Ricky Hatton's Verdict Mayweather or Pacquiao Who's the Best Fighter?
Ricky Hatton, a name synonymous with the boxing world, had the rare privilege of stepping into the ring with two of the sport's all-time greats, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Hatton faced Mayweather in 2007 and Pacquiao in 2009, both encounters ending in stoppage defeats for the Mancunian fighter. However, these losses carried no shame, given that both Mayweather and Pacquiao were widely regarded as being in their prime during those epic bouts. In a recent feature with RingTV, Hatton finally disclosed his choice for the best fighter he ever faced, and the answer might come as a surprise to many. Hatton declared, "I would say Manny Pacquiao. Just his speed. Southpaw. Obviously he hits very hard." He went on to acknowledge Mayweather's greatness by saying, "Floyd Mayweather also was very good but the more and more I see Manny Pacquiao, maybe I’m shifting to him." Manny Pacquiao, a legend in the sport, achieved world titles across an astounding eight weight classes, from flyweight to super welterweight. His incredible resume boasts victories over formidable opponents like Floyd Mayweather, Miguel Cotto, and Marco Antonio Barrera. Despite being 44 years old and not having stepped into the ring since 2021, there are rumors of a sensational return to boxing. Pacquiao has expressed his desire to represent the Philippines in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, even though he surpasses the age threshold of 40. In a surprising turn of events, the Philippine Olympic Committee has made a special request to the International Olympic Committee to clear 'Pac-Man' for participation. If Manny Pacquiao receives clearance and goes on to win the gold medal in Paris, it could easily go down as one of the greatest sporting achievements in history. In the eyes of Ricky Hatton, the choice between Mayweather and Pacquiao as the superior fighter seems to tip towards the Filipino legend. However, the debate between these two boxing giants continues to be a topic of discussion among fans and experts alike.