Manny open to rematch with Hatton

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao wouldn’t mind facing Ricky Hatton a second time, just in case any of the other fights being lined up for the Filipino superstar doesn’t shape up.

“He can have a rematch,” said Pacquiao in a television interview upon his return from the United States, where he received the Boxer of the Decade award from the prestigious Boxing Writers Association of America.

Pacquiao also took a couple of days off in Mexico with his family, including his wife and kids, and looked fresh when he said a rematch with Hatton or even Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto remains a possibility.

“I’m ready to fight anytime. I’m not choosy on whom to fight,” he said.

Negotiations for the superfight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. are on, and a couple of days ago, Oscar dela Hoya leaked to the press that all’s well between the two camps.

“We’re very close in finalizing the contracts that were once very complicated. The two fighters now realize that this fight must be made. It has to be made because the boxing fans want to see it happen and right now it’s the biggest fight that can be made in the world,” he said.

All’s well despite the perceived disagreements on the blood-testing procedure and purse split. Another thing hanging over the heads of those making the fight happen is the lawsuit filed by Pacquiao against the Mayweathers, and Dela Hoya himself.

But just in case nothing comes out anew, Pacquiao had already expressed his willingness to fight Hatton, whom he demolished inside two rounds in May last year, or Cotto, who lasted longer but still was knocked out by the Filipino last November.

Cotto defeated Yuri Foreman for the WBA light-middleweight crown last week, and would be more than willing to stake his title against Pacquiao.

But there may be concerns if Pacquiao can face Cotto at 154 lb or may seek a catchweight at 150 lb.

Pacquiao said during the ABS-CBN interview that anything is possible.

“Negotiations are on with Mayweather. But (I heard) Cotto also wants a rematch,” he said.

Pacquiao hurled Mayweather and company to court after the camp of the undefeated American insisted that the 31-year-old pound-for-pound champion and newly elected congressman is into performance-enhancing drugs.

And also last week, Hatton made some noise when he said his biggest mistake against Pacquiao was his failure to demand a blood-testing procedure the way Mayweather now wants it to happen.

“I could have had those rules, but I wasn’t bothered. Maybe in hindsight, I should have done. I must admit, I fancied my chances against Manny,” Hatton was quoted as saying.