Hatton’s dream clash with Mayweather is lined up for autumn

The meeting of two of boxing's most highly rated unbeaten fighters moved a step closer yesterday after Hatton's father Ray confirmed he had reached a deal "in principle" with the American's representatives.

Scroll down to read more:

The showdown is expected to go ahead in Las Vegas, with November 10 or December 8 being pencilled in as likely dates.

Recent classic victories by Hatton over Jose Luis Castillo and Mayweather against Oscar de la Hoya led to the Mancunian urging the brash 'Pretty Boy' — rated the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world — to abandon his brief retirement and prove who is king in the welterweight division.

Hatton's father urged caution until contracts have been exchanged but said a verbal agreement had been struck between lawyers for both parties, including, crucially, over the financial split of the multi-million dollar bout.

He added: "We have agreed a deal in principle. The date and venue are up in the air but we agreed via our lawyers what the financial side of it is going to be."

The fight could be announced tomorrow, with Mayweather's advisers saying that it was a done deal for December 8.

There has been plenty of namecalling between the sides.

Mayweather had said he would come over to England and hit fat-boy Hatton "in his beer belly".

Hatton responded by calling out Mayweather after his June 23 win over Castillo, claiming there was more action in his four-round stoppage than the American had shown in his previous fights.

Mayweather,who was supposed to have retired after his May 5 win over De la Hoya, took the bait by saying that he wanted the fight.

The American's representatives flew Ray Hatton and the family's lawyer Gareth Williams out to Las Vegas to watch last week's fight between Bernard Hopkins and Winky Wright.

Hatton said negotiations were "cordial", but that the pair had flown back to England with both camps "far apart" on the financial aspects of the fight.

However, a deal has been reached over the telephone in recent days.

"It is a great fight for Ricky," said his father. "How many times do you get to fight the best fighter in the world?

"Floyd is coming off a great win over De la Hoya and Ricky over Castillo. Between them they're unbeaten in 81 fights. There's nowhere else it could happen. It would be an unbelievable fight."

Neither fighter will defend a recognised title belt.

Mayweather handed back the WBC lightmiddleweight belt he won against De la Hoya because he did not intend to remain at that weight.

It is likely Hatton will agree to move up from 140lb to meet Mayweather at the 147lb weight.