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Hitman Hatton rejects offer to clash with De la Hoya

09/06/2008

Ricky Hatton has rejected an offer to fight Oscar de la Hoya in September, according to his father.

Six-weight world champion De la Hoya was set to fight Floyd Mayweather on September 20th. But the undefeated Mayweather announced on Friday his retirement from the sport.

That sparked rumours that light-welterweight champion Hatton, who beat Juan Lazcano on points last month, would step in.

But Ray Hatton said his son's next challenger would be American Paulie Malignaggi in November.

"An approach has been made but it would be too soon, Richard only fought two weeks ago," Ray Hatton told the BBC.

"Oscar likes to fight in September because of Mexican Independence Day, but Richard's chilling out at the moment and doing dad things."

Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao, who faces WBC lightweight champion David Diaz on June 28th, revealed today he wants to fight Hatton.

Hatton's dad said the fight could be arranged if Pacquiao moves up from super-featherweight.

"We were approached by Manny Pacquiao after the Mayweather fight and it's on the cards," Hatton said.

"Pacquiao's big at his weight and it would be a wonderful fight. They've just about got the two biggest followings in the world - where would you stage a fight like that?

"It's nice that these people are approaching him because it means Richard can just sit back and not have to chase people. It's a wonderful position to be in."