Ricky Hatton told Sky Sports News that he is in the shape of his life as he headed out to his training camp in Las Vegas.
Hitman in great condition as he flies out to Las Vegas
Ricky Hatton told
Sky Sports News that he is in the shape of his life as he headed out for his training camp in Las Vegas ahead of his showdown with Manny Pacquiao.
Hatton will go up against the current pound-for-pound king on May 2, live on
Sky Box Office, but feels he could go much sooner if needs be.
'The Hitman' suffered his only defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jnr but lsince linking up with Floyd Mayweather Snr, his conqueror's father, has turned things around.
Hatton was back to his best when he dismantled Paulie Malignaggi, and now the Mancunian is promising an even better performance against 'Pacman'.
Best shape
"It's the best shape I've ever been in this far out," Hatton told
Sky Sports News.
"I've still got five weeks to go and at a push I could be ready in a couple of weeks, so I have to be careful not to overdo it now.
"But I've got a fair few fights under my belt now and I've got a bit of experience so I can't see that happening, and I'm in perfect shape for training camp.
"This is the best Ricky Hatton. It is even better than the Ricky Hatton that beat Kostya Tszyu and that's my best win to date so far in my career, so I think a lot of people are going to be surprised come fight night."
Hatton's improved skills under Mayweather Snr's guidance makes the Brit feel he is better now in every department than he ever has been.
"The difference is I'm back using my head," he added. "I'm back using my jab, throwing combination punches as well along with my 100 mph body punching and my aggressiveness, which I suppose is what everyone has come to like about me.
"I've got a little bit more finesse and I'm thinking about what I'm doing instead of steaming in there and making it easy for my opponents so I'm better in every department now."
Hatton has the utmost respect for Pacquiao, but believes he is king of the light-welterweight division - with his only defeat against Mayweather coming at welterweight.
Shock
With Pacquiao stepping up in weight, Hatton thinks his opponent, and his team, will be in for a shock on fight night.
"It's a tough fight, he's a southpaw, he's very, very quick, he's a decent puncher, but this is my division," Hatton said.
"I've only lost one in 46 fights and that was up to welterweight, I won a world title at welterweight but it's clear it's not my natural division.
"I really think I'm the boss over my opponents with my size and strength and with my extra boxing ability now which, from what I've heard from the Pacquiao camp I don't think they've prepared for, they're going to be in for a shock."
