I guess this will solidify the fight with Hatton to be at 147, since PBF is still the WBC, IB0, IBA, and Ring Magazine Champ at Welterweight. The WBC belt that was vacated at 154 looks like it will be up grabs when Vernon Forrest fights Carlos Baldomir later on this month.
It's unfortunate that they don't give the 154 WBC belt back to De La Hoya, like when John Ruiz lost his WBA belt to Roy Jones Jr, but it was given back to Ruiz when Jones went back down in weight.
mayweather aint gonna loose to hatton. and yes i would like to see the wbc 154 lb belt back with oscar...
As long as Hatton gives Mayweather his toughest fight to date then Hatton will finally gain the respect he deserves. He never trash talks boxers like Floyd does. Yes he winds them up occasionally, but he has full respect for all his opponents, and has openly said on more than one occasion that Mayweather is the best out there. He says his boxing goals are to be in 'great' fights, and doesnt make a big thing about his unbeaten streak (unlike a certain other british world champion). Bottom line is whether he wins or loses Hatton has the chance to raise his stock considerably in this fight...which makes him a winner anyway. Imo i dont think Hatton will win this fight, BUT if anyone of the current crop is going to do it then he has the style to....one thing for sure though, i dont think Floyd will be so 'pretty' after the fight
If the fight is at 147, what are the odds of Hatton training and coming in as if for a 140 fight, a weight at which he is much more effective?
This fight could be at 140 and while it may be competitive and Hatton will carry more power, mayweather will be quicker. But your right even if he loses, it was to PBF so no shame and as long as he puts on a goof performance it will increase his stock.
I'd like to see this at 140 in England...Floyd winning that would greatly add to his legacy. In fact I would then rank him ahead of RJJ as this era's P4P king.
Afaik, Ruiz fought Rahman for the Interim Title and became "full champion status" afterwards (when Jones stepped down) ... like fighting for a vacant title against Rahman.
didn't mosley win the wbc interim title?? doesn't that mean when floyd won the 154 belt mosley automatically gets the 147 title???
mayweather wanted to keep his titles at 147 and that's why he vacated 154. his sole motivation to stay at 154 was a big money rematch w/ odlh. but that won't happen so it's down to 147 for possible money fights with mosely, hatton and even possibly cotto. that's why any fight w/ hatton or cotto has to be at 147 for pbf to consider it.