Hatton a wanted man

Pacman: Lined up to fight Hatton in America

We've had approaches from two or three other fighters as well. It's nice that people are asking us for fights, but obviously Manny Pacquiao is now regarded as pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world and that's a fight that Ricky would like.

Ray Hatton
Quotes of the week

BET ON BOXING
With speculation mounting that Floyd Mayweather Jnr is to come out of retirement and fight Ricky Hatton, Sky Bet have responded by opening a book on a possible rematch.
Mayweather, who dominated their previous showdown last year, is a 1/3 shot while Hatton is 9/4.
Sky Bet's boxing compiler Scott Springgay said: "With the possibility of this mega fight being at Wembley and a rejuvenated Hatton, coming off the back of a superb performance against Malignaggi, Ricky could be in with a chance of winning.
"It will be one of the biggest fights in British boxing history if it does go ahead."
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Floyd Mayweather Jnr has gatecrashed negotiations between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton by offering the 'Hitman' a rematch.

Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum had suggested a clash between the 'Pacman', currently regarded as the world's number one pound-for-pound fighter, and the light-welterweight champion Hatton could take place in May.

But Ricky's father Ray has since confirmed Mayweather is looking to come out of retirement to take on the Mancunian once again, despite dishing out a 10-round beating 12 months ago.

Pacquiao cemented his place as the world's best fighter with a stunning knockout victory against Oscar De La Hoya earlier in December - and he remains Hatton's preferred option.

However the chance to set the record straight against Mayweather could be too tempting for Hatton to turn down.

"We had a conversation with a third party last night asking whether if we were approached by the Mayweather team could a possible rematch be on the cards," Ray Hatton told Sky Sports News.

"Ricky's made no secret that he'd sooner get beaten by Floyd Mayweather again but feel as though he was given a 100 per cent chance... He could live with that. We've made no bones about that.

Excitement

"We've had approaches from two or three other fighters as well. It's nice that people are asking us for fights, but obviously Manny Pacquiao is now regarded as pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world and that's a fight that Ricky would like.

"I know all the fans would like to see it as well because you'll get the excitement."

Both Hatton and Pacquiao have spoken openly about their desire to meet in the ring, with the duo keen to see the fight happen.

"We are in negotiations with the Hatton people and I think we're moving closer," Arum said before the latest revelations about Mayweather. "I think it is the fight everybody wants to see.

"I can assure you it will not be at Wembley though.

"Not because Manny would be afraid to fight in England but because Wembley makes no economic sense, because we'll have to do it at 5am [to suit American television], outdoors, where there is a 90 per cent chance of rain."