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Hatton set to reject offer of Morales bout

ESPN staff
April 9, 2010
Ricky Hatton's last fight was a defeat to Manny Pacquiao © Getty Images
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Ricky Hatton could be about to hang up his gloves if, as expected, he spurns the chance to get in the ring with Mexican fighter Erik Morales.

Hatton, a two-weight world champion, is being offered a mega-money two-fight deal by Oscar de la Hoya's promotion company, Golden Boy - a proposition he is likely to turn down, according to the Manchester Evening News.

But Golden Boy are still hopeful the 31-year-old, who has not fought since he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao last May, can be persuaded to postpone his retirement plans.

Robert Diaz, the chief negotiator, met with the Hitman last week ahead of David Haye's WBA heavyweight title defence against John Ruiz. It is believed they are trying to line Hatton up with Morales, a former four-time world champion, before a farewell clash with Juan Manuel Marquez at the end of the year.

Marquez, who lost to Floyd Mayweather Jnr last September on points, meets Juan Diaz for two versions of the world lightweight title in Las Vegas on July 10 - and if Golden Boy get their way, Hatton will face Morales on the undercard.

Until now, Hatton has remained tight-lipped over increasing media speculation that he is about to quit the sport, having stated in January that he would be returning to the ring later this year.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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