FLOYD Mayweather Jr has approached Ricky Hatton's team about a possible rematch in 2009, according to the Hitman's camp.

Hatton suffered his only professional defeat at the hands of pound-for-pound king Mayweather a year ago, being comprehensively beaten inside 10 rounds in Las Vegas.

The 30-year-old two-weight world champion has spoken of his desire for a rematch with Mayweather, who retired after the victory.

Recent rumours have suggested Mayweather has been preparing to return to the ring, and Hatton's lawyer Gareth Williams today said the American has indicated Hatton may get his wish.

However, Hatton's priority remains a showdown with Manny Pacquiao, who inherited Mayweather's status as the world's leading fighter.

Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum claims he is in talks with Hatton's camp over a lucrative fight in May - but insists there is no chance of Wembley hosting the showdown.

Light-welterweight world champion Hatton was expected to take on the winner of Pacquiao's December 6 clash with Oscar De La Hoya.

Top Rank chief Arum, however, appears to want his fighter - currently regarded as the finest in the world - to face Hatton in the spring and then Mayweather later in the year.

Arum, currently in the Philippines to celebrate Pacquiao's 30th birthday, told said: "We are in negotiations with the Hatton people and I think we're moving closer.

"I can assure you it will not be at Wembley. Not because Manny would be afraid to fight in England but because Wembley makes no economic sense, because we'll have to do it at 5am (to suit American television), outdoors, where there is a 90 per cent chance of rain."

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is able to dictate his own terms as the most marketable fighter on the planet but is willing to travel around the globe fighting the best opposition available.

Arum, who revealed the early proposed dates for the fight are May 2 or May 9, added: "I think it is the fight everybody wants to see."

Arum also claimed around 1.4million pay-per-view sales were made for Pacquiao's victory over De La Hoya, which saw the Mexican-American fail to emerge for the ninth round.