GEN. SANTOS CITY, Philippines—For Freddie Roach, British superstar Ricky Hatton offers a tough challenge to Filipino ring hero Manny Pacquiao.

The celebrated American trainer described Hatton as “dangerous” and should be handled with utmost care by Pacquiao if ever their showdown pushes through in May in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Roach’s reaction was in stark contrast to his confident stance when Pacquiao fought and beat Oscar De La Hoya in their Dream Match on Dec. 6, also in Las Vegas.

The 48-year-old Roach said Pacquiao should not be lulled into complacency by his easy eighth-round TKO victory over De La Hoya because Hatton will dish out a better performance.

After attending Pacquiao’s lavish 30th birthday celebration here Wednesday, Roach flew back to Manila and was slated to proceed to Los Angeles last night.

This early, Roach is charting a plan on how to beat Hatton, who was also impressive in stopping Paulie Malignaggi in their IBO light welterweight title fight last month.

According to Roach, Pacquiao needs to train for at least eight weeks at his Wild Card Gym in Hollywood to be in top shape for Hatton, who is also a slugger and puncher.

As to the fight strategy, Roach feels that Pacquiao should use his footwork the way he did against De La Hoya and to stay off the ropes.

Roach also thinks Pacquiao should be extra careful if he intends to mix it up with Hatton because the Briton is a “tremendous body puncher.

Negotiations are under way between Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum and the Hatton camp for the fight tentatively slated on May 2.

If ever, Pacquiao-Hatton is projected to rival Pacquiao-De La Hoya in terms of revenue and pay-per-view buys, considering Pacquiao’s tag as the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter and Hatton’s cult-like following back home.

Meanwhile, former world lightweight champion David Diaz said the road to ultimate glory for Pacquiao is to beat Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Admitting that he is now a Pacman fan following the Filipino’s victory over De La Hoya, Diaz said defeating Mayweather would be “the glory” for Pacquiao and the Filipino ring icon can retire with his name in the annals of boxing history as a legend.

“He is the greatest fighter I know,” he said in interview with reporters during Pacquiao’s birthday bash.

“As a fan, I want Hatton for Manny,” he said. “But to lead him to the place of glory, he will have to fight Mayweather.”