Hatton rejects Golden Boy

Hatton: Won't be fighting de la Hoya in September

Also see

• Sky Sports experts
• World champions
• On Sky TV
• Messageboards

Ricky Hatton has turned down the chance of super-fight with Oscar de la Hoya in September.

'Golden Boy' de la Hoya turned his attentions to Hatton after seeing his proposed fight with Floyd Mayweather on September 20 fall through by the latter's retirement.

Hatton, though, has spurned the opportunity because of the date of the fight.

The Manchester light-welterweight beat Juan Lazcano just over fortnight ago and is now currently relaxing.

"An approach has been made but it would be too soon, Richard only fought two weeks ago," Ray Hatton told BBC Sport.

"Oscar likes to fight in September because of Mexican Independence Day, but Richard's chilling out at the moment and doing dad things."

Hatton now seems likely to face Paulie Malignaggi in November, although he is still hoping Mayweather may reverse his decision to retire, while Manny Pacquiao remains a possible opponent.

He said: "You can never say never with Floyd, maybe if the money was there in 12 months he would change his mind.

"But the Mayweather fight was only one fight that people were talking to us about and as far as Richard is concerned, he's geared up to fight Paul Malignaggi in November.

"A few things still have to be tied up in terms of a venue and TV. Richard would like to fight at Madison Square Garden [in New York], but we have to look at the financial implications.

"We were approached by Manny Pacquiao after the Mayweather fight and it's on the cards.

"Pacquiao's big at his weight and it would be a wonderful fight. They've just about got the two biggest followings in the world - where would you stage a fight like that?

"It's nice that these people are approaching him because it means Richard can just sit back and not have to chase people. It's a wonderful position to be in."