15 years ago

Date: 2nd May 2009

Venue: MGM Grand, Grand Garden Arena, Las Vegas

Title: IBO World Super-lightweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank & Golden Boy Promotions

Tv: HBO Pay-Per-View

Ricky Hatton
( 45 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Manny Pacquiao
( 48 - 3 - 2 )
Weight: 138 lbs

On May 2, 2009, boxing fans witnessed one of the most highly anticipated fights in recent history, as Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao faced off in Las Vegas for the IBO World Super-lightweight Title. Promoted by Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions, the fight was aired on HBO Pay-Per-View and drew a crowd of 16,262 to the MGM Grand's Grand Garden Arena.

Hatton, who was defending his IBO Light Welterweight Title for the third time, entered the fight as a 2-1 underdog despite being ranked as the #1 junior welterweight and #8 pound-for-pound fighter in the world by The Ring Magazine. In contrast, Pacquiao was considered the #1 overall pound-for-pound fighter in the world by the same publication.

The lead-up to the fight was marked by negotiations over the purse split. After the initial cancellation of the fight, the two sides eventually agreed on a 52-48 split in favor of Pacquiao. This meant that Pacquiao received a guaranteed $12 million, while Hatton was expected to earn around $8 million.

As the fight began, Pacquiao quickly took control, knocking down Hatton twice in the first round with powerful left hands. Although Hatton managed to survive the round, he was unable to recover and was knocked out in the second round by another devastating left hand from Pacquiao.

The fight was a stunning victory for Pacquiao, who became the first fighter in history to win world titles in seven different weight divisions. The win solidified Pacquiao's position as one of the greatest boxers of all time and cemented his reputation as a fierce competitor with incredible speed and power.

For Hatton, the loss was a devastating blow to his career. Despite his impressive record and reputation as a tough and skilled fighter, he was unable to withstand the onslaught from Pacquiao and suffered a humiliating defeat in front of a global audience.