It is being reported that Floyd Mayweather Snr is being lined up to train British boxer Ricky Hatton for his fight against Paulie Malignaggi on the 22nd November. This would be considered by some a very controversial choice as Floyd Sr’s son gave Hatton the only defeat of his career so far.

The Hitman has been searching for a new coach since splitting with long term trainer Billy Graham earlier this year. Now it seems that the only thing standing in the way of him linking up with Mayweather is Osca De La Hoya. The Hatton camp is waiting for the go ahead from De La Hoya who acts as Hatton’s promoter. The Mexican is also being trained by Floyd Snr for his December bout against Manny Pacquiao.

There are many that believe Floyd Snr isn’t the right man for Hatton at this stage of his career and one of them is his former trainer Billy Graham. Presumably still bitter about being sacked from his position, Graham said that it was ‘outrageous’ that Floyd Snr was being lined up for Hatton. He went on to say that ‘he is not the trainer for Ricky Hatton’.

Despite Graham’s views, it now does seem more than likely that Hatton will make an announcement about his new trainer as soon as De La Hoya gives the deal the green light. Speaking about De La Hoya, I am finding the relationship between him and Ricky Hatton increasingly bizarre. Not only is De La Hoya the promoter for Hatton, they are fighting similar opponents and now they may even be coached by the same man. All a bit cosy isn’t it? On top of this, it is being suggested that Hatton may have to train in America with Del La Hoya for a few weeks if the deal with Floyd Snr goes ahead as planned.

One thing I would place all my boxing betting money on is the fact that Floyd Snr would back his ability to get the best out of Ricky Hatton in this latter stage of his career. This is backed up by his comments when questioned about coaching the Hitman. He said that he could train the Manchester boxer ‘blindfolded’ and that Billy Graham is one of the ‘worst trainers’ he had ever seen. Interesting comments from Floyd Snr it has to be said. I am intrigued as to how Hatton would react to his style of training.

Written by Thomas Rooney - A Freelance Sports Journalist