Manny Pacquiao and Matthew Hatton are not names usually written in the same sentence but one’s loss may become the other’s gain as early as next month.
Pacquiao’s decision to relinquish the WBC light-middleweight title has opened a window for Hatton’s upcoming fight with Mexican sensation Saul Alvarez to be sanctioned for that world championship.
The younger brother of Ricky The Hitman’s takes on Alvarez on March 5 at the Honda Centre in Anaheim, California. That fight is being billed as a Silver Belt final eliminator for the world title.
Big hitter: Matthew Hatton (R) could win Manny Pacquiao’s vacated WBC light-middleweight title if he stops Saul Alvarez
But with Alvarez already ranked as the No 1 contender, Oscar De La Hoya, the president of Golden Boy promotions, is now petitioning the WBC to put their main belt at stake.
A decision is expected this week but given the influence of De La Hoya – a former multiple WBC champion of legendary status – it is likely to be favourable.
If so, the other Hatton’s chance of fulfilling his dream of emulating his sibling’s world title exploits will come sooner than expected… oddly by courtesy of the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet.
Take it away: Pacquiao, who effectively ended Ricky Hatton’s in-ring career, has relinquished his WBC belt
If Pacquiao still needed to cement that mythical title, he did so by beating former light-middleweight champion Antonio Margarito to secure his unprecedented – and probably uncatchable – record of eight world titles in different weight divisions.
The physical toll taken of Pacquaio by giving away 17lbs that night has persuaded him to go back down to welterweight. Not just for his May defence of that world title against Shane Mosley but permanently.
The boxing brothers Hatton will be celebrating if European champion Matthew gets his big chance – but they will do so very alert to the scale of the task on the night no matte what is at stake.
Tough prospect: Dangerous Mexican Saul Alvarez (R) will look to crush Hatton’s world title dream when they clash
Alvarez is considered by Golden Boy to be their hottest prospect. Something of a curiosity as a red-haired Mexican, he is unbeaten in 30 fights and a dangerous puncher in addition to being a well-schooled boxer.
However, Hatton the younger has gained considerable experience en route to the European title and there is no point him waiting further if the big chance comes.
As he says: ‘I feel I’m ready to step up to world class… and there’s only one way to find out.’
