Hatton hits out at talk of 'retirement'

RICKY Hatton has again poured cold water on reports he has decided to retire from fighting.

The former two-weight world champion has yet to make a decision on his future following his knockout defeat by Manny Pacquiao in May last year, despite various media outlets prematurely claiming otherwise recently.

The 31-year-old Mancunian said: "There has been a lot of hearsay in recent weeks regarding my retirement, but I urge my loyal fans to ignore the speculation. 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."

Hatton added: "I was also interested to read that I had recently asked Freddie Roach to train me but that he turned me down. 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."

Meanwhile, James DeGale is ready to test himself over 12 rounds as he plots his route to a British title fight by the end of the year. DeGale will step up to the championship distance when he meets Sam Horton for the vacant WBA international super-middleweight belt at Upton Park on 15 May.

The Olympic gold medallist has yet to go beyond four rounds in his six-fight professional career.