Philippine Sports News and Updates

Although products of different worlds and contrasting continents, Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao have much more than boxing in common.

Briton Hatton and Filipino Pacquiao, who clash for the IBO light-welterweight title on Saturday, have each become genuine champions of the people in their countries.

Stockport-born Hatton has remained true to his working-class roots, and when not in training, loves a pint or two with darts at his local pub, or going to watch his beloved Manchester City soccer team.

The down-to-earth touch has made the 30-year-old one of Britain’s most popular sports figures, and around 10,000 home fans are expected to descend on Las Vegas for his title defence.

“People have always viewed me as a fat Englishman who drinks too much beer,” Hatton told reporters in the build-up to the 12-round bout at the MGM Grand.

“I live like a fighter and I’m never short to enjoy myself. That’s why the fans love me. I’m not exactly someone who sends you to sleep in the ring, or out of the ring,” he said with a grin.

Boxing promoter Bob Arum described Hatton as England’s everyman. “Every young person in England would love to be Ricky Hatton because he is them, so they identify, and yet he is this larger-than-life athlete,” Arum told Reuters.

“That’s what they would dream about because they wouldn’t have to change anything except have more wealth and more notoriety and yet still do the things that they love to do, like watching football, going to bars and playing darts.”

• Reuters
• Philippine Sports Central