Hatton denies retirement rumours

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 widespread reports of the boxer's retirement recently.

The 31-year-old Mancunian told the Manchester Evening News: "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."

"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."