Image of Ricky Hatton, inset Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao posing with a WBC championship belt. Credit: Matthew Lewis/Ethan Miller/Getty Images

Ricky Hatton settled the Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao debate by naming his toughest opponent

Originally posted on Bloody Elbow | By Jordan Ellis | Last updated Sep 15, 2025 1:37 PM ET

Ricky Hatton was one of the few fighters who fought both Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

It was announced on Sunday that ‘The Hitman’ had sadly passed away at just 46 years old.

Since then, the boxing world has united to pay tribute to the former two-weight world champion who fought the very best during his legendary career.

In December 2023, Ricky Hatton revealed he ranks one of his opponents above the rest.

Photo by Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Ricky Hatton’s toughest opponent

The 43-0 British fan favorite traveled to Las Vegas to face 38-0 Floyd Mayweather in December 2007.

Mayweather had some problems dealing with Hatton early, but he ultimately scored a 10th-round stoppage win in a fight many fans look back at as one of the best performances of his iconic 50-0 career.

Two bounce back wins later, Ricky Hatton put his IBO and The Ring light-welterweight titles on the line against Manny Pacquiao, who scored a devastating knockout in the second round of their May 2009 fight.

The debate about who was better between Mayweather and Pacquiao raged for years before they fought. And it continued to be a hot topic years after ‘Money’ outpointed the Filipino boxing legend in May 2015.

Two years ago, Hatton gave his thoughts on the never-ending Mayweather vs. Pacquiao debate.

“[Pacquiao] did a better job than Mayweather,” he said while reflecting on his fights with two of the best boxers of all time in December 2021.

Hatton added about Mayweather: “I just remember sitting there thinking to myself, ‘He was f—ing good.’”

“People ask me all the time, ‘Who was better, Pacquiao or Mayweather?’

“I’d say, Mayweather, all day.”

Manny Pacquiao remembers Ricky Hatton

Manny Pacquiao shared an emotional tribute about ‘brave’ Ricky Hatton after his tragic death.

“I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Ricky Hatton,” ‘Pac-Man’ posted on X. “He was not only a great fighter inside the ring but also a brave and kind man in life. We shared unforgettable moments in boxing history, and I will always honor the respect and sportsmanship he showed.

“Ricky fought bravely, not just in the ring, but in his journey through life. He truly had a good fight, and we are all blessed to have been part of his wonderful journey.

“My prayers and deepest condolences go out to the Hatton family and all his loved ones. May the Lord give you strength and comfort in this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission.

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