THE SQUARE RING

It was a circus atmosphere in Las Vegas when flooded with fans of both Ricky Hatton (singing the insidious “Hatton Wonderland”) and Manny Pacquiao. For those that like to view records Hatton went into the fight at 45-1 with only a single KO at the hands of Floyd May weather Jr. to mar his record. Pacquiao was 48-3-2 and almost perfect since he came to the USA to defeat Lehlohonolo Ledvada via a sixth round KO in June of 2001. He lost to Eric Morales but would later avenge that loss. With the devastation of Hatton at 2:50 of the second round, he becomes only the second boxer to reign as champion in six different weight classes. The now retired Oscar De La Hoya was the first. For once, the experts were 100% correct in that Pacquiao had too much speed and too much power for Hatton who had not shown a lot since he beat Kostya Tszyu back in June of ’05.

Manny Pacquiao left knocks down Ricky Hatton in the first round of their junior welterweight bout at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/ Las Vegas, John Locher)

Round 1

In the end, Hatton was made to order for Pacquiao. “We knew that when Hatton gets ready to throw a punch he cocks his hand which makes him open to a right hand”, explained trainer Freddie Roach. That is what happened late in the first round when a right ended a four-punch combination that drops Hatton for a count 8 by referee Kenny “No Nonsense” Bayless. . Just before the round, ended Pacquiao landed a punch that got thru a Hatton glove to plant Hatton on the back of his lap again.

The bell rang saving Hatton and extends the fight.

Round 2

One of Hatton’s great strength is his heart. One of Hatton great weaknesses is his great heart. When in deep trouble Hatton’s first and only plan is to come forward tossing leather. When Hatton does this his punches get wider bordering on “round house telegraph messages”. Pacquiao got the message peppering Hatton with left and right combinations that had Hatton bewitched, bothered and bewildered. Hatton had his brief moment when he landed a right with no apparent effect.

Pacquiao ended the proceeding with a terrific right hook to the body followed up with a beautiful left hand that had Hatton out cold before he started to fall. He lay motionless for minutes before he groggily was helped to his corner. In one of the great understatements of all time, Hatton said at the post fight press conference, “he’s a great fighter.”

What Others Are Saying

Mr. David Brook from 91.5 FM radio in Phuket raced to the computer to add his 100 Baht’s worth. “Well I reckon we have just witnessed a boxing phenomenon as Hatton, no slouch himself, was literally demolished by Manny Pacquiao with seconds to go in the 2nd round. Two right hand hooks in the first round floored Hatton twice but the big swinging left hook in the 2nd put the lights out completely. Words such as dominant, spectacular and impressive are almost a disservice to Pacquiao who looked cool and relaxed even before he came to the ring. So dominant that the punch count was 73-18.... Wow. Great atmosphere...and the whole World have just seen greatness personified...’

“Wow!”

Sir Frog from the Lily Pad Former professional boxer Patrick, aka Sir Frog, croaks his views. “I thought when round one started that Hatton was bigger and stronger. Pacquiao started very aggressively, where was Hatton’s defense? Why did Ricky box so open? He is an English boxer with his own style that made him a champion. The first right hook from Pacquiao should have Hatton thinking to keep his hands up. He continued the same style. Is this the famous Mayweather Sr style? You can adapt any style, but as soon you get hit, you’re back to your normal style.”

“Then “bang-bang” Hatton down twice in the first! Saved by the bell! Who would have thought that? In round two, the damage was done, a big left hook on Hatton’s chin, down for long time. Pacquiao is THE BEST pound for pound boxer in the world! Next up for Pacquiao... the winner Mayweather “Chicken” Jr-Marquez? Maybe Cotto? Mr. Pacquiao, you are the best for me out there!

Manny Pacquiao celebrates his win over British boxer Ricky Hatton after the second round of their junior welterweight boxing match. (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Mayweather Ahead For Pacman?

Not for a while as Floyd “Chicken” Mayweather Jr. Ends a “retirement” that the entire world knew would not last. Mayweather Jr. took the opportunity of the worlds boxing press in attendance for Pacquiao-Hatton to announce he would fight on July 18 against Juan Manuel Marquez. Many including The Square Ring though that Marquez bested Pacquiao in their March 2008 fight. It was a split decision with Marquis on the short end of the split. A Mayweather fan, both of them, pointed out that Marquez is a five-time champion in three different weight divisions. Some, Larry Merchant HBO boxing analysis for one, think that Mayweather picks his opponents with a “persnickety” mind sight. He picks is opponents like those that a punter dopes out a new Teelock when the monthly checks clears. In Marquez, Mayweather is fighting a man that has never fought at more than 135. Against Mayweather Jr. Marquez will have to fight at 140- 145. Mayweather will be the bigger man hence stronger boxer.

Pacquiao will fight someone that will not test his abilities but then who can.

Maybe a Miguel Cotto who is only losing came at the possibly loaded gloves of Antonio Margarito. Cotto- Pacquiao will not be an option as both fighters are promoted by Bob Arum checks from facing each other. Love to see Pacquiao move up against a resurgence Sugar Shane Mosley. Will not happen, as “Sugar” Shane’s in with Golden Boy Promotions and Arum does not want to give them a foot in the door at this time. Actually at any time. .

Coming Up Sunday May 10

You can probably catch this one on the tally early Sunday morning in Land of Smiles at either Shenanigans or Jamison’s. The question is why you would care is another question. When Chad Dawson (27-0) met Antonio Tarver (27-5) the first time is was a blow out for Dawson as at most he lost only 2 or 3 of the 12 rounds. Sure, it is for the IBF light heavyweight crown but so what? Tarver has always been over rated especially when up against a good fighter. Dawson is good.

Tuesday May 12th

On May 12th somewhere in Thailand Denkaosan Kaowichit (46-1-1) will defend for the first time his WBA flyweight title he won with a rousing second round KO of veteran Takefumi Sakata the last day of 2008. The two had battled to a flat-footed draw in November of ’07 so it took Kaowichit 13 months to get another shot. He did not waste the opportunity. His opponent is Hiroyuki Hisataka (17- 7-1) has lost 4 of his last 6 and lacks power which would lead a person to believe that after the fight Kaowichit will have another mark in the win column.

Jeeves Returns

Jeeves, manservant to the Lord of the Manor, returns from a 2-week suspension for being “out of order.” “So Jeeves how about the new digs and the fight.” ‘Your Lordship like you I overestimated Hatton’s abilities and failed to notice Pacquiao’s immense talent. The lads that got up early for breakfast and to watch the fight at either The Golf Club on Soi L.K Metro, Shenanigans or Jamison’s did not even have time to get their toast buttered. Like you and my fellow citizens, we will be dining on humble pie filled with crow for some time. The new digs? Very nice with lots of room. Some things never change so here are your pints of fine lager, the recently purchased Rod Stewart at Albert Hall DVD and a couple of fine cigars. I heard that while in Pattaya you jumped in a Baht cab at the Diana Inn on your way to see Wil Tailor to the Stars on Soi 6. An Aussie sitting in the cab asked, “Where you headed mate?” Your answer was Soi 6….to see my tailor. His response was”Sure you are.”

“Cheewit Dee Khrup.” Howie Reed Welcome to new readers in the Pattaya Times. To long time readers of The Square Ring hopefully you will welcome our new home in Pattaya’s full size English newspaper. For “newbie’s” The Square Ring comes with a cast of characters who are fans of boxing, have opinions, love Pattaya and along the way the good life. Not necessarily in that order. H. Wellington Jeeves the Third serves as manservant to the Lord of him Manor. He is the gatekeeper for visits from Sir Frog (Patrick’s of Patrick’s Belgium restaurant in Pattaya),

Vic “Old Rugged” Cross and Benny “I Keek a Touchdown” Ricardo who is one of the premier sports announcer’s in the world. His NFL Rookie Football card recently sold on eBay for $2.99. Radio host David Brook and Paul the DJ of radio 91.5 in Phuket also drop by on occasion. You the readers who can email The Square Ring at pattayatimessports@gmail.com’ll join them.