Oscar forecast: Showdown won't go full route

LAS VEGAS — Oscar dela Hoya’s golden prediction is that Saturday’s mega-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton is not going last the distance.

“No. I don’t see it going the distance,” said Dela Hoya who came out of his retirement to grace Wednesday’s press conference for the upcoming live-wire showdown set at the 16,300-seat MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Dela Hoya, who hang up his gloves a few weeks back, and a couple of months after taking a bitter loss to Pacquiao, also at the MGM Grand, said the fight scheduled for a dozen rounds may end in the later part.

“Not early. Maybe late,” said the boxing’s pay-per-view king until he ran smack into Pacquiao on that cold night in December.

Now, Pacquiao is being recognized as the new face of boxing, the pound-for-pound champion and the biggest draw.

Of course, Dela Hoya is rooting for Hatton, who fights under the Golden Boy stable.

But when he talked of the knockout he said he wasn’t really sure who’s going to win and go home with the IBO junior welterweight crown.

“I don’t know who (the winner will be) but it’s not gonna go the distance,” he said, leaning over the presidential table to field questions from Filipino scribes.

“Well I’m gonna go with my guy. Obviously Ricky Hatton is under Golden Boy Promotions. I believe in Ricky and I believe in my trainer, Floyd Mayweather Sr. I respect Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach. A great trainer and a great fighter but I’m gonna go with Ricky Hattton,” he said.

Dela Hoya, winner of 10 world titles in six different weight divisions, had been in touch with Hatton in the days leading to the fight, and what he learned fighting Pacquiao has been handed over.

“I’ve given advise to Ricky Hatton already. I’ve been there with Manny Pacquiao I’ve experienced his speed and his punches so obviously the advice that I’m gonna give them I’m sure they may use,” he said.

Is Hatton out to exact revenge for his boss?

“No. It’s not revenge. This is nothing personal. Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao are going to do their job and may the best man win,” he answered. – Abac Cordero