Since Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao put on a master class in beating the Golden Boy of boxing Oscar De La Hoya on December 6th, it seemed inevitable who Pacquiao would take on next. Britain's Ricky Hatton had already lined up a summer spectacular against Oscar De La Hoya, who was widely expected to beat the smaller Pacquiao.

Everyone expected Pacquiao to fill that void and take on Hatton instead. After all it was a match that made much more sense; both fighters preferred weight at this time is the light welterweight limit of 140lbs and their aggressive styles seemed to ensure a fabulous contest. Negotiations between both camps initially appeared to be going smoothly with some rumours a verbal 50/50 deal was agreed. A May 2 date was mooted and Las Vegas appeared to have won the bidding to stage this fantastic matchup between two of the most exciting and well supported boxers in the sport of boxing.

Alas, it was not to be. Today, it was officially announced - crucially from parties on both sides of the negotiations - that the May 2 fight was now off and both fighters were looking at other options. For the sport of boxing this is undoubtedly a huge blow. With UFC gaining popularity, boxing needs to make these big fights happen to keep it's lead over the MMA franchise, which seems to continually be gaining momentum. Fights like Pacquiao vs. Hatton are also the sort of fights that boxing needs to attract new fans; this would have seen both fighters in their prime, in a real pick 'em fight rather than the usual tirade of a young unbeaten champion against an experienced but limited opponent.

Pacquiao VS Hatton

MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao is headed for a showdown against fellow brawler Ricky Hatton in a duel that will most likely take place on May 2 at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas’ Thomas and Mack Center,
Pacquiao, the reigning World Boxing Council lightweight champion, will be gunning for a fifth weight crown against Hatton, who holds the International Boxing Organization junior welterweight belt.
don't think the fight is going to happen. Pacquiao can't risk his fame fighting Hatton, especially if he beat JMM and David Diaz in Lightweight. There's heaps of talents to fight in the Junior Lightweight and Lightweight. And plenty of money too. But if it does, I don't thin Pac can handle Hatton's power. Pacquiao is a devastating puncher, but to add around 10 pounds to his weight, I don't think he can carry the speed and power. Hatton on the other hand would be in his comfortable weight.

Pacquiao VS De La Hoya

Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De la Hoya are going to meet on December 6, 2008 in the biggest boxing match of the year. In my analysis, here are the factors that spells the advantages and and weakness of both fighters.

Speed favors Pacquiao. Even De la Hoya admits as much. The additional weight may make Paquiao lose some of his swiftness but still, he has the edge when it comes to this.

Power. De la Hoya undoubtedly packs more punch, at least with a powerful left hook that he has effectively used during times of offense and backward movements. Pundits say that all that it requires is for De la Hoya to hit Pacquiao with that powerful left and it will be game over for the smaller fighter.

Pacquiao on the other hand, is also known to pack his own killer left and most recently, showed how fast and strong his right hand is when he used it extensively to stop David Diaz, when the two fought for the WBC world lightweight crown. Back to his left hand, Pacquiao is so deadly with it that an American blogger once wrote that the Filipino champ has brought boxing back to the days of the coliseum, when gladiators bludgeoned each other to death, to the delight of the audience.

Life Story Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao worked in the hardcore streets of General Santos City selling breads and other bakery goods. Those same streets helped in the development of the tough and relentless individual we see in the ring today. Also known as Pacman do to the way he gobbles up his rivals in the ring, Manny began fighting for a few dollars in the streets. These fights were brutal but soon Manny Pacquiao gained a reputation for being a very tough fighter, and showing incredible grit and determination when fighting opponents that were much larger than him. Even at a young age Manny displayed the speed and left handed power that has made him one of the most exciting boxers of his era.

The story of Manny Pacquiao was still far from a fairy tale. His time in Manila was not easy. He trained for hours and had to work just as hard to earn a living. Manny worked in construction and also in the gym where he trained doing odd jobs which included janitor. Manny was undeterred and reeled of an eleven fight winning streak before tasting defeat for the very first time in 1996 vs Rustico Torrecampo who knocked Manny Pacquiao out. This was a devastating loss for Manny. The life of Manny Pacquiao could have taken a different turn after this period. He considered quitting boxing and going back home. The thoughts of going back as a failure and to continued and never ending poverty re-ignited Pacman to fight again.

He set off on another winning streak and defeated the WBC flyweight champion Chatchai Sasakul in 1998. Finally Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao had reached one of his goals and it seemed his career was about to take off. He successfully defended his crown in the very next fight but his stint as flyweight champion was short lived as he got knocked out by Medgoen Singsurat in his second title defense. Another set back in the story of Manny Pacquiao. Disappointed but undaunted Manny continued training in hopes of another big fight and opportunity.