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Ho Ho Ho: Hatton & Calzaghe circa 2002

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Joe Calzaghe has thrown his weight behind Ricky Hatton's bid to beat Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas this weekend.

The Welshman won his very own super-fight against Dane Mikkel Kessler last month to add the WBA and WBC belts to the WBO super-middleweight belt which he has held since 1997.

Calzaghe believes his status as underdog will suit Hatton and is convinced the Mancunian has the capacity to shock Mayweather.

Indeed, he sees similarities with his own fight against Jeff Lacy in 2006 when he overwhelmed another previously undefeated American to establish his reputation as one of the sport's elite.

"Ricky is not expected to win, so that should relax him and put him in the best mental state," Calzaghe stated.

Underdog

"I was underdog against Lacy and that definitely helped me.

"It took the pressure off and allowed me to enjoy my training. I went into the fight focused but calm.

"Floyd Mayweather is talking a good game at the moment, saying he's the best around, but he needs to go out and prove that which is easier said than done.

"Ricky's very strong, a great body-puncher, he's got a big heart and comes forward relentlessly.

"He can't pussyfoot around Mayweather though. He's got to steam into him and stop the guy having a second's rest. If he does that then Ricky can win."

Calzaghe claims that a Hatton win on Sunday morning will top off the greatest-ever year in British boxing with Britain now boasting a host of respected champions.

"If Ricky beats Mayweather then 2007 should go down as the best ever year in British boxing history," he added.

"We'll have six champions all at the top of their game. In that sense boxing will have done a lot for British sport after all the disappointments we have had this year."