Hatton in best shape ever, says coach

RICKY HATTON is completing preparations for Saturday night’s Las Vegas super-fight against Jose Luis Castillo with a frightening intensity which lends weight to trainer Billy Graham’s claim that he will answer the opening bell in the best shape of his career.

Graham believes Hatton has been determined to push himself beyond his normal boundaries not only by the prospect of facing the fearsome Castillo, but also by the desire to revert to type after two relatively unimpressive recent performances.

Graham, who has been putting Hatton through his final paces at Zuffa’s gym on West Sahara Avenue this week, said: “Ricky won his last two fights in difficult circumstances but this time he finds himself under more pressure to perform.