Hatton - virus was nothing

Hitman ready for his 15-round workout

Last updated: 16th May 2008

ricky hatton pads

Hatton: 10st 6lbs

I couldn't be better. As you can see today - fit, sharp, strong, balanced, timing, everything's good, just counting the hours down now.

Ricky Hatton
Quotes of the week

THE HOMECOMING
Ricky Hatton v Juan Lazcano
IBO Light-Welterweight title
Live on Sky Box Office
7.30pm, Saturday, May 24
Call 08442 410888 to book
Click here for more information

Also see

Ricky Hatton has told Sky Sports News he is on course to be in the shape of his life for his showdown with Juan Lazcano on May 24 in Manchester.

'The Hitman' also played down fears that a virus had disrupted his preparations for his 'Homecoming' fight at the City of Manchester Stadium.

"It was made out to be a little bit worse than it was," he said from his Manchester gym. "I think my dad was quoted but I think my dad was just jumping the gun a little bit, like any concerned parent would do.

"I had a virus a couple of weeks ago so I had to take my foot off the gas in my training for a few days.

"But I normally do that anyway. If every time in a 12-week training camp you complained about a niggle or a sniffle or an injury or something like that, the fight would be off every week, so nothing to worry abut. We're over it now and as you can see today, I'm fine."

Hatton will undertake his customary 15-round workout with trainer Billy Graham on Friday.

Fantastic

"I'm fantastic, raring to go," he said. "I'm having a nice quiet day today, just ticking over, just sharpening the tools. Obviously I've got my big 15-round workout on Friday like I always have.

"I couldn't be better. As you can see today - fit, sharp, strong, balanced, timing, everything's good, just counting the hours down now."

Hatton is also happy with his weight as he drops down to his more familiar 10 stone light-welterweight after fighting Floyd Mayweather at welter at the end of last year.

"I've just dropped on the scales there - 10 stone six pounds, with still over a week to go," he added. "Strength, weight, everything is well on track."