Hatton Decides Between Pacquiao and Mayweather
After his TKO Over Malignaggi, Hatton Eyes Pound-for-Pound Title
Jan 7, 2009
On 8th December 2007, Ricky Hatton lay in his Las Vegas hotel room wondering what went wrong after suffering his first career defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. His future is in disarray and rumours of retirement spread around boxing like Chinese whispers.
Fast forward to 22nd November 2008, the ‘Hitman’ stands on top of the world following his demolition of Paulie Malignaggi, prompting his return to the box office of the sport and rounding off a complete turnaround in the Brit’s career.
Future Fights
The light-welterweight king immediately targeted the winner of the Oscar De La Hoya VS Manny Pacquiao fight in December, which was deservedly won by the ‘Pacman’, who is regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
The Filipino fighter then went on record, stating his desire for the ‘Hitman’ to be his next opponent, possibly in London at Wembley Arena. A wise choice considering the size of Hatton’s following and worldwide appeal.
Although nothing has yet been confirmed, the fight looks set to go ahead on May 2nd at the MGM Grande Arena, Las Vegas.
Why Las Vegas?
The main stumbling block for a London based fight, appears to be Pacquiao’s promoters, who are un-willing to agree on a split purse in front of a predominantly Hatton based crowd.
However, the question that has to be asked, is why fight in front of an American audience who, if recent pay-per-view figures show, are losing interest in the sport when the bout could be staged in front of 80,000 British fans and millions more on television.
Floyd Mayweather Jnr to return?
Something that makes the proposed fight even more interesting, are the claims from Ricky Hatton’s lawyer that Floyd Mayweather Jr has approached the Briton’s camp over a possible re-match.
The ‘Hitmans’ father and manager, Ray Hatton, has also confirmed that they have been “sounded out” by a third party on behalf of Mayweather, although Pacquiao remains the primary target:
“Really at the moment we’re looking at Manny Pacquiao. It’s very nice for Ricky to be in such a big league.
“Manny Pacquiao is now regarded as pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world and that’s a fight Ricky would like. I know fans would like to see it.”
So Floyd Mayweather Jr’s sensational return looks set to be put on ice, whilst Hatton and Pacquiao battle it out for the right to face the flamboyant American showman.
Rematch
Should Hatton win, not only is there a classic story of redemption to be told, but he would go into the bout as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, a title the American held in their previous encounter back in 2007.
There is also the small matter of Floyd Mayweather Snr training the ‘Hitman’ against his own son, whom he has not spoken to for several years.
On the other hand, should Pacquiao defeat Hatton, the Filipino would surely love to take on the man who many still believe to be the pound-for-pound king and most accomplished boxer since Mike Tyson in the 1990’s.
Whichever way it goes, 2009 looks set to be an explosive year for Ricky Hatton and the sport of boxing.
