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£20million mega-fight with Pacquiao looks set for Las Vegas
By STEVE LILLIS, 13/12/2008
RICKY HATTON’S dreams of facing the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao at Wembley Stadium next year appear to have been shattered.
The fight now looks certain to be staged next May in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum is reluctant to let the Filipino superstar fight in Hatton’s back yard unless the Pacman gets the bulk of the cash.
That means Hatton will settle for another Stateside fight, where he could earn a colossal £20million.
The Hitman was desperate to defend his IBO and Ring Magazine titles in Britain, but will not be short-changed.
The Manchester idol is set for a holiday with his girlfriend over the New Year and then a cruise with his family in February.
Faded
He plans a gym return in March and is determined to be in the shape of his life when he faces boxing’s man of the moment.
Talks began last week after Pacquiao forced six-weight world champion Oscar de la Hoya to quit on his stool at the end of eight rounds.
The Filipino icon defied ring logic by stepping up three weight divisions in eight months to stop the faded Golden Boy in Vegas.
It meant an immediate change to plans for Hatton to take on De La Hoya in London next summer.
Pacquiao declared: “I can fight any time, anywhere. I can go to England to fight Hatton, no problem.”
Arum, however, has other ideas about the venue.
Hatton, 30, is confident the fight will be confirmed early in the New Year even though Pacquiao could get a big offer to face Floyd Mayweather Jr.
By STEVE LILLIS, 13/12/2008
RICKY HATTON’S dreams of facing the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound fighter Manny Pacquiao at Wembley Stadium next year appear to have been shattered.
The fight now looks certain to be staged next May in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum is reluctant to let the Filipino superstar fight in Hatton’s back yard unless the Pacman gets the bulk of the cash.
That means Hatton will settle for another Stateside fight, where he could earn a colossal £20million.
The Hitman was desperate to defend his IBO and Ring Magazine titles in Britain, but will not be short-changed.
The Manchester idol is set for a holiday with his girlfriend over the New Year and then a cruise with his family in February.
Faded
He plans a gym return in March and is determined to be in the shape of his life when he faces boxing’s man of the moment.
Talks began last week after Pacquiao forced six-weight world champion Oscar de la Hoya to quit on his stool at the end of eight rounds.
The Filipino icon defied ring logic by stepping up three weight divisions in eight months to stop the faded Golden Boy in Vegas.
It meant an immediate change to plans for Hatton to take on De La Hoya in London next summer.
Pacquiao declared: “I can fight any time, anywhere. I can go to England to fight Hatton, no problem.”
Arum, however, has other ideas about the venue.
Hatton, 30, is confident the fight will be confirmed early in the New Year even though Pacquiao could get a big offer to face Floyd Mayweather Jr.
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