It's been quite a while since sports betting fanatics have been so vehemently against a boxer in a prizefight as the Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao on May 2. We're not talking about Mike Tyson vs. Peter McNeely either--this is a fight that is arguably for the pound for pound title in the world of boxing.

Seemingly, one fight against an aging and sickly-looking Oscar De La Hoya last year has everyone in the boxing betting community convinced that Manny Pacquiao could beat Goliath if he has put in the ring with him. However, Pacquiao will face the biggest test of his career when he fights a true  light welterweight in the prime of his career, with a truck load of knockouts on his resume.

Hatton will have a slight reach advantage, which with the help of his new trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., he should be able to make use of. It will be important for Hatton to show his conditioning and stay as active as Pacquiao with his punch output. Why? Because a barrage of punches will keep the Pac Man on the outside. As boxing betting experts know, when a fighter gets full extension on his punches, that is when they generate the most power. Hatton will need to shed his bull rushing mentality, and instead throw bombs from the outside.

One of Pacquiao's main weaknesses is that while he is certainly quick, he is not particularly elusive in any way. It's quite easy to find the Pac Man, because he does not move his head very much during fights, and prefers to come forward rather than dodge left and right. This is a major advantage for Hatton, who will be looking for a knockout blow most of the night. The bout will ultimately come down to hand speed, which Hatton has spent virtually his entire training camp working on with Mayweather. It will be easy to target Pacquiao, but can he beat him to the punch, and can he counterpunch once he is hit?

Those who have been betting on boxing for a long period of time know that when big fights come around, big punchers have a chance. Just look at Marvin Hagler,  and how he knocked out the taller and more talented Thomas Hearns. Or perhaps Aaron Pryor and his relentless attack against Alexis Arguello.

If you want good value on boxing lines this weekend, bet on Hatton to score the KO!