You are in > manchester.com  > News > Hatton lines up Mayweather superfight

Boxing

Hatton lines up Mayweather superfight

28/07/2007

Britain's Ricky Hatton is close to agreeing terms on a career-defining fight against American light-middleweight king Floyd Mayweather.

The Manchester fighter's father Ray Hatton has said that a deal to take on the man regarded as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world has been agreed "in principle".

The Hitman has managed to convince American promoters of both his talent and box-office potential with three stateside victories over Luis Collazo, Juan Urango and Jose Luis Castillo.

Mayweather's previous fight, a decisive victory over veteran boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya, had been billed as his last, but soon after his win he admitted that a chance to face Hatton would persuade him to continue.

"The date and venue is up in the air but we agreed via our lawyers what the financial side of it was going to be," Ray Hatton said.

"I can't honestly tell you a deal has been done until I see the signatures on all the documents. But what I can tell you is that both sides were happy with what we finalised verbally.

"It is a great fight for Ricky. How many times do you get to fight the best fighter in the world?"

The signs are equally positive in the opposing camp with Mayweather's advisor Leonard Ellerbe claiming his man is confident of adding to his career record of 38 unanswered wins.

"Floyd is extremely excited. He wants to show Hatton that he's never fought at this level before," he said.

"He's going to show him what it's like to step in the ring with the best fighter."

Should the deal be sealed without any hiccups a November or December date in Las Vegas is likely.

© Adfero Ltd