Speed and power will overcome Pacquiao, Hatton says
Ricky Hatton planning aggressive tactics against Manny Pacquiao
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Tuesday, 24, Mar 2009 11:04
Power and speed are the assets Ricky Hatton feels will guide him to victory against Manny Pacquiao when the two boxers meet in Las Vegas on May 2nd.
The Mancunian will meet Pacquiao - dubbed the world's best pound-for-pound fighter - at the MGM Grand, the same venue where he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr - the only defeat on the British boxer's record.
But Hatton seems highly confident ahead of his fight with the Filipino light-welterweight a year and a half after that defeat.
Anticipating his strategy for the fight, the Hitman said: "Attack, attack and attack again. If you beat the pound-for-pound number one that is a statement.
"We are both very aggressive and both like to go forward but ultimately my size and power will be a factor."
He continued: "But it is not just a power thing, I'm working on my speed. I think they see me as a slow fighter and they will get a shock on the night just how fast I can be."
Pacquiao last victory in the ring came over Oscar De La Hoya last year, while Hatton defeated Paulie Malignaggi in November.
It was his first win under trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr, the father of the retired boxer who inflicted Hatton's only defeat in 46 fights.
The 30-year-old, whose eating and drinking habits between fights earlier in his career attracted criticism from some quarters, praised the progress he has made so far in his current training camp.
"I'm happy with the stage I am at but I just know my boxing ability, combination punches, jabbing and head movement is going to get so much better," said Hatton.