Hatton & Mayweather trade insults

Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather traded early insults at a Los Angeles media conference to promote their world welterweight title fight.

The pair, who meet at the Las Vegas MGM Grand on December 8, both claim they are the best pound-for-pound fighter.

Hatton stirred up the rivalry saying: "He is doing the show 'Dancing with the Stars' and that's how he's boxing."

Mayweather retorted by calling the Manchester boxer 'Vicky Fatten' and suggesting he should be a wrestler.

Hatton arrived at the media conference wearing a crown on his head, which showman Mayweather immediately snatched off.

The prize on offer in Las Vegas is Mayweather's WBC belt and Hatton, 28, is confident he can get the job done.

"I was delighted when I won my British title, then I got more and more and the world title," said Hatton, who is 43 fights unbeaten.

"Now, this is going to be another stage. I have the toes to do this job, and I will do this job and become the new best pound-for-pound champion in the world."

Mayweather, who is unbeaten in 38 fights, talked straight into an impervious Hatton's face during the event, saying: "talk to me, talk to me".

The 30-year-old American said: "You'll get a big pay cheque, and when I am done with you I'll collect more and more in the future because I am the best in the world."

Mayweather is a six-time world champion in five weight divisions, including super featherweight, lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight and super welterweight.

There was bad news for Hatton fans hoping to watch him face Mayweather, as they have been allocated only 3,900 of the 17,000 tickets available.

One American website is offering two ringside seats for just under $22,000 each.

Source: BBC Sport