By Nick Giongco

LAS VEGAS – While there is no tinge of doubt that Manny Pacquiao is a brilliant all-around fighter, the camp of Ricky Hatton said on Wednesday that the Filipino doesn’t have the defensive whiz needed to repulse somebody like the British puncher this Saturday.

“Manny is not a master defensive fighter (unlike Floyd Mayweather Jr.). He (Pacquiao) is a good all-around fighter, but nobody can defend like Floyd Jr. and Ricky didn’t have any problems finding Mayweather and closing the gap,” said Lee Beard, who serves as Hatton’s assistant trainer.

Floyd Mayweather Sr. is the lead trainer of Hatton and it was his son, Floyd Jr., who dealt Hatton his only loss in 46 fights.

“He isn’t as good as Floyd defensively. Nobody is. He’s a brilliant defensive fighter. He is nowhere as near as Floyd defensively. Manny can run, but he can’t defend as good as Floyd defends.”

Beard said he doubts whether Pacquiao would succeed in blocking Hatton’s punches if he gets caught on the ropes.

“If Ricky lands anywhere on Manny, he’s going to feel it. Ricky has this ability to find the angles. He’s got this good ability and good eyes and places his punches. If Ricky hits Manny on the right place, he’ll go down. You can’t deny that Ricky can punch. You may not be the hardest puncher in the world but if you hit it on the right place, you’re going to put your opponent down,” said Beard.

But Beard admits Pacquiao’s style poses difficulties.

“The problem we have with Manny is that he is really quick in his legs, He has extremely quick hands and he can punch. He isn’t going to be the hardest puncher Ricky’s fought by any means. Vince Philips, Kostya Tszyu all bigger punchers.”

“Manny’s a good puncher, but he’s a lot quicker than those guys. So you have a different obstacle to overcome.”

Still, Beard believes it will be a tough fight for the two boxers.

“Manny is fast on his feet and he has become more elusive in his last few fights. It’s going to be a very hard fight. It’s really a 50-50 fight.”

“I just think that when it all comes down, Ricky has great timing, he can really time his opponents really well. Manny does things that will play into Ricky’s hands.”

Like most of jaded observers of the fight game, Beard doesn’t see it ending on points.

“I don’t see the fight going 12 rounds. Either way. I will be shocked if it goes 12 rounds. They both go out there putting hurt on their opponents. Hatton always tries to hurt you everytime he hits you.”

“Same with Manny,” noted Beard. “Manny aint gonna run in this fight.” read more