On December 8, 2007, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ricky Hatton will meet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada to not only determine the WBC Welterweight Championship but claim to Boxing’s pound for pound crown as well. HBO’s promotion machine, 4 part reality series, “24/7” has done an even better job this time around hyping the upcoming fight, (HBO previously used the promotional tool to build up the disappointing Mayweather/De La Hoya matchup earlier this year),  in part due to Mayweather’s bravado and Hatton’s charisma.

So how well do these two match up and will this 147 LB match-up live up to the expectations or will the actual fight pale in comparison to 4 episodes of the reality series?

Bright Lights on the Center Stage

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is no stranger to the big stage. He was in the position earlier this year against Oscar De La Hoya, where he was the favorite in the highest grossing boxing pay-per view of all time. Floyd relishes the spotlight, and seems to be campaigning for a reality series of his own based on his 24/7 antics, his willingness to expose his personal life and the comedy of "the" Roger Mayweather, Floyd’s uncle and trainer.

Ricky Hatton’s biggest fight to date, a June 23^rd Light Welterweight fight at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, was against 34 year old Jose Luis Castillo. Hatton made quick work of the aging Castillo, in what looked like more like an exhibition than a fight. Hatton may be able to withstand the pressure that comes with a fight of this magnitude but we’ve already seen Floyd overcome it.

Advantage: Mayweather

Puncher’s Chance

Ricky Hatton knocked out Jose Luis Castillo in the fourth round with a “perfect” left hook that according to Hatton, broke 4 of Castillo’s ribs with the one punch. Ricky “Hitman” Hatton definitely brings the punch to this fight. Mayweather’s 24 KO’s may not seem far from Hatton’s 31, but Ricky brings the type of one punch knockout power that makes highlight reels. If this fight were to become a slugfest in the middle of the ring, Mayweather could touch the canvas for the first legitimate time in his career. Advantage: Hatton

Takes a Licking, Keeps on Ticking

Ricky Hatton’s nickname amongst his countryman is Ricky “Fatten” because of the way the fighter’s weight blows up in between fights. His weight fluctuates between 150 to 185 LBs because of the fighter’s weakness for unhealthy meals and alcohol served at the pub in England he frequents weekly. His intense 12 week training regimen helps the fighter come down to the required fight limit. As impressive as that discipline may be, Mayweather trains and maintains his weight yearly. Floyd can be found in his Las Vegas gym, 5 to 6 days a week yearly, living the fighter lifestyle. As great of shape Hatton pushes himself to be in those 12 weeks, Mayweather is light years ahead.