"Pacquiao totally deserves to be ranked the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world. He just seems to be getting better and better to me. Mayweather looked exceptional in his last fight. In fact, I think he could have stopped Marquez, but he's a safety-first fighter. As good as he is, he's a safety-first fighter. That's probably why he doesn't have the fan base," stated former jr. welterweight king Ricky Hatton as he shared his thoughts on Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather and the possibility of a match-up between the two to determine who truly is the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
As of now, Hatton gives the nod to Pacquiao based on his impressive TKO victory over Miguel Cotto. However, he strongly believes that because there's a debate as to who truly is the best, both fighters will be eager to step into the ring to face each other and end all doubt. "I think they'll be able to negotiate it. I mean, to be honest, if you're the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and in an argument over who's the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, then it's a fight they should both want and be able to make," he continued.
Having already fought both men, Hatton is fully aware of the size and strength of both fighters, but believes Mayweather will still have the advantage. "Manny's looking bigger and bigger every time he fights, to be perfectly honest with you. I know Mayweather sometimes likes to fight the little guys like Marquez, who was a lightweight, and me, who was a light welterweight. With Manny moving up in weight, he might entice Floyd, because I know Floyd likes to fight the little fellows," he added.
As for who he thinks will win, Hatton replied, "He's an exceptional fighter and maybe I'd edge Mayweather ever so slightly."
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