HBO PPV to broadcast Hatton-Pacquiao

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by Marc Abrams

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, HBO PPV will broadcast the much anticipated clash between Ricky Hatton & Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd.
Promoters, Golden Boy & Top Rank had also been in negotiations with Showtime to broadcast the fight as Showtime had offered use of sister network CBS to get involved in the promotion of the fight. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, espn, Golden Boy, HBO, Manny Pacquiao, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, showtime, top rank promotions

HBO bests Showtime in bid for bout

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By Dan Rafael

Although there was a month of drama during the topsy-turvy negotiations between junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, eventually both fighters signed in late January for the biggest fight of 2009, which will take place May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Getting the fighters to sign was, of course, the critical element to making the fight. But one significant matter remained, and that was for the promoters to decide which network, HBO or rival Showtime, would gain the rights to produce, distribute and brand the pay-per-view fight. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, espn, HBO, Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, showtime