By Mark Vester
Undefeated Ricky Hatton recently spoke with UK media outlet Sunday Mirror, regarding his potential bout with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
For years, name opponents have excluded Hatton from their list of potential opponents, but after he knocked out Jose Luis Castillo with a single bodyshot in the fourth round of their June 23 bout in Las Vegas, his phone has been ringing off the hook with offers for big fights.
"Before that punch I was called overprotected and people said I would not come out of the comfort zone," said Hatton. "The big names in the sport were all eyeing each other up and talking telephone numbers for fights, and I was excluded. Then all of a sudden my phone didn't stop ringing and the offers have piled up."
Ray Hatton, says his son will end up facing Mayweather (tentative for Nov. 10 in Las Vegas), with an announcement expected in early August.
"It looks to me like the Floyd Mayweather fight can be made - and that is one that Ricky really wants. I expect we will make some type of announcement by the start of August, but right now Ricky needs a break," the elder Hatton said.
Mayweather, who vowed retirement after his May 5 split-decision win over Oscar De La Hoya, was tempted to return by Hatton's much publicized remarks that called Mayweather a talented yet boring fighter. Hatton has not changed his mind in the last two weeks, and he wants to prove that Mayweather is afraid to leave his comfort zone.
"He bores the t*ts off me but I realize he is a quality fighter. He has to now put his signature where his big mouth is, because he is talking boldly about beating me," Hatton said. "I'd fight Floyd Mayweather anywhere but I know he would never leave Las Vegas. Too many Americans claim they will fight anywhere but the truth is they seem allergic to getting on a plane. I've shown that I am not scared of flying and fighting in their back yard. I truly believe I would be his worst nightmare and I'm capable of beating him."
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