Hatton may get Mayweather rematch

By Duncan Bech Special to PA SportsTicker

Ricky Hatton’s dream of meeting Floyd Mayweather for a second time moved a step closer on Thursday when it was revealed the American is considering a rematch at Wembley in spring next year.

Mayweather won the first contest with a 10th-round stoppage in Las Vegas last December but Hatton feels referee Joe Cortez contributed to the only defeat on his 44-fight record.

In reality, Mayweather was comfortably superior throughout the contest and Hatton showed little to suggest a second meeting would provide a different outcome.

Hatton’s next assignment is against Mexican Juan Lazcano on May 24 while Mayweather is scheduled to resume his rivalry with Oscar De La Hoya on September 20.

But Richard Schaefer, the chief executive of Golden Boy promotions, revealed Thursday that discussions over luring Mayweather to London have already begun.

“It’s very likely that Floyd will come over next spring. Floyd and his manager Al Hayman are very serious about it,” said Schaefer. “The first fight was great and while Floyd would have to get past Oscar first, he knows that Ricky has talked about the referee.

“He wants to show that he will repeat what happened the first time. That’s his motivation. Floyd realizes that Hatton is the most beloved fighter in the world and for him to come over to Wembley Stadium is making history.”