The blockbuster match between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton is currently under threat as negotiators from both camps are reportedly still in a deadlock over the proposed fight’s revenue split.
The camp of the British superstar insisted that they would only consider a 50-50 split in revenues.
“We already have a verbal agreement from Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum that it would be 50/50 split for the contest. We have said all along that that is all we are prepared to do, and Arum has agreed to the equal share,” Hatton’s lawyer Gareth Gates told Telegraph.co.uk.
Pacquiao’s camp, however, is shooting for a 60-40 share since it believes the Filipino boxer is the more marketable star especially after winning over boxing great Oscar de la Hoya.
According to Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin “Geng” Gacal, the world’s top pound for pound fighter will not fight Hatton until he is guaranteed 60 percent of the purse.
“We have informed Bob Arum that we are not signing the contract. Manny is not contented with what is laid on the table. If the figures won’t move, we will look for another [challenger],” Gacal told ABS-CBN reporter Dyan Castillejo.
The Pacquiao-Hatton match up is expected to generate nearly $60 million.
In a separate interview, Pacquiao said he has received the word that former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. is interested in coming out of retirement to fight him.
“Mayweather’s camp is making an appeal, they’re talking to us. They’ve talked to my attorney and told him that they’re interested in the fight so we’re listening to them,” he said.
