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Lewis urges Hatton to quit

09/12/2007

Former heavyweight world champion Lennox Lewis believes Ricky Hatton should retire following his tenth round knockout loss to Floyd Mayweather.

Lewis says that unless Hatton can bounce back and defeat Mayweather in a second bout then there is nothing left for the Manchunian to achieve.

"Ricky now has to sit down and see how he wants to re-establish his career," Lewis told BBC Radio Five Live.

"But if it were me, unless I felt I could come back and actually beat Mayweather, then I would retire."

Lewis bounced back to win the heavyweight title twice following defeats in his career but insists that Hatton has nothing left to prove and could legitimately retire if he wanted to.

The 42-year-old said Hatton was simply beaten by a better fighter in Mayweather and that if he does continue his career it should be at light-welterweight where he is less exposed against bigger fighters.

He said: "He's been boxing for his whole life and I don't think he has anything else to prove, but it should be up to Ricky if he wants to retire.

"He can say he tried his best but Floyd was the better man on the night and there's nothing he can do about that."

Lewis also praised Mayweather for his performance in beating Hatton adding that the five-weight world champion got his tactics exactly right.

"Floyd is so quick and displayed all his talents," said Lewis.

Ring legend Sugar Ray Robinson claimed that Mayweather could now be ranked as one of the greatest fighters of all time.

"I think Mayweather could have held his own against pretty much anyone," said Robinson.