Filipino puncher Pacquiao, 36, takes on Mayweather in boxing’s richest fight on May 2 in Las Vegas.
Former world champion Hatton has shared a ring with both greats and reckons the 38-year-old American is the cleverest man in the sport.
But he still thinks Pacquiao has a chance to dethrone Maywather in the £250m super fight if he does not rush in on the unbeaten pound-for-pound king.
Hatton said: “I can’t for the life of me think Freddie Roach (Pacquiao’s trainer) sat in the Wild Card Gym and told Manny he has to jump all over him.
“I think everyone has tried that, me included, and failed.
Floyd Mayweather vs Ricky Hatton
“I think somebody who is going to beat Mayweather is someone with similar speed which Pacquiao has got and somebody with fast feet who can move in and out.
“Traditionally Floyd likes people jumping all over them so he can sit back and shoulder roll them using that wonderful defence.
“I think if Manny sets a very high tempo and doesn’t jump down the pipe as they say and uses his fast hands to move in and out, I think he has the style to beat him, no doubt.
“But if he tries to sit on his chest and punch away, like we’ve all done, I think he plays into Floyd’s hands.”
Hatton was brutally knocked out by Pacquiao in two rounds when they met in 2009 while he lasted until the 10th with Mayweather two years earlier.
The Manchester-born fighter believes Mayweather has shown signs of ageing in his last two wins over Marcos Maidana.
But he still reckons the American has the edge and cannot wait to be in Las Vegas to witness the long-awaited clash.
He added: “You would have to say the Maidana fights were not two of his best.
“He is 38 now and his form has to have a dip somewhere along the line so there probably is a good case for that I think.
“But I always thought Mayweather and although I think Manny has the style to beat him, I’m still going to go with Mayweather.
“Mayweather always finds a way to win and adapt his style. The cleverest fighter in boxing is Floyd Mayweather.
“I think he adapts his style to whatever opponent he faces and I think he will do the same against Manny.
“I think Manny could have his tactics right and he has the style in order to beat him, but Floyd generally finds a way to win.”
*Sky Sports Box Office will show Mayweather v Pacquiao exclusively live on May 2. Buy now at skysports.com/maypac or from April 25 via your Sky Box.
Credit: Dailystar
