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Pacman wants Hatton.

05-01-2008 2:33pm

#1

dlofnep

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Manny Pacquiao has emerged as a possible opponent for Ricky Hatton.

The revelation came from the Pacman's trainer Freddie Roach, who says the Hitman is third on their wishlist for 2008.

Pacquiao takes on WBC super-featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez in a mouthwatering March rematch and will step up to lightweight to face either triple world champion Juan Diaz or WBC boss David Diaz.

And if he wins both of those says Roach, Hatton would be the opponent they want at light-welterweight.

"We have mapped out three fights this year with (Bob) Arum, and we will be collecting belts this year, 130, 135, and 140lbs," he told boxingtalk.com.

"Yes, and of course if we win that (fight at 135lbs), we want Ricky Hatton. Ricky had a great performance against Mayweather. There are certain guys at 140lbs that I will let Manny fight, and Ricky Hatton is one of them.

Phone booth

"A lot has to happen before that, we have to win the big fights at 130, and 135. If we are successful at those two fights, we want Hatton. Hatton said he wants to fight Manny as well.

"That is a fight that you could put in a phone booth."

First up though, Pacquiao has to overcome the very serious threat of Marquez.

The Mexican was famously dropped three times in the opening round of their first meeting in 2004 but battled back to claim a draw - when many felt the decision could have gone his way.

Roach is expecting a cagier approach from Marquez second time around but after a realtively quiet 2007 says Pacquiao is ready to make a big impact in the coming 12 months.

"He's a little bit more aggressive, he throws more punches," he said. "I think he's trying to be more marketable. I hope he brings that aggressiveness to us, I would like to see him fight us.

"I think he'll use the counter punching style though, that's a tough style to deal with, but we will deal with it. I have some good sparring partners, and good counter punchers to work with Manny.

"He (Pacquiao) is a much more settled down fighter now. He thinks a lot more, and the biggest change is that he has a right hand as well as a left hand now. It's getting better and better each time out.

"He's a smarter fighter now as well. I am looking forward to a big fight this coming March 15th."

Source: Sky Sports

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