Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton

ROACH WANTS 'DELA HOYA-LEVEL' FOR PACQUIAO VS. HATTON

MANILA, Philippines – If Manny Pacquiao’s projected showdown with Ricky Hatton finally gets the green light, trainer Freddie Roach wants his boy to undergo the same regimen as he did when he trained for Oscar de la Hoya.

“I want him to be there (Wild Card gym) first week of March," said Roach, stressing that the length of training should just be fine for Pacquiao in a proposed but yet-to-be-finalized May 2 play date with the Hitman in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao prepared for more than two months for his fight against De la Hoya, a match that ended in a stunning eight-round technical knockout win for Pacquiao.

That Roach wants his most prized ward to mimic his preparation time with De la Hoya for Hatton is well-founded.

“Hatton’s a very good body puncher and is very dangerous," he admitted.

A former junior lightweight champion, the noted puncher from Manchester, England packs an impressive win-loss record of 45-1, 32 of which came by way of knockout.

His relentless style and vicious punching makes him “tailor-made" for Pacquiao, according to the two-time Trainer of the Year.

“Manny should stay away from the ropes when he fights Hatton," said Roach.

Along with Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, the celebrated trainer arrived in the country Tuesday to join the lavish celebration of Pacquiao’s 30th birthday. The two left for Los Angeles Thursday night via Philippine Airlines.

Pacquiao vs. Hatton

LAS VEGAS – Yes, Ricky Hatton wants Manny Pacquiao more than Oscar dela Hoya.

The pride of Manchester and reigning IBO light-welterweight champion said Thursday he wants to face Pacquiao early next year because it’s the best fight for him out there.

“I want to fight the best. He’s the pound for pound champ after all,” Hatton, who demolished Paul Malignaggi just recently, told ABS-CBN in an interview.

A couple of Filipino scribes caught up with Hatton, at 30 just days older than Pacquiao, at the famous Burger Bar of Mandalay Bay later in the evening.

He was with friends enjoying a few drinks, but was kind and generous enough rising from his seat to shake hands with the scribes.

“Yes, I want to fight Pacquiao,” said Hatton, here to watch the “Dream Match.”

Hatton was told that Pacquiao wants him, too, and is even willing to stage the fight at the Wembley Stadium in England.

“No, I will fight him in LA,” said Hatton, laughing.

Oscar dela Hoya wants Hatton, too, but must beat Pacquiao to get that fight.

In contrast, Pacquiao may lose Saturday and still end up fighting Hatton because it could be the next best fight the people will ask for.

“Win or lose, Manny will end up facing Hatton because that’s the next big fight,” said Pacquiao’s adviser Wakee Salud.

Just an hour earlier, in his 61st floor suite of The Hotel, Pacquiao sounded his excitement to face the British superstar, a brawler just like him.

“Of course I’m excited to face him but I have to finish this fight with Oscar first. I will go to England to fight Hatton,” said Pacquiao.

Told that fighting in England would also mean facing 100,000 fans chanting Hatton’s name, Pacquiao said he doesn’t care.

“I like it even more when the people chant my opponent’s name because it drives my determination. I can already see that if we do the fight, it’ll be awesome,” he said.

“I will accept his invitation,” said Pacquiao.