Pacquiao-Hatton in Dubai?

The Las Vegas Review Journal has reported that the proposed May superfight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton could end up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum recently visited the region, which he described as “Fantasyland. Huge, new, spectacular buildings everywhere.” Arum added that the city has a large Filipino population and strong UK tourism.

http://www.fightnews.com/?p=505

more story....

Manila Times
6 January 2009 | 6:00 AM

Las Vegas might lose the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton fight to Dubai, as the prime venue for boxing’s mega-bouts in the United Stares will experience a lean season this year because of the slumping US economy.

In an article published in the boxing website eastsideboxing, James Slater said that according to the The Las Vegas Review-Journal, Las Vegas is usually seen as a “measuring stick” for boxing when it comes to generating money.

“But The Journal says there may well be fewer big fights in Vegas in 2009, due to a number of the big hotels being more selective about the big fights they take because of the slumping [US] economy,” Slater said.

He added that the May 2 bout between Pacquiao and Hatton might end up being staged in Dubai, which has enough money to lure the mega-fight.

In 2008, Las Vegas had a big fight every month, among them Pacquiao-Oscar de la Hoya in December.

But for this year, Slater said Las Vegas already lost the Antonio Margarito-Shane Mosley fight set for January 24. That fight will take place in Los Angeles.

http://www.yehey.com/sports/full_article.aspx?id=231944&categ=11

interesting...

ayos to ah!!! thanks sir sherwin for sharing.

ok na ok to. this is a must-see for this year!

Ayos! sapakan na

nice choice of venue!!!

thanks for sharing dude!

I would love to see this if I can afford!

init nun pag nagkataon...
lalo sa 3-months training nila on both sides

sir kelan kaya dito sa saudi hehehe ayaw ng arabo kay pacquaio "haram" daw hhehehe hindi kasi open minded karamihan dito eh hehe

Malabo na po pala to....

Pacquiao, Hatton set Vegas date

By STEVE CARP
LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL

It's coming later than usual, but Las Vegas' first big boxing event of the year is set for May 2 between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton.

The venue remains undecided. The MGM Grand is interested in hosting the fight, as is Planet Hollywood owner Robert Earl, who is teaming with Steve Wynn in a bid to have their properties co-host the bout.

If the MGM lands Pacquiao-Hatton, it would be at the hotel's 16,270-seat Grand Garden Arena. If Planet Hollywood and Wynn are selected, the 18,500-seat Thomas & Mack Center would be the venue.

The fight is expected to air on pay per view on either HBO or Showtime and will be co-promoted by Top Rank, which handles Pacquiao, and Golden Boy Promotions, which represents Hatton.

"We might know something by Friday if the properties get their latest proposals to us," Top Rank chairman Bob Arum said Wednesday. "Both fighters' fans love to come here, and May 2 was a perfect date with Cinco de Mayo weekend and the Kentucky Derby."

Hatton's Ring Magazine and IBO 140-pound junior middleweight titles will be at stake. Pacquiao, who fought successfully at 130, 135 and 147 pounds in 2008, never has fought at 140.

Richard Sturm, MGM president of entertainment and sports, said his hotel is serious about landing the fight.

''We feel it's an excellent event to host," Sturm said. "We're trying to get a deal that works for both sides."

A Planet Hollywood spokesperson confirmed that Earl is trying to bring the fight to his property but declined further comment.

Both fighters are coming off impressive wins at the MGM Grand. Pacquiao (48-3-2) routed Oscar De La Hoya on Dec. 6 at 147 pounds, scoring a technical knockout when De La Hoya quit before the start of the ninth round. Hatton (45-1) dominated Paulie Malignaggi in an 11th-round technical knockout win Nov. 22.

http://www.lvrj.com/sports/37258894.html