Pacquiao Cautioned Against Hatton

We all know that Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao takes all his fights seriously and prepares for it like his life depends on it. And anytime now, he will be undergoing a serious and committed training in preparation for his face off with Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas on May 2 this year.

But in spite of Pacman’s dedication, Chris John, the WBA featherweight champion and Indonesian icon, cautioned Pacquiao that he should not take Hatton lightly, adding that “I’m a Pacquiao fan and I want him to win. But I don’t think he’s ever fought anyone like Hatton before.”

John did not make any prediction on the outcome of the game and just safely said that it’s a 50-50 proposition, although if Pacquiao fights like the way he did against Oscar de la Hoya last December, he believes Pacman will beat the Hitman.

John’s manager and trainer, Australian Craig Christian, however predicted in favor of Hatton, saying he will stop Pacquiao.

John’s apprehension and Christian’s prediction are not without basis after all, because Hatton, as they say, is one of the dirtiest fighters.

Christian said “He’ll rough up Pacquiao or try to for sure. He’ll use the same brawling tactics that led to the knockout over Kostya Tzsyu. I think Hatton is too strong for Pacquiao at junior welterweight. It’ll be an action-packed fight because I don’t expect Pacquiao to back off.”

He advised Pacquiao’s handlers to be alert and watch out for Hatton’s dirty tactics. He said that they should expose them before the fight to put whoever referees will be in charge, on alert.

For his part, John who still remains undefeated at this point is set to defend his title on February 28 in the US against Rocky Juarez. A fight which Christian said would define John’s future.

“I’ve told Chris what’s at stake,” Christian said, “If he loses, it’s back to fighting in Indonesia for promoters paying $500 for a 12-rounder. If he wins, its sky’s the limit. We’re not looking past Juarez who’s a quality boxer. But we’re lining up Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez at featherweight next then it’ll be Juan Manuel Marquez in rematch and if he’s interested to fight, Pacquiao.” John is one of only four fighters, which includes Pacquiao, who have defeated Marquez.