Ricky Hatton headed off to Las Vegas determined to show the boxing world his best days are NOT behind him.
Hatton out to silence criticis with a 'world-class' show
Ricky Hatton jetted out to Las Vegas determined to prove he is still a world-class fighter.
The Hitman says he is ready to silence the doubters when he takes on Paulie Malignaggi at the MGM Grand on November 22, live on
Sky Box Office.
Hatton bounced back from his defeat by Floyd Mayweather Jr to outpoint Juan Lazcano in an emotional Manchester homecoming in June.
But he believes people are still writing him off and with Floyd Mayweather Sr in his corner against Malignaggi, says he will prove he is anything but a spent force.
"I need to prove I've still got a lot left to plenty to offer," he told
Sky Sports News as he flew out from Manchester.
"A lot of people are saying I've had a lot of fights under my belt, a lot of hard fights and maybe my best years are behind me. But the way the first six weeks of this trip have gone that's certainly not the case.
"But saying it's one thing, proving its another - and that's what I've got to do."
World-class
One of Hatton's fiercest critics has been the fast-talking Malignaggi.
The former IBF light-welterweight champion - who has vacated his title to make this fight - is adamant the Mancunian's skills and speed are diminishing after 45 professional fights.
"He's certainly got a fast mouth, but the way my training has been going I doubt very much his hands will be quicker than mine," said Hatton.
"But again I've got to go out and prove it. I expect to go out there and look like a world-class act, not just the Ricky Hatton that goes out there and beats people up."
