Manny Pacquiao's performance against Oscar De La Hoya was magnificent but De La Hoya was as shot as Freddie Roach, Pacquaio's trainer and De La Hoya's ex-trainer, predicted that he would be. In his most recent meaningful fights against top-notch opponents, I thought he lost in a very close fight against Juan Manuel Marquez and he wasn't at his best in a rematch against Marco Antonio Barrera. If Ricky Hatton can get to him like Marquez did, he could make it difficult for Pacquiao but I see Pacquiao's footwork and hand speed being too much for Hatton. As much as beating that version of De La Hoya was not an accurate barometer of Pacquiao, Hatton's victory over Paulie Malignaggi in his last fight was also illusory, his struggle against Juan Lazcano more indicative of Hatton's inevitable decline because of bad living. His bravery will not be enough in the face of so much precise punching and Pacquiao will win inside eight rounds.
I think Pacquiao is at his peak coming in to the fight this weekend. His speed and accuracy will put him over the top and he'll cement his spot as the sports pound-for-pound king. Prediction: Pacquiao over Hatton by KO in the 8th.
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