Pacquiao destroys Hatton in two rounds

Ricky Hatton's dreams of finally being accepted as one of boxing's elite fighters were dashed in emphatic style as Manny Pacquiao knocked him out cold in just the second round in Las Vegas.

The Filipino, who is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, simply destroyed Hatton - his speed and power were just too much for the Mancunian to deal with. The Briton was put on the canvas twice in the first round and, after enduring a terrible barrage of punches in the second, the end came courtesy of a brutal left hook that left Hatton unconscious in the dying seconds of the round.

There were worrying scenes as Hatton lay motionless in the ring, he was later taken to hospital for a precautionary brain scan. The defeat was only Hatton's second in 47 fights but it leaves his future in the sport in doubt.

The fight was an unmitigated disaster for Hatton who was completely dominated by the Filipino. But had himself to blame at least in part for maintaining a brave but foolhardy fighting style, continuously marching forward into his opponent's range. It is a technique that has served Hatton well in the past but this time it was his undoing. Pacquiao landed 73 blows to Hatton's 18.

The victory more than confirmed Pacquiao's status as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. And after fighting at four different weights in his last four fights he now has the rest of the sport running scared.

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING

Gareth A Davies in the Sunday Telegraph: "Manny Pacquiao's devastating speed, power and precision put Ricky Hatton to sleep with one second remaining in round two to end all debate - and counter-debate - which suggested he might have the power and strength to defeat Pacquiao. No chance. Three knockdowns in six minutes. All to Pacquiao. The last left Hatton glazed and motionless. It was as emphatic a victory as Pacquiao could have wished for. 'You are going to be the greatest fighter that ever lived,' said Bob Arum to Pacquiao. It is possible.

Kevin Mitchell in the Observer: "It was brutal in every way: short, painful, utterly one-sided. A left hook from hell, thrown with preternatural strength, officially will be acknowledged as the finisher – but there can be no denying Hatton's hard-drinking lifestyle played a part. His hangover this morning though, will be leather-induced."

Jim Watt on Sky Sports: "I never tell fighters when to retire but what's the point with Ricky? He's made an awful lot of money, so it's time to move on. The two superfights he's been involved in he's suffered heavy losses and it will be difficult to come back from this." ·