Manny fit for heavier class?

Manny Pacquiao may never fight again as a lightweight.

It means that Pacquiao, depending on the result of his Dec. 6 match with Oscar dela Hoya, might later on decide to relinquish the WBC 135-pound title he took away from David Diaz last June 28.

A victory by Pacquiao over Dela Hoya in a 12-round bout pegged at 147 pounds would mean that the Filipino icon is just as strong in the welterweight class as he is in the lighter divisions.

And if Pacquiao gets past Dela Hoya, it’s very unlikely for him to go back to 135 pounds and look for challengers that can’t really offer big-money fights as compared to the heavier fighters.

Team Pacquiao members have openly said that if Pacquiao wins in December, either by way of knockout or decision, they are strongly considering Ricky Hatton for his next fight.

This should come around in April 2009, and after that one, again if everything turns out right, then it could even be the now-retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. as Pacquiao’s farewell opponent by August.

Last week, Pacquiao said he plans to retire in August next year or two more fights after the Dela Hoya match. He is also planning to enter politics in 2010.

“If Pacquiao beats Dela Hoya, I think it should be Hatton next at 140 pounds. Why would he fight at lightweight if there’s no one there that could bring the money in?” said Pacquiao’s adviser Wakee Salud.

Under WBC rules, all champions are obliged to make at least one yearly mandatory defense.

“Unless it’s a really big fight in the lightweight class, I think Manny should go for Hatton at 140 pounds. Then if he beats Hatton he can even retire if he wants,” added Salud.

Hatton is scheduled to face Paul Malignaggi on Sept. 22 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas for the IBO and IBF light-welterweight titles. If Hatton wins, Pacquiao will definitely be ready to challenge him.

“At 140, Manny is ready for Hatton. And if he wins, then Mayweather can come out of retirement to face Pacquiao for another big-money fight – again at 140 pounds,” Salud said.

“I think Mayweather can fight Pacquiao at 140 pounds,” he added.