Fight of the Year: Manny Pacquiao TKO's Ricky Hatton in 2nd Round

Wow. Talk about a convincing fight. Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines knocked out England's Ricky Hatton last night in the second round, further validating his title as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. The scene in my apartment was electric last night. Equipped 70 wings, 5 friends, a six-pack, 6 40's, and a '42 plasma, my little studio looked more like a sports bar than a residence. With the win, Pacquiao tied Oscar De La Hoya's record winning six titles in six different weight classes.

From the starting bell, Pacquiao asserted himself and set the tone for the fight. Pacquiao's lightning punches overwhelmed Ricky Hatton who looked more like a human punching bag than the pride of England. Hatton was knocked down twice in the first round and hit the ground in a heap in the second as a vicious left from Pacquiao ended his evening. 

In case you weren't at a sports bar and/or opted against paying $50 to watch at home, here is 

the fight:

Following the fight Floyd Mayweather Sr., Hatton's trainer, suggested that the 30 year-old boxer call it quits. Hatton has lost his last two bouts by knockout; to Pacquiao last night and last year to Mayweather's son Floyd Jr. 

The Mayweather family made more news as Floyd "Pretty Boy Floyd" Mayweather Jr. announced he was coming out of retirement to fight Manuel Marquez in July. Should Mayweather (39-0) defeat Marquez, the stage would be set for a bout of epic proportions between Manny Pacquiao & Mayweather Jr. to determine once and for all who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the land. Mayweather Jr. held the title until he retired after defeating Ricky Hatton last year.

Many people argue that boxing is dead and that mixed martial arts (MMA) is the more popular and lucrative sport. That's debatable. Even the under cards were solid last night. Pacquiao vs. Hatton proved that boxing still has the characters and entertainment value to make it relevant for years to come. HBO just needs to do something about that $49.95 fee...seriously.