British Ricky Hatton (R) battle with US Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, 08 December 2007. WBC welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr. won by K.O and keep his WBC title. AFP PHOTO GABRIEL BOUYS
Just because he’s the boxing’s best and richest fighter, doesn’t mean he’s the most respected.
That’s what retired British boxer Ricky Hatton said of undisputed welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Hatton told The Sun how Mayweather disrespected the sport of boxing with his off-ring antics.
“Floyd has his way and I have mine, but there’s a line between selling tickets and disrespecting the sport,” Hatton said. “What’s the point of being the world’s best fighter if everyone thinks you’re a d***head?”
Mayweather defeated Manny Pacquiao in their much ballyhooed fight to unify the WBO, WBC, and WBA Welterweight titles but the Pacman got the love of the Las Vegas crowd while “Money” got boos from his supposed hometown fans.
READ: Mayweather says he gets more love overseas than in America
Hatton recalled the events leading up to their 2007 superfight when Mayweather called him profanities and even using the Manchester derby to get to his head.
Mayweather wore a Manchester United shirt to incite Hatton, a lifelong Manchester City supporter.
The undefeated American, meanwhile, has been wearing Philippine-inspired gear during training camp and after his fight against Pacquiao.
READ: LOOK: Mayweather wears PH-inspired cap in NBA game