Hatton mulls over his future

Boxing

RICKY HATTON has been left “devastated” by his knock–out defeat to Manny Pacquiao in their light–welterweight fight in Las Vegas at the weekend.

Hatton’s reign as light–welterweight world champion came to a bitter end at the MGM Grand Garden Arena as Pacquiao floored his opponent twice in the first round before ending the contest with left hook late in the second.

The English fighter admitted the Filipino’s knock–out punch had come out of the blue, but refused to confirm whether the loss, the second of his career following defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jnr in 2007, will spell the end of his time in the ring.

“If we’d have gone a few rounds it could have been different, but he caught me with practically the first punch he threw to be honest,” said Hatton.

“I’d rather have been knocked out in two rounds than have somebody that has out–classed me for the full duration.

“Maybe it could have been different, but that’s boxing.

“I’ve lost twice and I’ve lost to the best pound–for–pound fighters in the world, it’s not a bad way of looking at it, but I’m devastated.

“I would not have put my money on that happening.”

When asked if he would now retire, Hatton said: “I really don’t know at the minute, because I never thought that was ever going to happen. But people are still going to see plenty of me.

“I’ve been a great world champion, I’ve been the best in the world, and I think I can be the best promoter in the world and I think that is the avenue I want to go down.”

Hatton’s trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr suggested the Mancunian should retire after the defeat, while rumours have since arisen of a split in the Hatton camp between the American and English assistant trainer Lee Beard.

Hatton’s preparations have been called into question, and the 30–year–old admitted there were issues in the build-up to the fight.

“There was things that could have been different but I’d rather not talk about it,” he said.