By Sean McDaniel: Fringe welterweight contender Matthew Hatton (37-4-2, 14 KO’s) is hoping to get the call from Floyd Mayweather Jr. as a replacement opponent for him should Floyd’s March 13th mega fight with Manny Pacquiao fall through. Hatton, 28, is the younger brother of former International Boxing Federation welterweight champion Ricky Hatton. Matthew Hatton is much less well known than his older brother, but is kind of a diamond in the rough. He has good overall skills, but is still a developing fighter at 28.
In an article with the Manchester Evening News, Matthew had this to say about Mayweather: “I was at a friend’s party when Gareth Williams from my promotional company phoned and said that Golden Boy Promotions wanted to know if I’d be interested in fighting Floyd. I asked him if he was being serious but Floyd’s very keen on fighting in England and they asked if I’d be up for it. I didn’t have to think about it for one second. I think it’s unlikely but if the Pacquiao fight doesn’t come off I’m at the top of their list of opponents.”
Despite Hatton’s lack of top level experience during his nine year pro career, there’s a very good chance that he’ll be a lot more competitive than Pacquiao’s alternate opponent Paulie Malignaggi, who has been mentioned recently as a replacement for Mayweather if the negotiations process fails.
Mayweather would likely toy with the younger Hatton if he ends up fighting him. It would be a hopelessly one-sided fight. However, the bout would be attractive in the UK, where Matthew is better known because of his brother. It’s unclear what Mayweather’s goal would be for a fight with Matthew Hatton, because it would be a fight that would have little value for U.S. boxing fans.
Hatton recently fought to a controversial 12 round draw in November against 38-year-old International Boxing Organization welterweight champion Lovemore N’dou. Many boxing fans felt that Hatton did more than enough to get the win. Personally, I had Hatton winning the fight by four rounds. It was a big disappointment for him, and he’s interested in getting a rematch with N’dou.
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