Hatton wants Pacquiao in 2009, Mayweather next

MANILA, Philippines – Reigning International Boxing Organization (IBO) light welterweight champion Ricky “The Hitman" Hatton is itching to face current pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in 2009. In a report in the British website inthenews.co.uk, Hatton says if he wins against Pacquiao he would want to take on Floyd Mayweather Jr. next for a possible rematch in their December 8, 2007 World Boxing Council (WBC) welterweight title bout. Hatton, challenging Mayweather for the WBC welterweight crown, lost that match earning his lone setback in 46 fights. His loss against Mayweather snapped his 43 match win streak. Hatton said he is ready to hang his gloves if he wins both fights against Pacquiao and Mayweather after having nothing else left to achieve from the sport that he played since turning pro in 1997. Hatton saw a chance of earning a mega-buck fight against Pacquiao after the Filipino boxing icon, who fought two weight divisions above his normal lightweight class, peppered Oscar De La Hoya into submission in their Dream Match at the welterweight limit of 147 pounds. He said a win against Pacquiao would serve as a warm up for his anticipated rematch with Mayweather, who retired last year. Hatton, who hired Floyd Mayweather Sr. as his trainer, said he wants to retire at the peak of his career if he could beat Pacquiao and Mayweather. Hatton had expressed his desire to retire in 2009. – GMANews.TV