BOXING: Ricky Hatton backed Amir Khan today to go one better than he managed himself by becoming the top pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Khan officially announced his April 16 WBA light-welterweight title defence against unbeaten Northern Irishman Paul McCloskey in Manchester.
The Bolton fighter has teamed up with old friend Hatton, now effectively retired from fighting and focusing on his burgeoning promotional career, with the “Hitman” promoting the show alongside US outfit Golden Boy and Khan’s own team.
Hatton was a folk hero in Britain for his all-action style and likeable persona and while Khan has yet to really fill his shoes in the hearts of the people, the former two-weight world champion has backed his young friend to exceed his own achievements.
“Since losing to Breidis Prescott in 2008 he’s turned his career around and more,” said Hatton.
“He’s not sat back on his laurels, he’s gone from strength to strength.
“If he continues ticking all the boxes and progressing and improving as he is, I don’t think it will be long before he’s on top of that pound-for-pound list. I really do strongly believe that.”
Filipino star Manny Pacquiao is currently regarded as the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer.
Hatton added: “When you see the story of where Amir’s come from in his career it is a massive success story. He was written off in many ways and how he has rammed it down his critics’ throats by turning his career around is a credit to him.
“British boxing fans should be very proud of him. He moved up a weight division immediately after that defeat and then won a world title at the weight above.”
