Ricky Hatton tells Sky Sports News about his dream fight with Floyd Mayweather.
Hatton speak to Sky Sports News about his American dream
Ricky Hatton told
Sky Sports News of his delight at finally signing the deal to fight Floyd Mayweather in December in Las Vegas.
With the deal officially signed for the 8th December to see the unbeaten duo go head-to-head in a huge superfight, both camps are relishing the big-money showdown.
Hatton has made it clear that his career aim is more about taking on the biggest names around rather than collecting title belts, and there are no bigger than Mayweather.
The five-weight world champion is the best pound-for-pounder on the planet and 'The Hitman' would be achieving a dream if he could defeat the 'Pretty Boy' in Vegas.
"To win the world title is one thing, but to be known as the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet in any weight division would be something else and I just can't wait," Hatton told
Sky Sports News.
"I am fighting a five-weight world champion and the best fighter in the world.
"He's just come off a win over another modern-day legend in De la Hoya. It can't get any bigger than that."
Performance
Mayweather has been lured out of retirement to take on Hatton, thanks in part to the Mancunian's destruction of Jose Luis Castillo in June.
"Before my last performance against Castillo, I'm sure a lot of people thought I'd lost my chance at fighting him, but with the performance I put in last time he could see what a big fight it is," Hatton added.
There seems little to choose between the two as unbeaten Hatton (43-0) and unbeaten Mayweather (38-0) prepare to go toe-to-toe.
The American has been riled by Hatton's confidence, and believes he can make the most of the weight advantage, with the fight being staged at welterweight - a division Hatton has only fought at once and with some problems.
"He's definitely getting knocked out," Mayweather said.
"I am the best fighter in boxing today, and I'm prepared for any challenge my team puts in front of me. And with Ricky Hatton it's already personal.
"He has talked and disrespected me so much in the past months that I can't wait to get him in the ring and show him he is not even on my level."
Weight mistake
Hatton though says he is this time prepared to fight at a higher division after his struggles against Luis Collazo last year.
"I ended up getting in the ring too heavy on the night and it slowed me down," Hatton added.
"But you learn by your mistakes and I'll be better prepared next time. I'll be better, stronger and faster."
Oscar de la Hoya's Golden Boy Promotions will stage the contest, which will hand Hatton the biggest pay day of his career.
De la Hoya said: "I am extremely excited to announce Golden Boy's involvement in another boxing extravaganza such as Mayweather v Hatton. We are proud to continue to provide fans with the best match-ups and fights in boxing today.
"This will be an exciting way to end this record-breaking year for the sport."
