Both fighters praise veteran referee

By his estimation, Joe Cortez has worked more than 170 world title fights and more than 3,000 matches in his 30 years as a boxing referee.

So it's unlikely he'll be intimidated Saturday when he works the WBC welterweight championship fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Garden.

"Not at all," Cortez said Thursday. "I know the style of the two fighters. I worked Hatton's last fight (against Jose Luis Castillo), and I've had Mayweather before."

Cortez said he'll let the fighters dictate what happens and step in only when necessary.

"I want the fight to run its course and for the best man to win," he said. "I don't think like a fan. But I am a student of the sport, and I'll use my knowledge and experience ... in the ring."

The Nevada Athletic Commission selected Cortez to work the fight, and Mayweather and Hatton said they have no problem with him being the third man in the ring.

"Joe Cortez is one of the best and most experienced referees in boxing," Mayweather said. "He knows what he's doing in there."

Said Hatton: "I'm very pleased someone with his experience is working this fight. He's one of the best referees in the world."

• WEIGH-IN SEATING -- Those planning to attend today's 2:30 p.m. weigh-in will need to get there early as seating will be limited.

Only 6,000 seats are available in the Grand Garden, and admission, which is free, is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 1 p.m.

• FLOYD STILL FAVORED -- The money continues to pour in on Hatton, but Mayweather remains the betting favorite. As of Thursday afternoon, Mayweather was minus-225 at the MGM Mirage properties with Hatton at plus-185.

When asked if he was going to place a bet on himself, Hatton said, "Not now. The odds aren't very good, are they?

"I don't bet on myself in other fights, so I don't think I'll bet here on this one."

• GOLDEN BOY CARD -- Hoping to cash in on all of Hatton's fans who made the trip from England, Golden Boy Promotions is staging a fight card today at the MGM Grand Ballroom featuring several boxers from the United Kingdom.

John Murray, a lightweight from Hatton's hometown of Manchester, will meet Miguel Munguia of Mexico in a scheduled 10-round contest that is the co-main event. In the other co-main, Bronco McKart defends his NABF middleweight title against Enrique Ornelas. McKart defeated Ornelas in August by split decision.

The eight-bout card begins at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, $75 and $150 and are available at the MGM box office.

• SNEAK PREVIEW -- HBO will air the most recent fights of Mayweather and Hatton today and Saturday. Mayweather's May 5 win over Oscar De La Hoya and Hatton's June 23 win over Castillo will be shown on "HBO Classics."