I’m 100% ready for Hatton, says Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines –Upon arriving in Las Vegas from his training camp in Los Angeles, Manny Pacquiao declared his readiness to go to war with Ricky Hatton in four days’ time. “One hundred percent ready na tayo," said Pacquiao, not showing a single trace of lethargy despite starting the day with a four-round sparring session in Hollywood before taking a long, five-hour drive to Sin City. “Ready na tayo sa fight," said a confident pound for pound king, who’s seeking to wrest Hatton’s Ring Magazine and IBO junior welterweight title in Saturday’s (Sunday in Manila) “Battle of East and East. As with his previous bouts, the 30-year-old pride of General Santos City is not getting into the business of giving out predictions. “Hayaan na lang natin na ang mga kamao namin ang magsalita," he said. Like him, Pacquiao knows Hatton is in the prime of his career. But eight weeks of hard training that began last March has prepared the Filipino against an opponent that has a mean punching power. “Basta handa tayo. Depende na yan (on who would initiate attacks), di natin masabi. Alam naman ng tao `yung style ko, in and out at tuma-timing. Itong training ko, pinag-handaan ko rin `yung inside fighting, `yung lumalaban ng dikdikan," he said. Latest odds in Vegas had the Pacman a -270 favorite, meaning a $270 bet on him would earn just a $100. Hatton on the other hand is +230, making one a winner of $230 on a bet of $100. Pacquiao and his entourage arrived in the world’s famous `Sin City’ Monday night (Tuesday in Manila) behind a convoy of vehicles. Most of whom rode on the customized, colorful passenger bus provided by Top Rank and bearing a huge image of the Filipino southpaw. The boxing superstar however, opted to ride in his 2005 green Navigator accompanied by wife Jinkee, trainer Buboy Fernandez and his wife, and 1996 Atlanta Olympic silver medalist Mansueto “Onyok" Velasco. Shortly after settling in his suite, Pacquiao had dinner with his family, close relatives and friends as they partook on adobong manok, bulalo, kaldereta baka and white rice. Weight for him is not a concern right now, stressing, “maintain na lang natin ito hanggang Saturday." Pacquiao sweat it out at the Wild Card gym in Hollywood for the last time Monday, sparring a total of four rounds, two each with David Rodella and Uzbek Alisher Rahimov. In all, he had a total of 149 sparring rounds against seven different sparmates. Trainer Freddie Roach was pleased with the way Pacquiao wrapped up training camp. “Manny was really, really good today, his focus was beautiful. That will win us the fight," he said. With his 12-round title fight only four days away, Pacquiao is staying focused and relaxed. “This week, loose na lang. Pawis-pawis, galaw-galaw. Wala ng heavy training," he said. –GMANews.TV