Ricky Hatton's camp believe the appointment of Floyd Mayweather Snr will provide the Mancunian with a wealth of world title experience.
Hatton to reap benefits of Mayweather Snr claims his solicitor
Ricky Hatton's camp believe the appointment of Floyd Mayweather Snr will provide the Mancunian with a wealth of world title experience.
Hatton, who squares off against IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas on November 22, recently employed Mayweather Snr after splitting with long-time trainer Billy Graham.
And while The Hitman has yet to start working with the American, Hatton's solicitor Gareth Williams insists the man who has trained the likes of Oscar De La Hoya, Chad Dawson and Joan Guzman will be a vital asset.
"He has met with him, and things are going very well," Williams said. "He [Mayweather] has got more experience than Billy Graham.
"Billy Graham only had trained Ricky Hatton while Mayweather works with many title fighters."
No rematch
Hatton would relish a rematch against his new trainer's son, Floyd Mayweather Jr, after losing to the American back in 2007.
But any hopes of a bout where father and son meet on opposite corners of the ring are extremely unlikely as Mayweather Jr's announcemtn of his retirement seems to be a permanent one.
And Williams said the idea has not even been discussed in the team.
"We have not talked about Floyd Jr coming out of retirement. And we have not talked about a rematch," Williams said.
Meanwhile, outspoken stylist Malignaggi, whose IBF belt may not be on the line on November 22, is still savouring the prospect of facing one of boxing's biggest names.
"This is the biggest fight of my career, and I live for these opportunities," Malignaggi said.
"The best always comes out of me for moments like this. And this moment can't get any bigger."
The 27-year-old New Yorker also began the mind games before the showdown by questioning the legality of Hatton's rough and tumble style.
"Holding and hitting is not allowed," he said. "If he wants to fight inside, I have no problem. Inside fighting is inside fighting.
"But when a guy has a bigger name, he gets away with some things."
Excitement
Former boxer-come-promoter Oscar De La Hoya believes the style of each fighter complements the other and expects an exciting fight.
"Hatton is an aggressive puncher who swarms his opponents from start to finish while Malignaggi is one of the purest boxers in the game today," said the Golden Boy Promotions president.
"As a fan, I am excited to see if Hatton can lure Malignaggi into a brawl or if Malignaggi can dictate the tempo and make the fight his.
"No matter what happens, I think when their styles collide it's going to make for great action and great drama."
