Boxing: Hatton camp to consider options; MERSEYSIDE DERBY FA CUP SPECIAL.

Byline: BY PHIL BARNETT

RICKY HATTON'S adviser has revealed early negotiations are under way with Oscar De La Hoya and Floyd Mayweather Jr after admitting the proposed showdown with Manny Pacquiao is "dead in the water".

A row over money has seemingly scuppered what would have been a highly lucrative clash for both fighters, with Hatton's camp becoming disillusioned by Pacquiao's claims and walking away from the negotiating table.

While the English light welterweight champion and his team are now looking at alternative opponents, Pacquiao's stance appeared to soften slightly yesterday as he called Hatton out and urged him to cut out the "middlemen".

The fighters had agreed before Christmas to split the purse equally but it emerged earlier this month that the Filipino superstar was demanding 60% for the contest, which was set to take place in Las Vegas on May 2.

Los Angelesbased Golden Boy Promotions, negotiating on Hatton's behalf with Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum, confirmed overnight that the fight was off.

And the Mancunian's lawyer, Gareth Williams said: "It is dead in the water. There are other reasons why he doesn't want to fight Ricky Hatton.

"Oscar is an option and Floyd Mayweather is an option.

"They are serious options, it's not pie in the sky. Richard Schaefer (Golden Boy chief executive) was talking to Oscar last night and he's going to talk to Floyd Mayweather's people."