Ricky Hatton still craves a re-match with the man who ended his proud unbeaten record but should he eventually get his wish, he will not be able to call on the services of trainer Floyd Mayweather sr.
Hatton’s current cornerman is the father of Floyd jr, the man who defeated the Mancunian at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas a year and a half ago.
Father and son are back on speaking terms after being estranged for a period and Mayweather sr has pledged to line up behind his boy should a Hatton rematch ever materialise.
The Briton has the considerable hurdle of Manny Pacquiao, who assumed the title of world’s best pound-for-pound fighter following Mayweather’s retirement, to overcome on May 2.
But should Hatton be victorious in that the lure of another megafight may be enough to tempt Mayweather to pull on the gloves once again.
Should he do so, he would call up his dad to prepare him.
Hatton’s respect for Mayweather sr is such that he has no qualms with this arrangement.
“He did say that he is back talking to Floyd jr now and obviously if a rematch comes off he can’t train me for that one,” explained Hatton, currently the world’s top light-welterweight.
“I told him he didn’t even have to explain himself. I said it was totally understandable.
“You can’t expect him to go in the corner against his own son.
“It would be a shame if he (Mayweather jr) stayed retired. I would rather [fight him and] him knock me out again.
“I’m not looking past Pacquiao but as far as dreams in terms of what I want to do finishing my career I’ve got this nagging feeling in my head that I want to put the record straight.”
But while one last crack at Mayweather remains potentially Hatton’s final ambition, he has to concentrate on the May 2 encounter with Pacquiao.
The Filipino confirmed his status as the world’s leading fighter with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and Oscar De La Hoya in 2008.
Such is the enormity of the contest Mayweather sr is already talking about an extended training camp in the USA leading up to the fight.
That is not to Hatton’s liking but, once again, he will defer to the wisdom of the respected trainer.
“I went over to Vegas five weeks before [the fight against Paulie Malignaggi in November] – which is a long time to prepare and be away from your family, running up mountains,” said Hatton.
“At the end of the day, with a fight of this stature, you have to do what you have got to do.
“If he says he wants me over there 10 weeks before that is what I will do.”
Their relationship appears to be a good one with Hatton admitting Mayweather sr has re-energised him.
The 56-year-old American also seems to be relishing the challenge.
“I’m enjoying my training again. He (Mayweather sr) phoned me up about five weeks ago and said ‘I enjoyed the training camp. I thought you were going to be an impossible fighter to teach but you are one of the easiest.
“‘You picked everything up. Whoever you fight I will train you. If the Pacquiao fight comes off we will beat him.’
“That is reassuring.”
Hatton is looking forward to the fight and believes he can go one better than his last attempt at toppling the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter.
“I can’t see it going the distance. Manny is a wonderful fighter and I like his style,” said the 30-year-old Hatton.
“He is a southpaw, which always causes problems, but I’ve never lost to a southpaw as an amateur or a pro.
“He is pretty stand-up, he’s in your face and he throws a lot of punches. When someone is aggressive and ambitious they leave openings for you.
“You have to say it is a 50-50 fight.”
