Hitman hails the Hatton army

Ricky inspects the ring

Last time I was in Vegas at the MGM Grand I fell short of becoming the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but I know one title I do have is the best fans.

Ricky Hatton
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Ricky Hatton has paid tribute to the 'best fans in the world' as he prepares for Saturday's IBO light-welterweight title clash with Paulie Malignaggi.

Around 35,000 British fight fans were in Las Vegas for the Hitman's last appearance there in December, when he suffered the first and only defeat of his career to Floyd Mayweather jnr.

And the legions of supporters are again making the long trek west for his latest big night in the 'City of Sin'.

Hatton was greeted by a noisy welcome at the MGM Grand from an advance guard of the thousands of Brits expected in Vegas this weekend, when he went to inspect the ring on Tuesday night.

"It never ceases to amaze me," Hatton told Sky Sports News. "I mean, last time I was in Vegas at the MGM Grand I fell short of becoming the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, but I know one title I do have is the best fans. I know I sound like a broken record, I keep saying it, but it's true isn't it?"

The 29-year-old Hatton has declared himself in the shape of his life after engaging new trainer Floyd Mayweather snr and embarking on a gruelling training regime.

Shock

Asked about Malignaggi, the Hitman added: "He doesn't know what I know. He doesn't know what I have been doing in this new training camp and I think he is in for a shock.

"Everybody is starting to think I am showing signs of wear and tear. I think they will be writing a different script on Saturday, I really 100 per cent believe that."

New Yorker Malignaggi is in theory the home fighter this week, but he was booed when he entered the arena at the MGM Grand.

He insists a hostile crowd will not faze him one bit.

"I have dealt with harsh crowds before," he told Sky Sports News. "It's funny because in the Miguel Cotto fight I was very much booed against. And also in my whole career in general I think I have played the bad guy role, so that I get booed most of the time. I think it is a surprise if I get cheered."

As for his own form coming into the fight, Malignaggi added: "I feel like nothing can break me right now. I am so focused, I feel like the momentum is on my side.

"I am younger, I'm faster, I'm smarter. I just don't see how Ricky is going to win the fight on Saturday night. I feel very confident."