Philippine Sports News and Updates

Talks are rife on a possible match up between Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao and British superstar Ricky Hatton.

However for Pacquiao, he would rather concentrate on Oscar de la Hoya first before entertaining notions of facing Hatton, who has just demolished Paulie Malignaggi in 11 rounds last Saturday.

“Baka sabihin ng tao masyado na akong nag-aambisyon kung sasabihin ko na gusto ko din siya kalabanin,” Pacquiao told SportsNews.ph’s Dennis Principe.

The hard-hitting lefty will be closing his training camp in two week’s time as he prepares for the fight of his life against boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya on December 6.

“Focus lang ako sa laban ko ngayon. Saka ko na lang iisipin yung ibang mga laban,” he said.

The Filipino champion said he has no qualms facing Hatton, who loves to brawl just like Pacquiao. But for the General Santos native, that fight would have to wait.

“’Doon sa challenge n’ya (Hatton), hintayin na lang muna natin ‘yong laban ko kay de la Hoya,” said Pacquiao.

Hatton is keen on fighting the winner of the “Dream Match” between Pacquiao and de la Hoya, shortly after beating up Malignaggi.

"I'm not saying fights can't be made at junior welterweight but if I'm going to have maybe a couple of years left at this game, what sort of champion would I be if I turned my back on fighting someone like Oscar or Manny Pacquaio?” Hatton said in a report posted on UK.Eurosport.Yahoo.com.

He said fighting either one of the two could be his ticket to become the top pound-for-pound fighter today.

"It has been mentioned a few times so maybe I will get my wish and become the best pound-for-pound fighter," said Hatton.

Pacquiao moved to the highest rank of the top pound-or-pound list after Floyd Mayweather Jr. decided to retire.

Mayweather beat de la Hoya and Hatton before deciding to retire from the boxing scene.

- Dennis Gasgonia, abs-cbnNEWS.com