Hatton has an eye on return with Mayweather

Published on Tuesday 7 October 2008 10:01

RICKY HATTON has admitted he would love to secure a rematch with Floyd Mayweather Junior before he retires from boxing.

Hatton, who turned 30 yesterday, was knocked out by Mayweather in December in the only defeat of his 45-fight professional career.

The Hyde Hitman raised eyebrows by hiring Mayweather's father – Floyd Mayweather Senior – as his trainer as he prepares to take on IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi on November 22.

Hatton's agreement with Mayweather Senior extends no further than next month's fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but if their partnership proves a success – and the early signs are encouraging – then it could continue.

Oscar De La Hoya, Manny Pacquiao and Manuel Marquez have been touted as possible opponents for Hatton if he defeats Malignaggi and a rematch with Mayweather could also be on the cards if the American can be tempted out of retirement.

Hatton said: "If Floyd Junior does come out of retirement I don't know what would happen with Floyd Senior training me, but obviously I'd like to fight him again. Father and son is a very touchy subject and we'd have to cross that bridge when we come it.

"Floyd Senior is of the opinion that Floyd Junior has forgotten that his dad helped him to get to the top, but I'm not going to ask too many questions about their relationship.

"Floyd Junior is all about controversy and he'll want to come out and fight at some point, I'm pretty certain of that.

"De La Hoya, Pacquiao and Marques are among the best pound-for-pound fighters so I'd like to get at least one of them or Floyd after Malignaggi.

"We could get 100,000 at Wembley with my fan base but at the moment it's just one fight at a time. I've got a new training camp and that might breathe a whole new lease of life into me.

"It's only because I turned professional so young that people ask when I'm going to retire.

"You might see my performances get better than they've ever been so I'd be a fool to hang my gloves up. Time will tell."

Hatton will spend two weeks training with Mayweather Senior in Manchester before flying to Vegas with him on October 16 in preparation for the Malignaggi fight.

Hatton added: "He's slowed me down and given me a more subtle approach. I've got to get used to him calling the shots and the different combinations, plus I need to get to know him as a person and as a coach."