INQUIRER Sports

LAS VEGAS ? FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR. likens Ricky Hatton to an animal, specifically a tiger, in the ring. Ferocious and vicious as a fighter, Hatton is also the epitome of what a boxing student should be?talented and a fast learner, according to the trainer.

In contrast, Mayweather holds Manny Pacquiao in low esteem.

The American says the Filipino ring hero fights like an amateur despite being the world?s best pound-for-pound fighter?a title once owned by his now retired son and namesake.

It?s no wonder that Mayweather picks his pupil, Hatton, to win the May 2 showdown.

?Not only is Hatton bigger, stronger than Pacquiao, he is also smarter, slicker, clever, smoother,? said Mayweather.

?If I have a fighter of eight years like Freddie Roach had Manny, I wouldn?t be thinking so much about the size because Manny still can?t fight if you ask me,? said Mayweather.