Hatton set for Mayweather fight

By Ben Dirs

Hatton may make early return

Floyd Mayweather's trainer says a fight with Ricky Hatton is likely to take place in New York some time in 2006.

Mayweather was set for a super-fight with Zab Judah in April before the latter lost his undisputed welterweight crown to Carlos Baldomir on Saturday.

Roger Mayweather told BBC Sport: "The fact Floyd's fight against Judah is off means a fight against Hatton is much bigger now and much easier to make.

"Floyd wants it, but he isn't going to fight in front of Hatton's home crowd."

Baldomir upsets Judah for title

Floyd Mayweather is a former three-weight world champion and regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in boxing.

He was set to make $6m (£3.4m) from the fight against Judah and he may want to push through a fight with Hatton, the IBF and WBA light welterweight champion, to recoup his losses.

Hatton's going to be a punch bag because he's got no defence Roger Mayweather

"They're the best in their division so it adds up," added Roger Mayweather, Floyd's uncle. "And people are trying to make it happen."

Hatton's camp recently stated they would like two tune-up fights in America before facing Mayweather, so any match is likely to take place in the winter.

Roger Mayweather said his charge may mark time with a fight against WBC welterweight titlist Baldomir.

And he said his fighter would not be losing any sleep over a showdown with Manchester's Hatton.

"I'm confident Floyd will beat anyone in the world. Hatton's going to be a punch bag because he's got no defence.

"He's a tough guy and takes risks. But against Floyd, those risks are going to cost him."