Floyd Mayweather Jr is set to cut short his retirement and return to the ring for a super-fight against the unbeaten Ricky Hatton on December 8 following the UK fighter's comments last month.
Hatton recorded his 43rd victory and 31st knock-out when he stopped Jose Luis Castillo, the former WBC lightweight champion, in four rounds in Las Vegas on June 23.
After the bout Hatton was reported as saying that, "You saw more excitement in those four rounds than you've seen in Floyd's whole career," which Mayweather 38-0 (24) believes is a lack of respect and has hastened his return.
"I think he just wants to hear himself talk," Mayweather said to USA TODAY. "He got in front of the media and called my name out. He didn't think I was going to respond, but it doesn't work like that. I've accomplished too much in the sport for him to disrespect me."
"This is a great fight for the fans," said Mayweather's advisor Leonard Ellerbe who indicated an official announcement would be made next week.
"We have two young unbeaten fighters, at the top of their game, from two different countries going against each other. It's what boxing needs.
"I never thought he would do it, but Ricky Hatton deserves credit for stepping up to the plate," Ellerbe continued.
"He asked for it and now he's going to get it. Floyd is extremely excited. He wants to show Hatton that he's never fought at this level before. He's going to show him what it's like to step in the ring with the best fighter."
Mayweather announced his retirement immediately after his victory over Oscar De La Hoya for the WBC light middleweight title in Las Vegas on May 5.
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