Hatton in best shape ever

By Gerry Ramos

LAS VEGAS – Ricky Hatton doesn’t see himself losing in a weight class he’s been dominating for years now.


Not now that he has become an even better boxer. Not now even against a very dangerous fighter like Manny Pacquiao.

With three days before coming face-to-face with the world’s best pound-for-pound king, Hatton reiterated he’s going to beat the hell out of the Filipino ring icon, who is fighting as a light-welterweight for the first time.

Hatton only has a single loss in 46 career fights, the only setback coming at the hands of the now retired Floyd Mayweather Jr, a bout fought at the welterweight limit of 147 two years ago.

“I feel relax and confident in my weight division. I haven’t lose too many rounds at 140. Basically, I’m just too strong,” he told media men that gathered around him shortly after arriving at the MGM Grand here accompanied by trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr.
“Should I be scared of a man who only has two fights over 130 pounds,” he asked, obviously referring to Pacquiao, whose only previous two bouts above the super-featherweight class came at the hands of David Diaz (lightweight) and Oscar De La Hoya (welterweight).

Giving the 30-year native of Manchester, England added bravado has been the work done on him by Mayweather, who took over as trainer in his last fight against Paul Malignaggi in November.

“Technically, I’m boxing a lot better,” he stressed. “You just don’t fight the British bulldog now. The British Bulldog has learned a few tricks along the way.”

That doesn’t mean he’s abandoned the gung-ho style of fighting Hatton has become known for, especially among the British fans.

“I don’t think I changed too much. I think in the Malignaggi fight I’m still the same Ricky Hatton,” the soft spoken but articulate Englishman said. ”I’m still aggressive. I’m still a body puncher. I’m still as ferocious as ever. I don’t think I changed a great deal. I think I’ve just got more polished in certain areas.”

The Briton admitted undergoing the most number of sparring rounds he had, estimating it to be more than a hundred.

That’s enough for him to proclaim he’s in the best shape of his career.

“This is the best Ricky Hatton that has ever been.”