Ultimatum for Hatton

British brawler Ricky Hatton isn’t as marketable as he insists he is, even in his homeland.

That’s the word from a boxing expert, who declined to be identified, in analyzing if a 50-50 split is a fair deal as negotiations for a fight between Hatton and Manny Pacquiao are bogging down because of a numbers disagreement.

Hatton’s group is insisting on a 50-50 split on all revenues generated by the proposed fight in Las Vegas on May 2. Pacquiao’s position is 60-40 in his favor.

“Hatton sells depending on his opponent,” said the expert. “When he fought (Paul) Malignaggi, the fight sold only anywhere between 70,000 to 200,000 pay-per-view hits in the UK compared to nearly a million in the (Floyd) Mayweather fight. That shows you even the English fans aren’t too hot on Hatton alone. They’ll buy only if Hatton’s opponent is a big name like Mayweather. So Hatton needs Pacquiao to draw even in the UK.”

Apparently, Top Rank chairman Bob Arum committed the 50-50 split to Hatton without consulting Pacquiao. Arum is now in a bind because Pacquiao is standing firm on 60-40. Hatton’s camp was made to understand that Pacquiao had approved the 50-50 split and is now up in arms after finding out the Filipino is holding out for 60-40.

In the US, the Hatton-Malignaggi fight brought in only 175,000 to 200,000-way below the pay-per-view figures that Pacquiao generates, whomever he fights. Against Oscar de la Hoya last November, Pacquiao drew over a million subscribers.

“The figures will show that it’s Pacquiao who brings in the money, not Hatton,” said the expert. “Under the circumstances, it’s inconceivable for a 50-50 split because that would be totally unfair to Pacquiao.”

Arum gave Pacquiao a deadline to agree to terms this week but the likelihood is there will be no signing unless Hatton gives in.

“It’s all up to Hatton,” said the expert. “Pacquiao will bring in the dollars. Hatton should know that. Nobody else out there can push the pay-per-view numbers higher than Manny.”

Pacquiao said he has given the Hatton camp up to Feb. 1 to come to terms. If there is no agreement, he said he wouldn’t be interested to fight Hatton anymore, now or in the future.

Meanwhile, lawyer Franklin (Jeng) Gacal said he will try to convince Pacquiao to accept a compromise split but the sharing must be a “substantial movement” from 50-50.

“This involves all income,” said Gacal who is in constant contact with Arum. “As for the guaranteed purses, my lips are sealed. We only want the best deal for Manny.”

Gacal said Pacquiao will definitely not fight Hatton on a 50-50 split. “A substantial movement will help me convince him,” he added. Gacal’s hint opened the door for a compromise settlement but it was made clear that unless Pacquiao has a larger share than Hatton, the fight is off.

Pacquiao said if Hatton refuses to budge, he will look for another opponent to fill the May 2 slot.

Asked if Floyd Mayweather Jr. could be a possible replacement, Pacquiao replied, “maybe.”