IBF rescinds Hatton order

Prompted by reports that Ricky Hatton was dropped from the pending litigation between Souleymane M'baye and the WBA, the IBF yesterday instructed Hatton to begin negotiations with Naoufel Ben Rabah. However, when the IBF was informed that the judge is still deciding what relief it might grant to M'baye, the IBF placed yesterday's letter on hold. "The IBF is rescinding the order to start negotiations. Once we know that the case has been officially closed, we will proceed accordingly," wrote IBF championship chairman Lindsey Tucker today.