Hatton confident of Mayweather rematch

8:51am Friday 28th March 2008

RICKY Hatton craves a rematch with Floyd Mayweather - and efforts to lure the American to Wembley next spring have already begun.

Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer revealed yesterday that he has received a positive response from Mayweather's camp over a second meeting.

Hatton was comprehensively dispatched in the tenth round by Mayweather in Las Vegas last December, but subsequent viewing of the fight has convinced him that referee Joe Cortez contributed to his downfall.

Most observers felt Hatton was simply outclassed by the world's finest boxer but the 29-year-old's sense of injustice has escalated, fuelling his determination to avenge the only defeat on his 44- fight record.

His dream of locking horns with the brilliant Mayweather again moved a step closer when Schaefer revealed he has already held discussions over staging a clash in London next year.

It's very likely that Floyd will come over next spring. Floyd and his manager Al Hayman are very serious about it,'' said Schaefer.

The first fight was great and while Floyd would have to get past Oscar De Lay Hoya first, he knows that Ricky has talked about the referee.

He wants to show that he will repeat what happened the first time. That's his motivation.

Floyd realises that Hatton is the most beloved fighter in the world and for him to come over to Wembley Stadium is making history.

For Ricky it's about challenges and it's the same for Floyd.

Fighting in front of 100,000 fans would be huge motivation for Floyd.''

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