What Is Next For Manny Pacquiao?

Pacquiao, now 30 years of age, successfully dispatched yet another foe in Ricky Hatton, May 2nd, knocking him out in the second round of a scheduled 12-round bout. Going into the fight Pacquiao was the betting favorite, but the majority of boxing fans thought of the fight as 50/50; it was anyone's fight. Or so it was thought.

The Pacman got off to a blistering start, hitting Ricky Hatton at will. The right hook seemed to hit its mark every time. Manny's speed was too much for the slower Hatton, who for the life of him, couldn't escape the wrath of Manny's punches. While the right hook found

its mark often, the left hand is what put Hatton out of his misery, with the ref calling a halt to the bout in the 2nd round. Going into the fight many boxing pundits thought Ricky Hatton's advantage, if he had one, would be his strength. Not only was Manny faster than Ricky, he was stronger too.

Manny Pacquiao has been on a tear-up these last few years, jumping up and around the weight divisions successfully defeating every prime fighter put in front of him. Some of the men he has beat include the following: Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, and Ricky Hatton. Impressive resume to say the least.

The pride of the Philippines isn't done yet. At only 30 years of age, he's in the prime of his boxing career and currently the greatest fighter pound for pound on the planet. The two most obvious options for Manny and the opponents most boxing fans are calling for are, Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

According to boxingscene.com and other on-line boxing sources, Filipino sensation and current pound for pound number one fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao will most likely face Puerto Rican superstar, Miguel Angel Cotto should Cotto beat his next opponent, Joshua Clottey. While Miguel Cotto gets ready for his next fight, Manny Pacquiao weighs his options - and he has a lot of options. Manny can also wait around until after July 18 to face the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez bout. The ball is in his court. Who knows - Pacman may jump up in weight to fight King Kong.

Should Ricky Hatton Hang Up His Gloves?

Quite a bit of speculation has surrounded "The Hitman" lately on whether he should retire or not. Ricky Hatton was blown out of the water earlier this month by Manny Pacquiao via 2nd round KO.

Floyd Mayweather Jr., the only other man to best Hatton in the ring recently said, "Ricky's career was over in 2007 when he met me.

"He was a gutsy, tough champ but there's a time in every boxer's career when they must hang it up.

"He was knocked out bad twice - by me and Pacquiao. They were two devastating defeats. He's been in a lot of tough fights and taken some big shots.

"I don't think Ricky should fight again. I wouldn't fight him again, even at Wembley."

So there you have it. Floyd Mayweather Jr., one of the sport's best and biggest draws said he would not fight Hatton again, even at Wembley stadium - and I agree with Floyd. Hatton now has two losses on his resume, and you could argue that Hatton is damaged goods. Floyd Mayweather Jr. would stand to gain nothing in a rematch with Ricky Hatton.

Floyd Mayweather Sr., Ricky's trainer the last two times out, has also called on Hatton to pack it in.

So, is Ricky Hatton 'damaged goods,' maybe past his prime? Or is it simply a case of going up against a human wrecking ball named, Manny Pacquiao? It is too early to tell.

What Ricky Hatton needs to do, is go for a long vacation and answer all these questions himself. It has long been his dream to become the number one pound for pound fighter in the world. That reality is now washed away.

In my opinion, Hatton needs a new trainer; one more fight for his loyal fans at home, then call it a career.