Ricky Hatton once predicted the outcome of a fantasy showdown between ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed and Manny Pacquiao.
Hamed is often credited as one of the greatest British fighters of all time, suffering just a single defeat during his 10-year professional career. He captured a version of the world featherweight championship on four occasions during this time, defeating the likes of Kevin Kelley and Wilfredo Vazquez throughout his tenure.
As for Pacquiao, the 46-year-old Filipino icon made his debut back in 1995, and since then has gone on to win world titles in no less than eight weight classes. Despite announcing his retirement from the sport back in 2021, ‘PacMan’ is just weeks away from making a shock return to the ring when he faces WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios in Las Vegas on July 19.
In a round of ‘quick-fire questions’ with TNT Sports, British boxing icon Hatton – who was knocked out by ‘PacMan’ – was asked to reveal who he believes would have prevailed if the pair of fan favourites had fought during their respective primes.
“I think we’d have to go with Manny Pacquiao, sorry Naz. I mean you know, world champion at so many different weights, how can you go against that? That’s all time greats, and I think the way his career come to an end a little bit it was a shame to see because I think he’s one of the best we’ve ever had by a long way to be honest, just his power and the way he handled certain opponents with ease.”
Pacquiao could write his name into the boxing history books once again next month, as he bids to become the oldest world welterweight champion of all time with a victory over WBC champion Barrios – a record he currently holds.
