The Neutral Corner

It may be career suicide, but it appears Ricky Hatton has turned down the opportunity to fight Oscar De La Hoya. Hatton beat Juan Lazcano last month and a fight with Oscar would clearly bring the British welterweight the largest payday of his career.

Prior to Hatton's fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar was talking Hatton up as a possible future opponent. Hatton was dominated by Mayweather Jr., losing for the first time in his career.

According to the AP, Hatton doesn't want the fight because the Sept. 20 date is too soon. There is talk of Hatton fighting Brooklyn's Paulie Malignaggi at the Garden in the fall.

Here is the AP report of Hatton turning down Oscar De La Hoya.

By the way, Hatton said he is hoping Mayweather Jr. comes out of retirement so he can get a rematch with Floyd. He wouldn't be considered a favorite to beat Oscar, but he'd have a far better chance of winning that fight than he would a rematch with Mayweather Jr.

-- CASSIDY