Is Manny Pacquiao Superman?

Yes. Manny Pacquiao is Superman. I called this fight for Hatton for all sorts of logical reasons, but I didn't count on Hatton being unable to see the punches coming. As all of us who watched the fight know, this wasn't because of some trickery like hiding power shots behind jabs or punching from angles. Manny wasn't even coming punching unconventionally. His punches were just so fast that Ricky Hatton didn't see them coming. And they were bombs, every one. Manny was reset so fast and throwing so hard and fast over and over that it was a super fast, witheringly accurate attack. Hatton had no chance.

This wasn't even competitive. Ricky Hatton had convinced himself that he would be able to bully Pacquiao and like Freddy Roach candidly said, Hatton can't adjust. Indeed, after a first round in which Hatton was dropped twice, he stepped up the aggressiveness that had put him so squarely in harm's way. Folly.

And I think the question is answered once and for all whether the Pac man is bringing his punch up with him. This was no overtrained Oscar, this was a natural 140 pounder in Hatton who'd only ever tasted canvas once before. Hatton was prepared. He came well-trained and with a game plan. Hatton got blown out. I wonder whether Pacquiao just retired him. Heck, he just retired Oscar! Hatton got a guaranteed $12M if the HBO commentators are to be believed, so where is his motivation. He's now sure that he's not the best in his division. Gone is his Ring belt and any illusion that he'd just taken a step up too far for Mayweather. I bet he retires...and he probably should. I suspect he's been shattered by this as a fighter. He seemed fragile enough after losing to Mayweather. It was a good run, Ricky. Hang'em up, son.

So the obvious question becomes, once Mayweather decisions Juan Manuel Marquez, will he fight Manny Pacquiao? For the first time since he retired, I think every realfightfan around thinks the pound-for-pound title is rightly occupied by his successor. Manny Pacquiao has proved not only that he belongs at the top of the P4P list, but that he deserves to stay there even though Floyd, Jr. has unretired. Like any realfightfan, I can't wait for that fight. I'm sure that Mr. Marquez has different plans, but I don't think that's going to make any difference. The next superfight is all but set...if Mayweather doesn't duck it. But this time, I don't think he can. Maybe...just maybe...he doesn't want to.