Different Hatton to face Manny

It’ll be a “new” Ricky Hatton up against Manny Pacquiao when they square off on May 2 at the Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas and the Filipino icon is forewarned to expect a brawler retooled to fight like Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Hatton is tipped to provide much stiffer opposition than Oscar de la Hoya when the Golden Boy surrendered to Pacquiao at the end of eight rounds early this month. For one, Hatton is five years younger than De la Hoya with considerably less wear and tear in his body. For another, he’ll face Pacquiao at his natural weight (140) unlike De la Hoya who was drained by a severe loss in pounds. Hatton is defending his IBO lightwelterweight crown against Pacquiao who’ll be gunning for his sixth world title in different divisions.

But what’s scary about Hatton is the style he’ll bring to the table in Las Vegas.

With Floyd Mayweather Sr. now his trainer, Hatton is slowly being transformed into a patient, cunning and defense-minded boxer-puncher. If Pacquiao is preparing for a Pier 6 donnybrook, he might be surprised to find an unobliging opponent.

Last month, Hatton unveiled his “new” look in demolishing Paul Malignaggi to retain his IBO belt at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. It was Hatton’s first bout with Mayweather Sr. in his corner.

Writer Graham Houston said Hatton went back to basics and commented that it was more a “vintage” routine than a new look.

“There was head movement that had been lacking in Hatton’s recent fights and he showed what we have always known, that he has a stiff, jolting left jab when he cares to use it,” wrote Houston in Boxing Monthly magazine (January 2009). “The way he attacked from different directions, not just steaming straight in, was vintage Hatton rather than a new look.”

But whether Hatton just relived his early days, as Houston claimed, or not, experts saw a restyled brawler who didn’t fight as smoothly in his last several outings. He certainly wasn’t smooth in losing to Mayweather Jr. on a 10th round knockout last year.

Hatton, 30 like Pacquiao, completely dominated Malignaggi and led in the three judges scorecards, 99-91, when the end came mercifully for the outclassed, light-hitting New Yorker.

Hatton himself admitted he’s been reborn with Mayweather Sr. at his side.

“They say you can’t teach old dogs new tricks but I’ve always had those tricks,” said Hatton, quoted by Ron Borges. “Look at my performances against Tackie, Ray Oliveira and the first six rounds with Urango. I’ve always had that in my locker. I just haven’t shown it. I’ve always had this boxing ability – working with Floyd has brought it out of me again.

“You’re not going to see Ricky Hatton on his toes, jabbing and moving, switching and doing the Ali shuffle. You’re going to see Ricky Hatton moving his head as he comes in, jabbing as he comes in and setting up his attacks. People tell me they remember when I always used to set up my body shots, throw little combinations first or move to the side. You haven’t seen that in a couple of years but it’s come back with Floyd.”

Mayweather, 56, said he’s not out to turn Hatton into his son’s clone.

“Ricky Hatton is aggressive,” said Mayweather. “I’m not going to take that away. I just want him to become smart and aggressive. I want him to come in slipping and sliding. He got hit way too much. He was like a target. He didn’t have any defense. If he sticks with me and does what I tell him, you’re not going to believe he’s the same guy you saw against my son. I’m about teaching skills. Hit and don’t be hit. That’s what I teach.”

As for Hatton absorbing what Mayweather teaches, the ring guru said that’s no problem.

“”I thought Ricky’d be hard to train,” said Mayweather. “He shocked me. He does have more talent that he knew. I got a lot of respect for Ricky now that I know him. Ricky is one of the best learners I’ve had. He’s one of the quickest learners because he studies his job. As long as he continues to study his job and do the right things, you’re going to see a hell of a fighter.”

Pacquiao’s handlers said Hatton will be as easy a target as David Diaz because the Manchester slugger is unidimensional, wide open and has awful footwork. The question is – which Hatton will show up to fight Pacquiao?