By Mark Vester

On the latest edition of "Sports Chat,” a Philippine radio show hosted by writer Dennis Principe, promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank was a guest and revealed details of recent meeting between HBO and representatives of former two-division champion Ricky Hatton.

According to Arum, Hatton's people recently met with the network in New York, and expressed great interest in facing Manny Pacquiao by the end of 2008. The network is said to be very interested in the fight, especially when considering the large base of fans that each fighter possesses.

"While we were having lunch today and talking about the (Juan Manuel) Marquez fight and how tough it would be, and fighting (WBC lightweight champion) David Diaz in the summer, we had an occasion to talk with HBO," Arum said. "The Hatton people were in New York visiting with HBO and the fighter they mentioned prominently as someone they wanted to fight at the end of the year, was Manny Pacquiao."

If Pacquiao gets by Marquez on March 15, he would move up in weight to 135-pounds to challenge David Diaz for the WBC lightweight title. The Diaz fight would probably happen in June/July. If he beats Diaz, the next step would be a major event to finish off the year. A fight with Hatton would certainly be a major event.

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