Hatton: 'Floyd's barking up the wrong tree'

Updated 12.35 Wed Nov 14 2007
Keywords: Floyd Mayweather, boxing, ricky Hatton, sport

Ricky Hatton is refusing to be affected by Floyd Mayweather's trash-talking tactics ahead of their WBC welterweight title super-fight in Las Vegas on December 8.

The 29-year-old Manchester 'Hitman' is insisting that he has not been unsettled in the slightest by Mayweather's constant jibes in the build-up to his dream bout.

"I think he's a very insecure man. He has four big minders around him and they are in his ears constantly. I think he needs reassurance and loads of 'yes' men around him" - Ricky Hatton

And he believes that the American's antics are borne out of insecurity and a lack of confidence, telling reporters: "I don't think it's possible for me to be insulted. I get into the ring with a 'Ricky Fatton' T-shirt on and I've got a picture of me and Bernard Manning in our underpants on the wall of my gym.

"He's saying all these things trying to get under my skin and he's barking up the wrong tree. With him calling me out, I don't look across the ring and say I'm going to smash his face in more than anyone else."

Hatton added: "I think he's a very insecure man. He has four big minders around him and they are in his ears constantly. I think he needs reassurance and loads of 'yes' men around him.

"I don't need anyone shouting down my lughole, but I think Floyd thrives on confidence and the more confident he gets is when he sees a sign of weakness. But he must look into my eyes and know he can't upset me."

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