Hatton holds off retirment plans

Boxer Ricky Hatton has confirmed a U-turn in his plans to retire in a couple of bouts time and insisted: "I'm not ready for my pipe and slippers yet!"

The Mancunian believes he can prolong his career by becoming a more polished boxer, especially with the experience of new trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr.

Hatton, 29, is gearing up for the clash with IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi on November 22 after parting company with long-time coach Billy Graham earlier this year.

The Hitman lost his only fight last year, against Mayweather's son Floyd Jnr, and has admitted his tendency to try to "bulldoze" opponents proved costly on that occasion.

He has vowed to utilise his boxing skills from now on under the guidance of defensive expert Mayweather Snr, but with tickets for the fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas selling fast - nearly 13,000 have already been snapped up - Hatton insists he will also keep faith with his exciting style.

The former two-weight world champion, who is still rated as the world's best 140lb fighter: "With someone like Malignaggi you've got to cut the ring down, get in close."

He added: "But with the things I'm working on, along with the boxing ability I had in the first place, I've now got a coach who is going to bring that out of me a bit more and I expect to out-box Paulie.

"I'm not saying I'm ready for my pipe and slippers yet but as you get a bit older with a lot of miles on the clock and tough fights behind you, you don't change your style, but you've got to tweak it and be a bit more cautious.

"Look at Marco Antonio Barrera; in some of his fights he turned from fighter to boxer, had some wonderful fights and wins in doing so and Arturo Gatti was another one.

Hatton had hoped to fight at the legendary Madison Square Garden in Malignaggi's native New York until logistical problems ended that dream, but he admits Las Vegas is like a home away from home due to his huge British following and American supporters.

"I think because of the fan base I have anywhere could be seen as a home fight, they are second to none, and with the tickets flying already they never cease to amaze me," he said.

"I think this fight shows what I am all about because I'm going back to the scene of the crime, if you like, the MGM Grand."

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