Hatton can wait, says Pacquiao

At least for now, Ricky Hatton is not on Manny Pacquiao’s radar.

After Hatton bullied his way past Paul Malignaggi at the MGM Grand the other day, the British superstar and reigning IBO light-welterweight champion called out Pacquiao’s name.

A lot of people followed suit, and this early, are looking forward to a big clash between Hatton and Pacquiao who is scheduled to face Oscar dela Hoya on Dec. 6 also at the MGM Grand.

While Hatton said he is ready to face the winner of the coming match, there seemed to be more people inclined on seeing a Pacquiao vs Hatton showdown at 140 pounds early next year.

Trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr., the trainer of Hatton, said the Filipino superstar regarded as the No. 1 pound-for-pound boxer in the world today, is a better fight for the pride of Manchester.

“It’s Ricky’s call, but do I want to see him fight Oscar? Not really. I would rather see him fight Pacquiao, that’s the perfect match for Ricky,” the flamboyant trainer told The Independent News.

“But I don’t see Pacquiao beating Oscar,” added Mayweather, whose son, Floyd Jr., is in retirement but might just come out of it if challenged anew by Dela Hoya or Pacquiao.

Former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis said Pacquiao vs Hatton will be a huge draw.

“I think it would be a very interesting fight. They have to agree on what weight they want to come in at, but obviously the fans would love to see a fight like that,” Lewis told AOL Sports.

Hatton said he’s ready for Pacquiao or Dela Hoya.

“Bring it on, I’d definitely like to do it. Nobody will ever beat me at junior welterweight. Nobody – I really believe that,” he said.

Pacquiao, however, refused to be carried away.

“No comment,” he said in an on-line message yesterday as he took his Sunday rest in Los Angeles where he’s been training long and hard for Dela Hoya.

“I’m concentrating on my own fight. Then after the fight, I will confer with my team, my promoters,” he said.

“I am only a fighter. I trust my team to look for the best fights for me out there.”

While he kept his eyes away from Hatton, a fight with the rugged British superstar is something to look forward to.

Pacquiao had said he’s willing to face Hatton at 140 pounds, and that he’s even willing to fight the latter in his home turf - before 100,000 fans at the Wembley Stadium.