Since Floyd Mayweather Jr. has yet to come out of retirement, the most legitimate fight for Manny Pacquiao right now is Ricky Hatton said ESPN’s senior boxing writer Dan Rafael.

“The obvious fight right now for Manny Pacquiao, the fight that they're talking about, the fight that is certainly legitimately possible, would be sometime in spring, possibly in May, against Ricky Hatton,” Rafael said in an interview over ESPN’s Sports Center.

Rafael said Hatton obviously wanted the fight as he closely watched the “Dream Match” between Pacquiao and boxing superstar Oscar de la Hoya.

“[Hatton] sat at ringside [during the Dream Match] and certainly made himself available to the media before and after the fight, the fight that Ricky would love to have,” he said.

Rafael thinks the camps of Pacquiao and Hatton are very much interested in arranging the fight, which would generate lost of interest among boxing fans.

“By all accounts, both sides are interested in that fight, would be very excited and certainly there are lots of fan interest and a lot of money,” he said.  

But if Floyd ‘un-retires’…

Rafael, however, said that there is also a big chance for a Pacquiao-Mayweather match up depending on “Pretty Boy’s” timing.

“If the Hatton fight takes place, I could see that fight (Pacquiao-Mayweather) taking right after that,” he said.

But if Mayweather Jr. comes out of retirement sooner than expected, “maybe they can do that fight in spring [in May instead of Pacquiao-Hatton].”

Rafael said Mayweather Jr., who is also known for his moniker “Money Mayweather,” could easily earn millions again if he un-retires.

“I think at some point we're gonna see Floyd fight again,” said the boxing analyst. “Hopefully we'll see it against Manny Pacquiao.”

Hatton insists

Hatton, earlier, insisted that Pacquiao will be fighting him next, not Mayweather Jr.

“I’ve put the hard work in and would like to get the chance to take on Manny,” Hatton told The Sun, referring to his victories over Juan Lazcano and Paulie Malignaggi.

Hatton is not pleased with all the talk of a possible match between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr.

“I’m not surprised Floyd is considering a return — but I’d be disappointed if he got in ahead of me,” said Hatton.