Mum's the Word on Ricky Hatton's New Trainer

by T.K. Stewart    

Ricky Hatton recently split with his longtime trainer Billy Graham, and 'The Hitman' is keeping the decision as to who will assume the role of chief second for his November 22nd fight against IBF titlist Paulie Malignaggi a secret.  

Speculation is that Floyd Mayweather, Sr. will get the job, but as of right now nothing appears set in stone.  Even though Hatton is not saying who will be training him next, he says he's heading back to the gym right away and that he'll make his choice known soon.  

"I'll do a 12-week training camp, so with the fight being on the 22nd of November I'll go into training camp in the middle of August," says Hatton. And since the middle of August is now, that must mean that Hatton has already been working out, right?  

"I've been in and out of the gym, and at the minute I've been doing a run here and there," he says. "But I'll really get down to business 12 weeks before the fight."   Hatton has been enjoying his time off since he emerged victorious in early May over Juan Lazcano in front of over 50,000 fans in his hometown of Manchester, England.  Hatton has been spending time with his family and friends while enjoying the summer by doing the things that all families do.  

Hatton is also famous for putting on weight in between fights and he has even been known to make fun of himself and call himself 'Ricky Fatton' when he allows himself to rise well above his fighting weight of 10 stone or 140 pounds.  Those close to Hatton say that he is about 160 pounds (or maybe a little more) right now.     

Hatton is looking forward to facing Malignaggi at the MGM Grand and is thrilled to be heading back to Las Vegas again.  He's also looking forward to entertaining all of his supporters who will surely make the trek from England to 'Sin City' to cheer him on.  

"It never ceases to amaze me how the fans think of me and treat me and look up to me, it's fantastic," said Hatton. "I mean, when I boxed Floyd Mayweather, I obviously got beat challenging for the best pound-for-pound title. But I do know one title I do have is the best fans in the world.  It never ceases to amaze me how fantastic they are towards me.   I'm hoping in November that all me fans can go over to Vegas and have a good time like they always do.  And hopefully I'll continue to do the country proud."  

So is Hatton looking forward to the next few months of training?   "I call it the monastery," he chuckled.  "But it's very much worth it and hopefully I'll be a 3-time IBF champion."      

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