LAS VEGAS, (Reuters) – Ricky Hatton weighed in two pounds heavier than challenger Manny Pacquiao as the Briton was roared on by cheering fans on the eve of today’s IBO light-welterweight fight.
Englishman Hatton, 45-1 (32 KOs), tipped the scales right on the 140-pound limit in front of a boisterous crowd of about 4,500 at the MGM Grand Hotel.
Pacquiao, 48-3-2 (36 KOs) and widely regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, weighed 138 pounds.
It will be the Filipino southpaw’s first fight as a light-welterweight. The soccer-style atmosphere in the MGM Grand’s Garden Arena was electric as the two fighters made their way on to a raised stage for the televised weigh-in.
Hatton’s supporters repeatedly sang “Rule Britannia” and “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” while Pacquiao’s fans, slightly smaller in number, chanted “Manny, Manny, Manny.”
Ten times world champion Oscar De La Hoya, who lost the final fight of his illustrious career to Pacquiao in December, was astounded by the energy displayed by the crowd.
“When you have the Brits coming over here for Ricky Hatton, this is the biggest and best (weigh-in) I’ve ever seen,” the 36-year-old ‘Golden Boy’ said.
Hatton, the underdog for today’s 12-round title bout despite never losing at his natural weight of 140 pounds, paid tribute to his rowdy supporters. “I have just heard officially that there are 25,000 of you here in Las Vegas and I can’t thank you enough,” the Manchester boxer said.
“It’s an honour to fight for you on Saturday night and you won’t go home disappointed.”
Hatton, who stopped American Paulo Malignaggi in Las Vegas in November to retain his IBO light-welterweight belt, exuded confidence for his title defence.
“I’ll be ready tomorrow,” said the Briton who at five-foot seven (1.70m) is an inch taller than Pacquiao. “Size and strength will be a big factor and I’m boxing better now.
