Ricky Hatton has denied widespread reports that he will retire, and insists he has yet to make a decision on his future.
Hitman cools any talk of retirement - no decision yet
Ricky Hatton insists he has not yet made a decision over possible retirement from boxing, as he played down widespread reports that he had decided to hang up his gloves.
'The Hitman' has not fought since being clinically knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas last May, and he was thought to have decided to call time on his career.
Now well into his career as a promoter and with his well-publicised struggles to get down to his fighting weight, Hatton reportedly left his training camp to go on holiday as it became clear he did not have the desire to fight on.
However, the former two-weight world champion has yet to make a decision on his future, and the 31-year-old has been keen to point that fact out.
Hatton has now spoken on the subject of retirement and says that he will be the one to announce any decision, but insists he has not yet made up his mind.
Speculation
"There has been a lot of hearsay in recent weeks regarding my retirement, but I urge my loyal fans to ignore the speculation," Hatton told the Manchester Evening News.
"If, and when, I do eventually decide to retire, the announcement will be made by myself. I feel that I have earned the right to do it myself."
After blaming trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr in part for the defeat by Pacquiao, Hatton has dismissed reports that he wanted Freddy Roach to step into his corner.
Roach, who trains both Pacquiao and Amir Khan, is widely regarded as one of the best in the world but Hatton insists he has not made any contact.
"I was also interested to read that I had recently asked Freddie Roach to train me but that he turned me down," Hatton added.
"I wish to put the record straight that, while I have the utmost respect for Roach, I have never once asked him, or indeed considered him, to train me."
