Deal struck for Hatton-Mayweather (bbc sport)

Ricky Hatton's father Ray has confirmed a deal has been struck "in principle" for son to face Floyd Mayweather later this year.
Ray Hatton said a verbal contract had been struck between lawyers for both parties with, crucially, an agreement reached over the financial side.

But he is remaining cautious until contracts have actually been exchanged.

Hatton said: "We have agreed a deal in principle but the date and venue is up in the air."

No date or venue has been agreed for the superfight, but it could happen on 10 November or 8 December in Las Vegas.

"I can't honestly tell you a deal has been done until I see the signatures on all the documents," he said.

"But what I can say is that both sides were happy with what we finalised verbally."

Ricky Hatton admitted he was eager to take on five-weight champion Mayweather after demolishing Jose Luis Castillo in his outing for the IBO light-welterweight title on 24 June.

Both fighters are unbeaten, although Mayweather had previously insisted his own victory Oscar de la Hoya last month would be his final bout.

The American's representatives flew Ray Hatton and the family's lawyer Gareth Williams out to Las Vegas to watch last week's fight between Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright.

Ray said negotiations were "cordial", but that the pair had flown back to England with both camps "far apart" on the financial aspects of the fight.

However, a deal has been reached over the telephone in recent days.

"It is a great fight for Ricky. How many times do you get to fight the best fighter in the world? I see it as a win-win situation because Ricky cannot fail to impress," Hatton added.

"Floyd is coming off a great win over De La Hoya and Ricky over Castillo. Between them they are unbeaten in 81 fights. There is nowhere else it could happen. It would be an unbelievable fight."

Neither fighter will go into the ring bearing a recognised title belt.

Mayweather handed back the WBC light-middleweight belt he won over De La Hoya because he had no intention of remaining at that weight.

But both Mayweather and Hatton possess the Ring Magazine's belts at 147lbs and 140lbs, respectively. It is likely Hatton would agree to move up to meet Mayweather at the higher weight.

Mayweather's adviser Leonard Ellerbe said Hatton deserved praise for taking the fight.

He told USA Today: "I never thought he would do it, but Ricky Hatton deserves credit for stepping up to the plate.

"He asked for it and now he's going to get it. Floyd is extremely excited. He wants to show Hatton that he's never fought at this level before.

He's going to show him what it's like to step in the ring with the best fighter."

Yesssss, even if it's on sky box office ima pay to watch it, i hope hatton smashes him.

just watch it next week if on PPV. boxing results are not that hard to avoid