By Mark Vester

According to a recent interview with trainer Freddie Roach, Golden Boy Promotions has mentioned Manny Pacquiao as a possible opponent for Ricky Hatton in the future.

Roach appeared on the Sports Chat radio with Dennis Principe, broadcast on DZSR Sports Radio in the Philippines, discussing Pacquiao's March 15 rematch with Juan Manuel Maruez, and potential fights with Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya.

Should Hatton move down to 140-pounds as planned, Roach is not against the possibility of a Hatton-Pacquiao mega-battle in the near future. If Pacquiao beats Marquez (and probably if he loses), the next step is a jump in weight to the lightweight limit of 135-pounds, against WBC lightweight champ David Diaz. Roach told Principe the chance to match Pacquiao with Hatton has made a win over Marquez even more important.

Hatton has two opponents in mind for his 08 return, either a showdown with IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi in New York's Madison Square Garden, or a hometown battle with UK rival Junior Witter, the WBC champ at 140. Hatton, who was knocked out by Floyd Mayweather last weekend in Las Vegas, would need to win his return to keep the option of a Pacquiao date open. 

Roach doubts a much talked about meeting between Oscar De La Hoya and Pacquiao, rumored for Sept. 08, will ever happen. He doubts De La Hoya can get down to the welterweight limit of 147, the proposed catch-weight, if the fight ever came off.

“They’re talking about Manny Pacquiao as future opponent for somebody like Ricky Hatton down the line,” said Roach. "I don’t believe Oscar can go down to 147. I’m not that sure if that will work out. But against Ricky Hatton who’s maybe just as popular in his home country, it will be a huge fight for everybody. That makes the Marquez fight that much more important for Manny.”

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