Punching power is often one thing revered above all others inside a boxing ring, despite the fact that it will not always lead a fighter to victory.
History is littered with fighters who have gone on savage knockout runs and seemed unbeatable early in their careers only to come unstuck when they meet someone with more nous in the ring or better defensive skills.
That could be argued was the case with two of this era’s greatest fighters – Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. ‘PacMan’ was more known for his explosive style, whereas, later in his career, Mayweather was the master of the old boxing adage of ‘hit and don’t get hit’.
One man who faced both of them in the ring was former world champion and and British boxing legend, Ricky Hatton.
‘The Hitman’ came up against Mayweather in 2007 and was stopped in round 10, and then he took on Pacquiao in 2009 and was stopped within two rounds.
Speaking to GMA Network, Hatton had no doubt that the Filipino fighter was ‘a lot more heavy handed’ than the American.
“First thing I noticed about Manny was his speed like in the Floyd fight.
But he was heavy-handed, a lot more heavy-handed than Floyd. He punches were more explosive. Floyd is more calculated. Manny clipped me with a lead right hook and even the non-power punches felt very, very heavy-handed.
He’s hard to read. He shuffles fast with his feet, moves in and out and has no real rhythm.”
