Ricky Hatton on impact of Floyd Mayweather Jr versus Manny Pacquiao

Omnisports Pulse

June 5, 2015 7:43 AM

While Ricky Hatton has reservations over the impact of Floyd Mayweather Jr versus Manny Pacquiao, he believes boxing is in a healthy state.

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Despite voicing his disappointment at the spectacle of Floyd Mayweather Jr versus Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton maintains boxing is in rude health.

The former WBA, IBF, IBO and The Ring Light Welterweight Champion previously stated that the manner of Mayweather's victory in arguably the sport's biggest fight for decades "damaged the sport".

Hatton - beaten by the pair during his illustrious career - still feels boxing has plenty to offer despite May's anticlimactic event in Las Vegas.

"I said it was bad for boxing and it's not sour grapes just because they both beat me. It was the biggest fight of the century," he told Perform.

"UFC is getting very popular but this was the chance to say: 'Listen, two of the best fighters in the world, boxing is back in the spotlight'.

"Even non-boxing people were talking about it and it was good for our sport to get the match on but the fight wasn't exactly exciting.

"From that point of view, it didn't live up to the hype and it was a bad night for the sport but I don't think the sport is in bad health.

"You look at Carl Froch and George Groves having talks, Kell Brook versus Amir Khan could happen, Carl Frampton versus Scott Quigg could happen.

"There are good fights out there, so boxing is in a very good state even though the biggest fight our sport could have had didn't live up to expectations."

Undefeated triple-welterweight world champion Mayweather is expected to fight once more before retirement, with Khan touted as a potential opponent.

Pacquiao is also believed to be close to a decision over his future after claiming he fought Mayweather with a shoulder problem.

"They are approaching the end of their careers. I don't think Manny will want to go out on that note and Mayweather says he's going to have one more," Hatton added.

"I think they will be fighting again. Floyd was brilliant, you can't take it away, but it was a very safety-first performance.

"It didn't make for the most entertaining fight and the fight - while it was brilliant from Floyd - at no point did it have you on the edge of your seat.

"To top it off, Manny says he went into the fight with an injury so anyone who says they came away satisfied with that would be a liar.

"It was a huge, huge anticlimax, but take nothing from Floyd as he does what he needs to do - he doesn't go the extra yard."

Ricky Hatton was speaking ahead of his Las Vegas Party charity event at Victoria Warehouse, Manchester, to celebrate the 10th anniversary of his world title victory over Kostya Tszyu.

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