De La Hoya Wants Hatton

By John Stammel: According to the latest boxing news, Oscar De La Hoya (38-5, 30 KOs) has stated that he’s interested in fighting Ricky Hatton (43-0, 31 KOs), mentioning that a bout between the two is a possibility for 2008. De La Hoya, 34, is badly in need of a win right about now, having lost recently to Floyd Mayweather Jr in May 2007, and right about now Hatton, 28, would likely seem the perfect opponent for De Hoya. However, if this bout is to take place, De La Hoya may have to do some convincing to Hatton, as the English fighter is already considering bouts with either Floyd Mayweather jr. or Miguel Cotto, each of which would mean millions for Hatton.

Hatton has stated publicly to Reuters news that he would be “honored” to fight De La Hoya, no doubt dreaming of the fan interest that follow such a mega-bout as this. More than that, it would easily be the largest money fight of Hatton’s career, which has so far been devoid of a true-mega fight, perhaps only his bout with Kostya Tszyu, fought in 2005, coming close to being considered a huge bout.

If the bout were to take place, Hatton would be at a tremendous disadvantage against De La Hoya, who at 5″11,” is five inches taller than Hatton. Not only that, De La Hoya also weighs 20 pounds more, and has a larger frame. The bout would likely be at welterweight (147), not exactly Hatton’s best weight class historically. However, by the time both fighters were to enter the ring, De La Hoya would probably be weighing close to 170 lbs compared to Hatton’s 150+.

Nevertheless, the bout would still be exciting while it lasts, and would likely be the biggest bout of the year in terms of PPV. Hopefully, the two can come to an agreement as soon as possible, as this fight more than any others out there for Hatton, would figure to be the most winnable for him, mostly because De La Hoya has been fading as a fighter in the past five years, and isn’t close to be as fast as he was in his youth.