Tyson says Pacman has edge, will win

HOLLYWOOD – Mike Tyson is letting it known early. He’s putting his money on Manny Pacquiao.

“Pacquiao will win,” was Tyson’s direct answer to Michael Marley’s question on who’d win on May 2 in Las Vegas where Pacquiao, boxing’s biggest draw today, faces Ricky Hatton at the MGMA Grand.

Tyson, the ex-heavyweight champ and once considered as the baddest man on the planet, is not hiding his penchant for Pacquiao whom he watched train for the big fight against Oscar dela Hoya last December.

Tyson came to the IBA Gym as Pacquiao wrapped up his training, shared a few pointers with trainers Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez, and walked away with a couple of ringside tickets for him and a friend.

He said Hatton, the pride of Manchester, may find no answer to Pacquiao.

“I like Ricky Hatton but he is just not elusive enough to handle Manny’s pressure attack. With Manny, it’s something like I used to be. With Manny, the punches come in bunches,” he told The Examiner.

Hatton, of course, disagrees.

“I’m in a perfect place 10 days away from the fight,” Hatton told The Sweet Science in a tele-conference, adding that in sparring, his partners have perfectly cloned Pacquiao.

“I don’t think he’s fought anyone as fierce, ferocious as rough, big and strong as me. I’m an absolute handful. I’ve never been more sure, more confident,” said the reigning IBO junior welterweight champion.

“I think Pacquiao is underestimating me, if that’s their opinion, don’t expect me to show enthusiasm. Brilliant, bring it on. Just because Arum said it, don’t expect me to (crap) myself. I think (Bob) Arum is clutching at straws, he’s probably hoping I struggle with southpaws.”

Hatton will go out to prove a lot of people wrong.

SOURCE: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=461402&publicationSubCategoryId=69