Ricky Hatton believes Kell Brook can turn his fight against Amir Khan in his favour if the Yorkshireman’s nemesis reverts back to old ways.
A former two-weight world champion, Hatton had his own domestic rival in Junior Witter but the two never fought. The popular Mancunian has been enjoying the niggly build-up to this weekend’s clash in Manchester and says Khan’s willingness to trade punches may go against him.
“The build-up has been brilliant,” Hatton told Sky Sports. “They just don’t like each other, do they?
“Amir has the speed, the boxing ability, the footwork and movement to give Kell trouble. But Amir gets drawn into a fight – and that’s why we love him!
“As he gets older Amir might go into the trenches early which will make for a great fight. From rounds six, seven, eight and nine – Amir can get drawn in. Then it shifts into Kell’s favour.”
Khan-Brook takes place at the Manchester Arena live on Sky Sports Box Office. A venue and platform that showcased Hatton’s greatest night when toppling Kostya Tszyu to become IBF light-welterweight champion in 2005.
A second world title came at welterweight when the Brit and his army of fans made their first trip Stateside to see Hatton narrowly beat Luis Collazo. But in 2007 came his biggest test of all when he challenged the brash and gifted Floyd Mayweather Jr for the American’s WBC 147lbs title.
“With Mayweather when we did our press conference, I made jokes which upset Floyd. On the train back to London, steam was coming out of his ears!” Hatton recalled.
“Amir is trying to get under Kell’s skin with a few comments which are naughty. They both look in great shape and confident.”