You are in > manchester.com  > News > Hatton talks up chances

Boxing

Hatton talks up chances

13/11/2007

Ricky Hatton has issued a confident assessment of his chances with just under a month to go before he takes on Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas.

The Manchester-based fighter will put his 43-fight undefeated record to its greatest test yet when he takes on the WBC welterweight champion on December 8th, but is confident his preparations will give him the best possible chance of emerging victorious.

The 29-year-old has famously struggled with his weight before previous bouts, but claims that he is now able to concentrate on technical work having already shed the majority of his excess pounds.

"I've never been in better shape four and a half weeks out from a fight," he told Sky Sports.

"I've never sparred this well. Pads work has never been as good. I've never been this strong and I have never been this down on the weight.

"I'm ready to go. Bring the date forward a couple of weeks. I'm ready now."

Mayweather, who is currently rated as the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world by respected boxing magazine The Ring, is equally certain of adding Hatton to a list of illustrious scalps.

The American beat the legendary Oscar de la Hoya is his last outing and has also chalked up wins over Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti and Zab Judah.