Floyd back in Hatton's sights

RICKY Hatton is keeping the boxing world guessing as to his plans for the future - but if anyone can provoke him into pulling the gloves on once again, it is Floyd Mayweather Jr.

It is nearly two years since they faced each other in the ring, but the two men have reopened the feud that once gripped boxing.

This time it looks destined to be played out in the pages of newspapers rather than on the canvas - but the mutual respect that was displayed in the weeks and months after their epic clash has been well and truly scrapped.

Hatton has reacted angrily to comments made by Mayweather in the build up to his comeback fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

It is the first time the Pretty Boy has fought since his 10th round knock out of Hatton in 2007 - a fight he claims "effectively" ended the Hitman's career.

"Floyd Mayweather said he gave Oscar de la Hoya his biggest pay day and that he gave me my biggest payday," said Hatton. "But we gave him his biggest paydays.

"He may be a wonderful fighter, but he still can't sell tickets."

Mayweather had said of Hatton: "Until he came up against me, he'd reached the highest plateau in boxing - and then he failed."

Clash

Mayweather always knew how to push Hatton's buttons - riling him on numerous occasions in the build-up to their clash at Las Vegas' MGM Grand.

But relations between the pair became more cordial in the aftermath, though Hatton's camp pointed to the performance of referee Joe Cortez as a mitigating factor in the first defeat of his professional career.

Victories against Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi convinced the 30-year-old that he could still fulfil his ambition of becoming the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world - but those dreams were shattered by the fists of Manny Pacquiao in May this year.

The Filippino knocked out Hatton inside two rounds, raising serious doubts over his future in the sport.

At the moment he is concentrating on his promotions business and after dinner speaking while deliberating over whether or not to call time on his remarkable career.

He has distanced himself from at Battle of Britain clash with new WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan, admitting he is not missing the sport. But he says his failure to establish himself the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet is the one nagging regret of his career.

"I've lost twice and to the two best fighters in the world," he said. "That is the only title left for me, but I will make my mind up."

Mayweather returns to the ring against Marquez next month. If successful he will seek a clash with Pacquiao.

Given Mayweather's well-documented love affair with money, the box office potential of another clash with old foe Hatton would be sure to appeal to him.

Source: http://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/sport/boxing/s/1130890_floyd_back_in_hattons_sights