by James Slater – Ricky Hatton, who faces what is arguably the toughest fight of his entire career when he meets the superb fighting machine that is Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd, is absolutely bursting with confidence. So much so that “The Hitman” is even looking past his next mega-fight and lining up potential opponents for his fight afterwards. Hatton has assured his fans that he will win on May 2nd, saying he will not let them down this time, and he has also told Sky Sports that the Pacquiao fight will in no way be his last..
One man who still looms large in the Manchester warrior’s mind is the only man to have ever beaten him – Floyd Mayweather Junior. It’s well known how Hatton craves a rematch with the man who stopped him in the 10th round of their December 2007 meeting. And Hatton has also said he would relish the opportunity to meet the great Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez if he cannot get a second go at “Money.”
Hatton against either Mayweather in a rematch or against a Marquez who has already said he’d like a fight with Hatton would be great nights – especially for British fans, even more so if the bout were to take place in the UK and be the “Homecoming” Hatton has spoken of.
The 30-year-old 140-pound champ spoke about how there will be a load of options for him to consider should he do as he feels he will and beat “Pac-Man.”
“There are plenty of good fights out there for me if I was to beat Pacquiao,” Hatton said. “Juan Manuel Marquez wants to become the first Mexican to win world titles at five different weights. There’s him, and I’d be a liar if I said I don’t think I can get another crack at Floyd Mayweather Junior.
“Manny won’t be my last fight. Hopefully I’ll have a homecoming in the UK – against Marquez or Mayweather.”
If Hatton were to lose to Pacquiao, but put on a competitive showing in defeat, him against either of the greats he mentioned would still be massive and hugely successful fights. However, if Hatton were to beat the Filipino superstar a bout against either modern day master would be absolutely colossal!
Imagine how great a fight Hatton Vs. Marquez would be at either 140 or at a catch-weight thereabouts. Such a fight is good enough on paper it almost makes one forget about the upcoming clash with Pacquiao! Almost. But the May 2nd fight, on which Hatton is surely 100-percent focused right now, looks certain to be one of the very highlights of 2009.
Still, it’s good to know how positive Hatton is – for him to be looking even slightly ahead shows the man’s enormous self belief.