WITH one of the best punches he has ever thrown, Manny Pacquiao knocked out Ricky Hatton in the second round on this day (May 2) in 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.
“I’m surprised the fight was so easy,” Pacquiao said. “He was wide open for the right hook. I knew he would be looking for my left.”
The humble Hatton was heartbroken: “It was a hard loss but I’m OK,” he said. “I really didn’t see the punch coming but it was a great shot. I know I’ll be OK.”
The fight was originally cancelled as the two sides could not agree on how to split the purse. They eventually agreed upon a 52-48 split in favour of Manny Pacquiao. With this split, Pacquiao received a guaranteed 12 million dollars, with Hatton expected to receive around $8m.
In the post-fight interview the Pacquiao was ever gracious in victory: “This was nothing personal. I was just doing my job. This was as big for me as the Oscar De La Hoya victory.”
All photos: Action Images/Reuters
