First Time for Everything: Ricky Hatton's Rebound from Mayweather

It was the first professional loss of his career. Manchester's own Ricky Hatton couldn't help but feel the emotional pain from his knockout defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last December. Hatton came forward in a valiant effort, pressuring the evasive champion against the ropes and throughout the MGM Grand Arena. Unfortunately for him it wasn't enough. For every question Hatton asked, Mayweather had an answer for. At the end of the night, the accumulation of punishment was too much for Hatton to continue; he was stopped in the 10th round of his welterweight showdown at 147lbs.

"What a fluke that was," claimed Hatton in his post-fight interview. "He was a bit tricky, and a lot better on the inside than I thought, but I still think I gave my fans a great performance tonight." With a portion of the Manchester crowd filling the arena in support of their hometown hero, Ricky Hatton realized he was simply beaten by the better man. Gracious in defeat and refusing to make any excuses about his loss, he credited Mayweather sincerely, "There's no doubt, Mayweather is the best pound 4 pound fighter in the sport. He fought a great a fight." Hatton's marching band remained loyal and continued to play his traditional theme song, "Only one Ricky Hatton." There are still plenty of options on the table for Hatton after his fight with Mayweather. Given the fact that he was recognized as the linear 140lb junior welterweight champion, Hatton has the option to drop seven pounds and continue his domination of that division. If not, there are still lucrative names at 147lbs that would love to have an opportunity to fight Hatton.

Ricky Hatton's return to the ring

Ricky Hatton has a lot of great options ahead of him if he chooses to continue his career. The number of lucrative names ranging from 140lbs - 147lbs are more than enough to keep him busy until his retirement. Options are on the table and perhaps we could see him involved in a huge fight sometime soon. Also, one has to take into consideration the fact that he can sell tickets in the United States, making him pretty marketable.

Hatton vs..... at 140lbs.
At this point and time, Paulie Malignaggi and Junior Witter are perhaps Hatton's best options at 140lbs. Although this can change, any young and hungry junior-welterweight can emerge on the scene and step up to the plate. But Witter and Malignaggi are the best names besides himself in the division at the moment.

Hatton vs...... at 147lbs.
For Hatton to continue fighting at welterweight it's a huge risk. Mosley, Margarito, Cintron, Judah, Cotto, Mayweather and Williams are all lucrative paydays without a doubt. However, the risk may not be worth the reward. Luckily for Hatton, he could care less how fierce his competition is. He'll fight anybody. Problem is, these gentlemen are all a lot bigger and stronger than he could imagine.
Rick's got options and plenty of competition between both divisions.