MARK STANIFORTH Ricky Hatton is set to get his wish of a career-defining superfight against Floyd Mayweather after his father Ray confirmed he had reached a deal "in principle" with the American's representatives.
Hatton said a verbal agreement had been struck between lawyers for both parties, including, crucially, over the financial split of what would be a multi-million dollar bout.
But Hatton said he would remain cautious until contracts had been exchanged between both parties.
He added that no date or venue had been agreed, but it would likely take place on November 10 or December 8 in Las Vegas.
Ray Hatton said: "We have agreed a deal in principle. The date and venue is up in the air but we agreed via our lawyers what the financial side of it is going to be.
"I can't honestly tell you a deal has been done until I see the signatures on all the documents. But what I can tell you is that both sides were happy with what we finalised verbally."
It is believed the fight could be officially announced as early as today, with Mayweather's advisers telling US media sources that it was a done deal for December 8.
The speed with which such a big fight appears to have been put together will stun many observers who have grown used to seeing so many potential superfights mired in politics and financial issues.
Hatton called out Mayweather after his magnificent June 23 win over Jose Luis Castillo. Mayweather, who was supposed to have retired after his May 5 win over Oscar De La Hoya, responded by saying he wanted the fight.
The American's representatives flew Ray Hatton and the family's lawyer out to Las Vegas to watch last week's fight between Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright.
Hatton said negotiations were "cordial", but that the pair had flown back to England with both camps "far apart" on the financial aspects of the fight. However, a deal has been reached over the telephone in recent days.
"It is a great fight for Ricky. How many times do you get to fight the best fighter in the world?" Hatton added. "I see it as a win-win situation because Ricky cannot fail to impress. It would be an unbelievable fight."
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