Pacquiao will also aim for Hatton’s body

MANILA, Philippines – If Ricky Hatton’s game plan is to target Manny Pacquiao’s body, then expect the Filipino boxing icon to do the same. Hatton’s trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr., said that his wards game plan is to “rock (Pacquiao) to the rope and to take him down twice with body shots." Mayweather added that this ploy would be Hatton’s advantage and would not only take Pacquiao down but would also take him out in their 12-round contest. But Team Pacquiao, under coach Freddie Roach, is also preparing hard for Hatton’s barrage of body punches as they carefully study the British boxer’s previous fights. “I study every opponent I fight and as I train for Hatton I look for certain techniques that I can apply to this fight," said Pacquiao. Helping Roach map out Pacquiao’s battle plan is assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez, who added that they are closely reviewing Hatton’s mannerisms in his last fights. “Hatton has this attitude that after he his opponent punches he would quickly counter," said Fernandez in Filipino. Fernandez said that aside from improving his speed, Pacquiao is also getting used to pain as part of his training. He added that Roach has also been training Pacquiao with different moves in his sparring sessions. Pacquiao said Hatton is a different challenge for him since he has not yet lost a fight at 140 pounds. “Ricky Hatton is a strong fighter, a good fighter. He’s the top guy and he’s never lost at 140 pounds. I would never underestimate Hatton." “I expect him to come forward since our styles are almost similar so expect a lot of action." Hatton said that fighting Pacquiao at the 140-lb weight limit is his advantage. “Manny doesn’t box for the judges, he goes for the knockout. But this is my weight division, that'll make a tremendous difference." “I'm stronger under Mayweather Sr., attacking and jabbing better. I think that gives me an edge." – GMANews.TV