Manchester fighter offers no response to early Pacquiao attack as Filipino records second round TKO win

Manny Pacquiao claimed the IBO light-welterweight title after a stunning second round knockout of Ricky Hatton on Saturday night.

The 30-year-old southpaw twice knocked Hatton to the canvas in the opening round before ending the fight with a stinging left hook at the MGM Grand Hotel's Garden Arena in from of the 16,000 capacity crowd.

"I was surprised that this was so easy but I've worked hard in training camp since the beginning of March," said Pacquiao afterwards. "He was wide open for the right hook.

"I knew he would be looking for my left. It's nothing personal. I was just doing my job.

The Filipino boxer added: "This is as big for me as the De La Hoya win," referring to his impressive win over 10-times world champion Oscar De La Hoya in the same city last December.

Hatton was left motionless in the centre of the ring for several minutes before being helped to his feet.

"It was a hard loss but I am okay," the 30-year-old said.

"I really didn't see the punch coming but it was a great shot. I know I will be okay."

Hatton was taken to a nearby hospital after the fight as a precaution.

"This was no surprise," Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said after a stinging left hook sent the Manchester-based fighter crashing to the canvas.

"Hatton pumps his hands before he throws a punch. He is a sucker for the right hook and this is what we worked on.

"He cocks back before he throws his punches. He fights the same way over and over.

"I studied tapes of all his fights for the last two months and I know him as well as I know my own fighter."

Roach had predicted Pacquiao would need only three rounds to win.

Hatton's trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. said: "I really felt Ricky would get him. I don't want to go into it more than that."

Pacquiao could next fight the winner of the bout between Mayweather Jr., who is coming out out of retirement, and Juan Manuel Marquez who meet in a non-title welterweight fight in Las Vegas on July 18.