BOXING:Ricky Hatton craves a rematch with Floyd Mayweather - and efforts to lure the American to Wembley next spring have already begun.
Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer revealed today that he has received a positive response from Mayweather's camp over a second meeting.
Hatton was comprehensively dispatched in the 10th round by
Mayweather in Las Vegas last December, but subsequent viewing of
the fight has convinced him that
referee Joe Cortez contributed to his downfall.
Most observers felt Hatton was simply outclassed by the world's finest boxer but the 29-year-old's sense of injustice has escalated, fuelling his determination to avenge the only defeat on his 44-fight record.
And his dream of locking horns with the brilliant Mayweather
once again moved a
step closer when Schaefer revealed he has already held
discussions over staging
a clash in London next year.
"It's very likely that Floyd will come over next spring. Floyd
and his manager
Al Hayman are very serious about it," said Schaefer.
"The first fight was great and while Floyd would have to get
past Oscar De Lay
Hoya first, he knows that Ricky has talked about the
referee.
"He wants to show that he will repeat what happened the first time. That's his motivation.
"Floyd realises that Hatton is the most beloved fighter in the world and for him to come over to Wembley Stadium is making history.
"For Ricky it's about challenges and it's the same for Floyd. Fighting in front of 100,000 fans would be huge motivation for Floyd."
Plenty of obstacles must be overcome before Hatton and Mayweather can renew their rivalry.
Hatton faces Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium on
May 24th with victory setting up a possible showdown against IBF
light-welterweight champion
Paul Malignaggi.
Malignaggi meets Lovemore N'Dou on the undercard and Hatton would relish topping the bill against the New Yorker at Madison Square Garden in the summer.
For his part, Mayweather must overcome De La Hoya who he edged on a split decision last May in the richest bout in boxing history.
De La Hoya himself must dispatch Steve Forbes on May 3 to avoid inflicting a setback on his plans to collide with Mayweather for a second time.
Promoter Frank Maloney, who is staging the City of Manchester bill in conjunction with Golden Boy and Punch Promotions, believes Mayweather would find it hard to decline a superfight in London.
"If Ricky wins in front of 55,000 on May 24 it gives us the opportunity to try and tempt Floyd over here to fight in front of at least 100,000," he said.
"That fight would draw that size of crowd over here and we'd stage it at somewhere like Wembley."
Hatton revealed he needs to face Mayweather again for his own peace of mind as the manner of his solitary defeat continues to gnaw at his psyche.
"I want to be involved in big fights. Hopefully Paul will come through his fight and we can meet," said the Mancunian.
"After that I wouldn't mind another pop at Floyd because even though he's not in my weight division, I couldn't care less.
"I'd have a go at him because for me it's always been about the challenge. I thought the referee was a little bit harsh when I fought him.
"The warnings were only coming one way. That resulted in me loosing my cool a bit.
"But I don't want to be an old man sat in an armchair with my pipe and slippers blaming the referee for what happened.
"I'd like another crack at Mayweather on even terms with a referee who is on top of his game.
"If Mayweather beats me again then I'd say 'Ricky now you know', rather than thinking about it all the time."
Only 4,000 tickets remain for the fight against Lazcano - who has won 37 of his 42 contests - with 51,000 being snapped up within five days of going on sale.
Schaefer revealed Bernard Hopkins plans to attend, "as part of his victory march through the UK for beating Joe Calzaghe on April 19th".
Hatton today once again dismissed the prospect of a domestic showdown against Junior Witter, insisting: "If Junior was fighting my back garden I'd shut the curtains."