'Cobra' says Manny just too strong for Hatton

LOS ANGELES – Even Raul “Cobra” Martinez, who lost in his bid to dethrone Filipino champion Nonito Donaire Jr. last Sunday in Manila, thinks that Manny Pacquiao is just too strong for Ricky Hatton.

Martinez had a good time mingling with fans, mostly Filipinos, during his 12-hour flight from Manila to Los Angeles last Monday, and after deplaning had a brief chat with Manila-based scribes.

“Everybody has his own opinion. It’s going to be a good fight but I think Manny will get him out,” said Martinez, previously unbeaten when he was knocked out by Donaire in the fourth round.

“Manny is just too strong,” he added.

Martinez, despite his loss, endeared himself to Filipino fight fans who watched the fight at the Araneta Coliseum when he took hold of a Philippine flag and waived it as he stood on one corner.

“I love the Philippines. For a while there I felt like I was home. The people are nice, warm, humble and hospitable,” said the American with Mexican roots. He is now based in San Antonio, Texas.

“But as I said, Manny is too strong for Hatton,” added the boxer who dabbles as a substitute teacher handling any of the basic subjects in elementary and high school.

Even the American immigration officer at the Los Angeles International Airport knew about the Pacquiao-Hatton fight set on May 2 in Las Vegas.

“It should be an easy for him (Pacquiao). It should be,” said the officer through his window.

Meanwhile, Freddie Roach reiterated that he would be disappointed if Pacquiao doesn’t stop Hatton, the reigning IBO junior welterweight champion, inside three rounds.

“Ricky Hatton is like the Manchurian Candidate, but since he is from Manchester, England I’ll call him the Mancunian Candidate,” Roach told Fred Sternurg of Top Rank.

“I know Floyd (Mayweather Sr.) is trying to deprogram Ricky from being a one-dimensional puncher, but it’s too late to try and brainwash a fighter who has close to 50 fights during a 12-year professional career,” said Roach.

“The fact is Floyd couldn’t program a VCR much less a fighter with so many bad habits ingrained into him. ‘Hitman’ is an accurate ring name for Hatton because on May 2, Hatton is going to get hit, man, and a lot! I told Manny I would be disappointed if the fight lasts longer than three rounds.”

Pacquiao resumes sparring at the Wild Card Gym today (Wednesday in Manila) but will have to do it earlier than usual because he is scheduled to take a 3 p.m. flight to San Francisco, on board a private plane, to do the ceremonial pitch in the Giants game against the San Diego Padres.