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Hitman fitter than ever

Mayweather's morning runs and sparring doing the trick

Last updated: 8th November 2008

Hatton: sparring with Coleman

I am definitely fitter now than I have been in years.

Ricky Hatton
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Ricky Hatton says he is fitter now than he's ever been.

The Hitman is coming to the end of his longest ever training camp as he prepares to take on Paulie Malignaggi at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, live on Sky Box Office.

Hatton has been out in America for three weeks, where he has teamed up with new trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr.

And although the decision to work with the outspoken cornerman has raised plenty of eyebrows, the fighter himself is reaping the rewards of a new regime.

"I am definitely fitter now than I have been in years," he told his exclusive Fight Diary on skysports.com.

"It feels like I have been in Vegas for ages."

Hatton has revealed that Mayweather's schedule is based on sparring as the pair try to add a defensive dimension to his all-out style.

He is already up to eight rounds a day with Tim Coleman and Dominic Salcido - and floored the latter on Thursday.

The biggest change though has seen Mayweather introduce early-morning runs to the Hitman's workout, compared to the evening sessions he has always undergone.

"This time is even more intense," said Hatton. "I used to run in the evenings after gym work in England but Floyd wants me to run in the mountains first thing in the morning.

"That means early to bed every night. I have been running up Mount Charleston at 5,000 feet above sea level - and believe me, there is plenty of gas in the tank."