Philippine Sports News and Updates

Boxing trainer Freddie Roach has maintained his claim that the coming fight in on May 2 between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton won’t go the distance.

“I think it’s going to be the best three rounds you’ve ever seen,” Roach said in a report posted on TheSun.co.uk. “It’s going to be short and sweet.”

Pacquiao’s trainer made the statement during the “Battle of East and West” presser in Hollywood, California Monday (Tuesday in Manila).

Roach said Hatton is expected to start the fight with his guns blazing.

"Ricky is going to force the action and Manny is going to respond to it,” he said. “But Manny is going to get him early and I believe he will knock him out in the early rounds."

For his part, Pacquiao refused to make predictions as he acknowledged Hatton’s strengths.

"Ricky’s a strong fighter, a good fighter and he’s quick,” said the top pound-for-pound boxer.

He also considers Hatton as his toughest fight to date, which is why he undergoes hard preparations for their May 2 fight date in Las Vegas.

"For me, this is not a regular fight,” said the hard-hitting boxer from General Santos City. "After all, he is undefeated at light welterweight."

• ABS-CBN News
• Philippine Sports Central