Manny Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines — In the eyes of British bad boy Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather Jr. has what it takes to spoil Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton, whose two losses were dealt by Mayweather and Pacquiao, talked to boxingscene and expressed the belief that Mayweather will be better than the Filipino in the event they square off next year.

“I’ve always thought that Floyd would win,” said Hatton, who has retired from the sport after absorbing a second-round knockout at the hands of Pacquiao in May, 2009.

“I love Manny Pacquiao. I have more in common with Manny Pacquiao than with Mayweather but I have to give credit where credit is due. He’s (Mayweather) not on my Christmas card list but I think he’ll win,” said Hatton.

Hatton said his belief was not affected by Pacquiao’s struggle with Juan Manuel Marquez last month.

“Even before the Marquez fight, I thought that. The opinion has not changed. I love Manny Pacquiao, he’s a nice guy. Mayweather is not up my street as a person, but credit where credit is due.”

Hatton said Mayweather’s advantage in skills and ring craft would be the difference.

“Floyd is a thinking fighter, a very calculating fighter and quick.”

Efforts are being done to pair Pacquiao and Mayweather for a May 2012 super showdown but there’s been no details being made available to the media for fear that it would jeopardize the fight from being made.