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Ricky Hatton told Sky Sports News he would consider retiring if he achieved two dream victories over Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2009.
'The Hitman' looked a new fighter when dismantling Paulie Malignaggi under the guidance of new trainer Floyd Mayweather senior, proving that he was still the best around at light welterweight.
The Malignaggi victory marked Hatton's return after suffering the first defeat of his career against Mayweather Jr and a disappointing homecoming in Manchester against Juan Lazcano.
Hatton says that 2008 ranks as his best year in boxing, as he had to come back and prove all the critics wrong.
"It's been the best year of my boxing life in the sense I had to come back from a first defeat and knockout against Floyd Maywetaher and I had a lot to prove to the doubters who came out for the first time," Hatton told Sky Sports News.
"I don't blame the critics for looking at me and doubting me a little bit after what happened.
Pacman talks
Talks are continuing to arrange a huge clash with pound-for-pound king Pacquiao, although Mayweather Jr could come out of retirement for a rematch with the Mancunian.
Hatton would prefer to take on Filippino superstar Pacquiao next, before having another crack at Mayweather to avenge his only career defeat.
"I'd prefer to fight Manny Pacquiao, and that's not dodging Floyd, it's just that Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Hatton added.
"If I can beat Manny and become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world then Floyd would be next."
Hatton would then think about hanging up his gloves if he could record two landmark victories in 2009.
"2009 could be my last year, you don't hang up the gloves when you are performing like I am, but if I beat Pacquiao and become the best pound-for-pound fighter, then get a rematch with Floyd and set the record straight, then I'd have to look at myself and where I am and what I'd like to do next."
'The Hitman' looked a new fighter when dismantling Paulie Malignaggi under the guidance of new trainer Floyd Mayweather senior, proving that he was still the best around at light welterweight.
The Malignaggi victory marked Hatton's return after suffering the first defeat of his career against Mayweather Jr and a disappointing homecoming in Manchester against Juan Lazcano.
Hatton says that 2008 ranks as his best year in boxing, as he had to come back and prove all the critics wrong.
"It's been the best year of my boxing life in the sense I had to come back from a first defeat and knockout against Floyd Maywetaher and I had a lot to prove to the doubters who came out for the first time," Hatton told Sky Sports News.
"I don't blame the critics for looking at me and doubting me a little bit after what happened.
Pacman talks
Talks are continuing to arrange a huge clash with pound-for-pound king Pacquiao, although Mayweather Jr could come out of retirement for a rematch with the Mancunian.
Hatton would prefer to take on Filippino superstar Pacquiao next, before having another crack at Mayweather to avenge his only career defeat.
"I'd prefer to fight Manny Pacquiao, and that's not dodging Floyd, it's just that Pacquiao is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Hatton added.
"If I can beat Manny and become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world then Floyd would be next."
Hatton would then think about hanging up his gloves if he could record two landmark victories in 2009.
"2009 could be my last year, you don't hang up the gloves when you are performing like I am, but if I beat Pacquiao and become the best pound-for-pound fighter, then get a rematch with Floyd and set the record straight, then I'd have to look at myself and where I am and what I'd like to do next."
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