by James Slater- Just a short while back, “Magic ” Matthew Hatton, brother of the much more well known Ricky Hatton, saw his name being mentioned as a possible opponent for none other than Floyd Mayweather Junior. However, the talk proved to be just that, talk, and the 28-year-old was quickly discounted as a potential rival for the pound-for-pound #2 in the world. Still, Hatton was up for the fight, making it clear he’d have taken it if it had been offered to him. Now, according to Oscar De La Hoya, in speaking to Dan Rafael over at ESPN.com, there is a chance Hatton could be getting a big slot on the under-card of the May 1st Mayweather-Shane Mosley clash in Las Vegas. Who against? Mexican hotshot Saul Alvarez..
According to The Golden Boy himself, De La Hoya, Matthew’s name is one that is being seriously looked at for the 19-year-old Alvarez to face in what will be his Golden Boy Promotion’s debut.
“That’s [Hatton] one of the names we’re discussing for Canelo (Alvarez’ nickname),”Oscar told ESPN.com. “I think it’s a great fight.”
Certainly an interesting fight, this welterweight match-up would perhaps tell us a little more about how good the man some have said will be the next great Mexican fighter actually is. Currently 30-0-1(22) and fresh of a very impressive points win over Lanardo Tyner (a UD win back in December), Alvarez is looking the part. A commanding win over Hatton, 38-4-2(15) would be another impressive result on the teenager’s resume.
Stopped just once as a pro – by David Keir way back in early 2003 – “Magic” has managed to capture the IBF International belt at welterweight, as well as box a draw most people felt he won against the experienced Lovemore N’Dou for the IBO bauble at 147. Looking to be pretty much at his peak right now, the younger of the two fighting Hattons could well test Alvarez.
Alvarez must first win his March 6th fight, scheduled for his homeland and against the 19-2(8) Brian “The Golden Greek” Camechis; and assuming there is no shocking upset there it could be Hatton on May 1st for the incredibly active possible star of the future. A good under-card fight, and one that would fit nicely as an appetizer for the huge welterweight title fight that will headline at The MGM Grand, Alvarez-Hatton could even go the distance.
Sure, Alvarez has to be looked at as a big favourite, maybe even to KO Hatton, but the Manchester native will give it his best shot and come to fight hard, as he always does. De La Hoya did not reveal the other names Golden Boy are looking at for Alvarez’s May 1st opponent, but Matthew Hatton would do very nicely, thank you. Let’s see if a deal can be reached.