ItBurnzWhenIP
06-28-2007, 09:42 PM
MANCHESTER, England (Ticker) -- Ricky Hatton's promoter, Dennis Hobson, has upped the stakes in his bid to secure a super-fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. by offering the American $10 million to come to Britain.
Hobson is convinced he can put together an offer to tempt the 'Pretty Boy' to come out of his short retirement to fight Hatton in the first big fight at the new Wembley Stadium.
Mayweather has already said he would be willing to come back to fight Hatton, who looked hugely impressive in his fourth-round stoppage of Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas last weekend.
"I've offered Floyd $10 million to come to Britain and find out who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Hobson told PA SportsTicker. "Mayweather is saying he wants to put pen to paper and this is his big chance to do so. It is a very substantial offer, so if Mayweather is serious it is there for him to agree.
"I have already spoken to some of his people and they have been very receptive. Now I am just waiting for them call back and indicate their level of interest."
Hobson insists the expected huge attendance figures could bankroll the fight, for which Hatton would expect a similar purse.
"There is no reason we can't do it over here. We would be happy to align it with pay-per-view time in the States so it could suit both sides of the Atlantic," Hobson said.
Hobson, who is currently negotiating with Hatton to extend his own promotional contract, has revealed he has also been in talks with representatives of IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi.
"Talks with Malignaggi's camp have been encouraging but that is definitely a Madison Square Garden fight," Hobson added. "Ideally we would like to get the next one secured in this country for Ricky."
If Floyd turns this down we will all know his true color. :owned::owned:
That color
Hobson is convinced he can put together an offer to tempt the 'Pretty Boy' to come out of his short retirement to fight Hatton in the first big fight at the new Wembley Stadium.
Mayweather has already said he would be willing to come back to fight Hatton, who looked hugely impressive in his fourth-round stoppage of Jose Luis Castillo in Las Vegas last weekend.
"I've offered Floyd $10 million to come to Britain and find out who is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Hobson told PA SportsTicker. "Mayweather is saying he wants to put pen to paper and this is his big chance to do so. It is a very substantial offer, so if Mayweather is serious it is there for him to agree.
"I have already spoken to some of his people and they have been very receptive. Now I am just waiting for them call back and indicate their level of interest."
Hobson insists the expected huge attendance figures could bankroll the fight, for which Hatton would expect a similar purse.
"There is no reason we can't do it over here. We would be happy to align it with pay-per-view time in the States so it could suit both sides of the Atlantic," Hobson said.
Hobson, who is currently negotiating with Hatton to extend his own promotional contract, has revealed he has also been in talks with representatives of IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi.
"Talks with Malignaggi's camp have been encouraging but that is definitely a Madison Square Garden fight," Hobson added. "Ideally we would like to get the next one secured in this country for Ricky."
If Floyd turns this down we will all know his true color. :owned::owned:
That color