By TMZ Sports

Manchester legend Ricky Hatton says he absolutely LOVES UFC superstar Conor McGregor -- but knows in his heart the guy has no shot against five division world champion Floyd Mayweather.

There are ongoing discussions for McGregor to face Mayweather in a boxing match in the fall. Mayweather (49-0, 26 KOs), 40 years old, retired from boxing in September 2015, but unretired in April for the sole purpose of facing McGregor.

Ricky famously fought Mayweather back in 2007 -- they were both undefeated at the time -- but Hatton got rocked and stopped in the 10th round.

Hatton says he knows from experience how hard it is to land a shot against Floyd -- and says he thinks there's a real possibility Conor won't land a single punch if they actually fight.

"I couldn't hit him. Oscar [De La Hoya] couldn't hit him. Canelo [Alvarez] couldn't hit him. Conor's not going to hit him," Hatton said.

"What I think happens in the fight ... it could be a bit embarrassing. And I would not like to see that happen to Conor 'cause I love him to bits. If the truth be known, I'd like Conor to splatter him. But I don't ... my heart says it but my mind says 'no,' he probably wouldn't."

According to McGregor and UFC President Dana White, their side of the deal is done. And now the real negotiations begin as their side will attempt to reach a deal with Mayweather and his adviser Al Haymon. If a deal is reached, the fight would take place at the end of the year. It was initially targeted for September 16th, but now Canelo is facing Gennady Golovkin on the date.

Hatton is not alone in his thoughts of a one-sided mismatch. McGregor is a massive underdog with zero pro boxing experience. Mayweather is regarded as the best boxer and defensive fighter of this era.