest opponent to date. I was telling Keen that Manny made Hatton look like he had no business stepping in the ring that night.
I think right now, in the sport boxing, it's safe to say that we're in the Pacquiao era. Bob Arum, Manny's promoter who has worked with Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Duran, Hagler, stated that, "[Ali] was a great great fighter, but there has never been a fighter with the same combination of speed and explosive power as Manny."
With Mayweather out of retirement, I think it's obvious that everyone wants to see that match-up. Anytime ANYONE has asked me who I think would win that fight, my stance has always been that Mayweather will beat Pacquiao by decision. Everyone likes to make the point that it took Floyd 10 rounds to finish Hatton, but if you think about it, the quick KO isn't Mayweather's game. After seeing the Hatton fight though, I think Manny has the best chance of anyone to give Floyd his first defeat. He's clearly a whole nother beast from before.
itll be both manny and floyd's toughest fight to date. the thing that manny has is floyd is on his way to the end of his career. it MIGHT slow him down enough for manny to catch him. the fucked up part is that if manny does beat him, everyone will say that exact same shit that floyd is getting old, but if he loses its an i told you so kinda thing. but word on the street is that money may wants a bigger cut than manny, so mr. arum aint in a rush to do anything yet. but cotto is a top rank fighter and might make for an easier fight arrangement...pac vs. cotto? hmmmm...
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