Manny Pacquiao's controlled demolition of Oscar de la Hoya in December helped the Filipino start 2009 as the best pound for pound fighter in the world.

Pacquiao’s impressive victory also whet many boxing fans appetite for a blockbuster fight in 2009 in which “Pacman” Pacquio would take on the pride of Manchester,  Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton.

Today the lightweight tie looks to be approaching completion, with only the venue to be decided (though it’s likely to be in Vegas after Wembley stadium apparently rejected plans).

Bookmakers have already got a variety of odds ready for the tie. Early indications are that should the tie take place Pacquiao would enter the ring as favourite at 8/15 (Boylesports). Hatton comes to Vegas with odds of 7/4 (Paddypower) and bittersweet memories of the city. Vegas having hosted two of Hatton’s bouts, the Hitman’s first professional defeat at the hands of Floyd Mayweather Jr and a crowd pleasing thrashing of Paulie Malignaggi.

With odds of 28/1 from totesport (an implied probability of just 3.45%) it looks unlikely the fight will result in a tie.

Some boxing fans and Hatton fanatics are already calling the tie a mismatch, in an interview with boxing scene the outspoken Floyd Mayweather Sr commented “is he crazy? Hatton will beat the f**king socks off Pacquiao...Manny Pacquaio, that guy can’t box, all that guy can do is punch”. 

Odds of 3/1 (Skybet) for a Hatton victory by knockout, technical KO or disqualification and odds of 9/2 (Skybet) for a Hit Man decision or technical decision would certainly please Mr Mayweather and should entice any other prospective punters looking to back Hatton.

Get a free bet now on Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao at Paddypower