By Rick Reeno
Ricky Hatton, who officially retired earlier this year, spoke to BoxingScene.com about the potential mega-fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. Hatton closed his superstar career with 45 wins, 32 knockouts and only 2 defeats - which came to Mayweather and Pacquiao.
Although it took Mayweather ten rounds to stop him, and Pacquiao blew him out with a brutal knockout in two, Hatton is very firm in his belief that Mayweather's style gives him the edge over Pacquiao.
BoxingScene.com: Ricky, you retired with only two defeats, to the two best fighters in the sport. If you had to pick a winner between Pacquiao and Mayweather, Who would you pick?
I've always thought Floyd would win. I love Manny Pacquiao. I have more in common with Manny Pacquiao than Mayweather, but I have to give credit where credit is due. He's not on my Christmas card list [Mayweather] but I think he'll win.
BoxingScene.com: Did your opinion get influenced at all by Pacquiao's recent struggle with Juan Manuel Marquez?
Even before the Marquez fight I thought that [Mayweather would win]. The opinion has not changed. I love Manny Pacquiao, he's a nice guy. Mayweather is not up my street as a person, but credit where credit is due. I think he's an all-time great.
BoxingScene.com: What gives Mayweather the edge in this fight?
Floyd is a thinking fighter, a very calculating fighter and quick.