Three KOs’ a charm.

Pacquiao has really bolstered the path in becoming a boxing legend after knocking out Ricky Hatton.  With consecutive wins and 2 straight wins from bigger guys, Pacquiao has definitely more than put the Philippines in the world map.  He has gained a worldwide respect from boxing critics and fans.  Pacquiao with a record of 49-3-2, 37 knockouts supposedly earned $12 million for the fight, while Hatton (45-2) was paid $8 million.

The pound-for-pound contender Hatton was knocked down twice during the first round.  It quickly quieted a boisterous crowd of 16,262 at the MGM Grand arena, we know how loud the Brits can cheer.  Many of them flew from England to sing and chant Hatton’s praises.  The first knockdown was from a thundering right of Pacman, one that he has developed brilliantly through the help of his trainer Freddie Roach.  Opponents have a hard time reading where Pacquiao will be coming from since he has become an ambidextrous boxer.

Referee Kenny Bayless rushed to Hatton’s side and started counting.  By number 8, Hatton was back on his feet, still startled by the blow.  He tried to buy time.  Pacquiao knocked him out again with 11 seconds left.  Pacman could have gone for the kill before the staggering Hatton lost his footing.  But like a self-assured king of the jungle, he stepped back and circled his prey, knowing that there’s a perfect time to attack the jugular.  He let the 1^st round pass (A collective sigh of relief of advertisers, PPV sellers and buyers and boxing fans can be heard from East to West).

At the start of the 2^nd round, Hatton looked unfazed by the first round.  Hatton was on the offensive, remembering his brawling style.  He became re-energized a bit.  He kept charging at Pacquiao trying to return the favor.  A seasoned athlete, Pacquiao stick to their game plan even with Hatton’s wild advances.  He threw a flurry of punches with precision that left the Hitman helpless.  Pacquiao’s speed left him confused. 

Image Source: Dave Thompson/PA www.guardian.co.uk

Hatton probably thought Manny would target his body and left his head wide open.  He threw a punch to where Manny’s face was supposed to be, only to have his knuckles kiss the wind.  Manny dodged and released a left hook, the moneymaker, and it landed squarely on Hatton’s jaw.  Hatton lay motionless on the canvass.  2:59 of the 2^nd round, the fight was over.

Pacman threw 73 punches in 2 rounds against Hatton’s 18?  The 2 rounds of Pacquiao v. Hatton were more exciting for me than the 9 rounds of Pacquiao v. Dela Hoya.  I saw the aggression from Hatton at the start of the 2^nd round but unfortunately Pacquiao has already sized him up. 

Pacquiao sealed the deal of being the best pound-for-pound boxer Saturday night with this stunning performance.  That left hook that separated Hatton from his senses is a dynamite of a punch and it exploded right at the target area where it’s supposed to hit.  He is not only skillful, he is a smart boxer.  He knows where the weak spots are and targets it.  His increasing speed and accuracy make him an unbeatable title holder.

On the same day Mayweather announced his return to the ring with a July 18 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez. 

Do we see a Pacquiao versus Mayweather fight at the end of the year?  How about a Marquez next year?

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