Hatton Must Hurdle Lazcano And Then Malignaggi Before A Mayweather Rematch

Manchester, England (AHN) - Ricky "Hitman" Hatton will have to unify the IBO and IBF light-welterweight titles before facing Floyd Mayweather for a possible rematch.

The 'Hitman', who will put his IBO light-welterweight title on the line, will face Juan Lazcano of Mexico at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24. It is Hatton's first fight since bowing to Floyd Mayweather last December; the first defeat of his career.

Featured on the undercard will be IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi who will defend his title for the second time against Lovemore N'dou.

According to Golden Boy Promotions chief executive Richard Schaefer, Mayweather would have to defeat his old nemesis 'Golden Boy' Oscar de la Hoya on September 20 and Hatton must hurdle Lazcano and win a possible unification showdown against Malignaggi before second bout between Mayweather and Hatton could take place.

Schaefer said that Floyd and his manager Al Hayman "are very serious about the rematch." He said that Floyd is considering a second bout at Wembley Stadium next spring.