Pacquiao, Hatton to fire "big guns" - Donaire

The Philippines' Nonito Donaire, who himself is seeing action on April 19 at the Araneta Coliseum when he defends his crown against unbeaten Raul “Cobra” Martinez, said the MGM Grand crowd in Las Vegas can expect an action-packed bout as he expects both heavy hitters to unload their “big guns” on fight night.

“They both have machine guns, I mean big guns, and for sure they will use them on fight night,” said the 26-year-old Filipino champ.

However, in terms of speed and skill the odds are stacked against the Hitman from Manchester, England, Donaire said.

Donaire noted that Hatton has a mannerism that might work in Pacquiao’s favor.

“He (Hatton) tends to throw combinations and then bob to the left,” observed Donaire.

That practice, according to him, will move the Briton away from Pacquiao’s pet left straight and force the Filipino to use his now-polished right hook.

“Hatton is also tall, Manny can very easily use his speed against him,” said Donaire.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said he plans to use the Filipino’s speed and quick footwork to stay out of Hatton’s range.

“Manny’s style doesn’t change a lot, but both opponents from these two last fights he is about to be or has been involved in—(Oscar) De La Hoya and Hatton—are both stronger, bigger guys, and we can’t stand in front of them,” Roach said.

Roach has packed his personal stuff and moved out of the Wild Card gym to give Pacquiao an exclusive training area. (Inquirer Sports)