HOLLYWOOD, CALIF. (April 3, 2009) – Three-time BWAA Trainer of the Year World Famous Freddie Roach is playing maestro in training camp as he prepares five-division world champion, two-time BWAA Fighter of the Year and boxing’s No. 1 Pound for Pound Fighter MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO for his rumble with junior welterweight world champion Ricky “Hitman” Hatton.

 

            “I told Manny I would be very disappointed in him if he didn’t have Hatton stopped by the end of the third round,” said Roach.  “A lot of people ask me if I’m worried about Manny fighting Hatton since Hatton has never lost a fight at 140 pounds.  As long as Floyd Mayweather is in Hatton’s corner I have absolutely no concerns. It’s not like his brother Roger is training him.  Floyd training Hatton for this fight is our biggest advantage. 

 

“Hatton is not fundamentally sound as a fighter – he keeps his chin up.  He is the perfect opponent for Manny. You’re going to hear a lot of glass breaking when Manny starts playing his chin music concerto on Hatton.  You’re going to see who has the chops to play this masterpiece on May 2.”

 

*********************************************

 

Pacquiao vs. Hatton "The Battle of East and West," presented by Rockstar Energy Drink and promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, in association with MP Promotions and Hatton Promotions, is a 12-round bout for Hatton's IBO and Ring Magazine World Junior Welterweight titles.  The fight is also sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines.  Remaining tickets, priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150, can be purchased through Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.  Tickets are also available online at www.mgmgrand.com. 

 

The Pacquiao vs. Hatton pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes.  The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD.  HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.  For Pacquiao vs. Hatton fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.

 

HBO Sports’ acclaimed reality franchise "24/7" will return with the premiere of the four-part series PACQUIAO/HATTON 24/7 on Saturday, April 11 at 9.30 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

 

 Please visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.toprank.com or www.rickyhitmanhatton.com for upcoming announcements.