There are many who think so. The retirement of Joe Calzaghe in the last week in the UK, followed by debate and counter-debate, has focused again the spotlight on Hatton, who faces arguably the most dynamic pugilist on the planet at present in Pacquiao. He's also a politician to boot.
But it could spell the end, and one which Hatton refuses to contemplate at present. Pacquiao has the destructive style to finish a fighter. Oscar De La Hoya, for example, shouldn't fight again.
He was destroyed by Pacquiao. Yet one suspects De La Hoya's fighting ego will refuse to allow him to end a wonderful career on such a poor note. That was not the De La Hoya we know who was dismantled by Pacquiao last December.
Pacquiao is going to be a serious threat to Hatton's career, as a second serious going over in the ring could - indeed should - spell the end. But will Ricky Hatton be able to set off into the sunset as Calzaghe has done ?
It does not yet seem to be a part of his make-up. Indeed, it may be his toughest challenge. A warrior can only have so many wars, can only dig into his reserves so many times. In the end, they become depleted, no matter how good that fighter has been in the past.
Knowing when to finish is a great fighter's hardest decision. Pacquiao, too, must face that point some time soon.
What they are facing up to, in a sense, is the end of life, or a career, within their lives.
Will Hatton retire at the right time ? Will Pacquiao retire at the right time ? Will one of the careers be ended on May 2 in Las Vegas ? Will Pacquiao's intended political career fill the breach ?
It is a tough one to call, as both men have huge fan bases, and they receive adulation and adoration in a way that few people/sportsmen have ever experienced.
The decision for both men of when to hang up those gloves will probably be the toughest fight they will ever face in their lives.
Source: telegraph.co.uk
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