Hatton-Pacquiao showdown in doubt

Ricky Hatton's lawyer has admitted that the Manchester fighter's proposed contest with Manny Pacquiao, slated for 2 May in Las Vegas, is under threat. Gareth Williams said promoter Bob Arum originally agreed to a 50-50 split of the proceeds, but Pacquiao was now insisting on 60-40. "Ricky brings as much to the table as Manny," Williams told BBC Sport. "Either it is 50-50 or we'll consider other options. If that's Manny's position, there is no fight." Williams added that Hatton could take legal action if the fight does not take place. "Our own view is that a fight will take place on a 50-50 basis as per the agreement," said Williams. "Do they honestly believe Pacquiao-Mayweather is going to do significantly more PPV figures than a Pacquiao-Hatton fight?" "But if we are formally told it won't take place on that basis we'll consider our legal options because as far as we're concerned we've got a binding contract. "We got a verbal deal at 50-50 - everything's moved on on that basis. We were told Bob Arum had the full rights to negotiate on behalf of Pacquiao." Unbeaten American Floyd Mayweather Jr could come out of retirement and fight Pacquiao if the Filipino superstar's fight with Hatton falls through. Mayweather became the first man to beat Hatton in December 2007, but Williams questioned whether Pacquiao-Mayweather would be as lucrative as Pacquiao-Hatton. "I can't see where Pacquiao's coming from because without Ricky Hatton, what's he going to do?" said Williams. "He's not going to be involved in a fight that will generate the same income as fighting Ricky Hatton. "A fight with Mayweather won't generate the same money because Hatton brings all his fans and UK TV money. "There's only so much you get out of a fight in America in terms of gate, and you're not going to get any more out of a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight than for a Pacquiao-Hatton fight. "And when Hatton fought Mayweather, the crowd was predominately Hatton fans, and when Pacquiao fought Oscar de la Hoya, the crowd were mainly De la Hoya fans. "Manny is massive in the Philippines, but thousands of Filipinos aren't going to travel to Las Vegas or pay £15 a head to watch it on pay-per-view. "Do they honestly believe Pacquiao-Mayweather is going to do significantly more pay-per-view figures than a Pacquiao-Hatton fight? I don't think it will. "But the ball's in their court. We think we're being reasonable and we're not going to be messed about." If negotiations for Hatton-Pacquiao do collapse, Williams said Hatton would most likely fight in the UK in the summer instead. From the BBC; http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/boxing/7826510.stm