Local boxing analysts agreed that Manny Pacquiao has developed into a more complete fighter as shown by his last two fights, the first against David Diaz and the second against accomplished boxer Oscar de la Hoya.

A complete Pacman, they said, could mean trouble for his next possible opponent, Ricky Hatton.

Manila Bulletin’s Ed Picson said Pacquiao’s defensive style could be his edge against the British superstar’s swarming tactics.

“Kung makikipagsabayan siya kay Manny, lalo na sa nakita na natin against Diaz and de la Hoya, malaki ang pinag-iba ng lakas at istilo ni Manny Pacquiao. Meron na syang depensa, may side-to-side, may bobbing and weaving na galaw. Ibang Manny Pacquiao na ‘to e,” said Picson.

He added that Pacquiao now has a vast experience in facing the best fighters, a factor which Hatton lacks.

“Unang una, ‘yung mga nakalaban na ni Manny mas mabigat na in terms of galing at achievemnents. May expereince si Manny at wala pa si Hatton,” said Picson.

Hatton’s fighting style perfect for Pacquiao

Sports analyst Dennis Principe of SportsNews.ph said Hatton is almost tailor made for Pacquiao.

“Weakness of Hatton is, wala sya ‘yung style of an intelligent fighter, it's all courage on his part, pasok sya ng pasok,” said Principe. 

He said Pacquiao can easily dispose of Hatton, now that he has evolved into a complete fighter.

“Manny has evolved into a complete fighter, a thinking fighter, and to the letter sinusnunod nya yung mga fight plan. Kung ano man nagawa ni [Floyd] Mayweather kay Hatton, I think mas magiging madali para kay Pacquiao ‘yung magagawa nya kay Hatton,” said Principe.

He said that like what Pacquiao did to de la Hoya, speed and defense will be the key to beating Hatton.

Mayweather Jr., a different case

Picson, meanwhile, said it would be a different strategy for Pacquaio should he decide to face former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr.

He said the Filipino would have to summon his offensive prowess against the slick fighter like Mayweather. This, he said, won’t be easy for Pacquiao.

“Mahirap talagan kalaban si Floyd Mayweather, kaya nga ‘pretty boy’ tawag dyan e. Walang tama sa mukha e, kaya malinis mukha nya e,” said Picson.

For Principe, a Pacquiao win over Mayweather would mean a final validation of the Filipino’s status as the top-pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

“I believe eto na ang validation kay Manny. Mayweather is undefeated, retired pound for pound, real American. He’s young cocky, flashy. Eto na talga ‘yung validation. Kung may nagkekwest’yon pa kung matanda na kasi si de la Hoya, matanda na si Barrera, matanda na si Morales - eto na ‘yun. Yung Mayweather fight, yun ang magaging icing on the cake kay manny,” said Principe. -- With a report from TJ Manotoc, ABS-CBN News