Hatton set for Mayweather battle

Hatton v Mayweather
Date: Sunday, 9 December
Starts from: 0100 GMT
Location: Las Vegas
Watch: Sky pay-per-view
Listen: BBC Radio 5 Live and online (UK only) Updates: BBC Sport website and mobile

Ricky Hatton insists he is ready to defy his underdog status and beat Floyd Mayweather in what has been billed as the fight of the decade.

The build-up to Saturday's clash steps up a gear with the weigh-in at 2230 GMT on Friday in Las Vegas.

Mayweather has won world titles at five weights and is recognised as the world's best pound-for-pound fighter.

"You can't argue with his record or what he's done but all good things come to an end," Hatton told the BBC.

Interview: Ricky Hatton Archive: Hatton as a young boxer

"On Saturday night it comes to an end. It will be an eight or nine round stoppage for Ricky Hatton."

Hatton, who has yet to taste defeat in 43 bouts, is not as quick but has steeliness and confidence on his side.

While most boxers arrive in Las Vegas with entourages, Hatton arrives with the whole of Manchester in tow.

The Hitman said of his fans: "They don't just support me, they worship me. They feel like they're my mates. Half of them are my mates."

In the early hours of Sunday, people all over Britain with a minority interest in boxing will be watching him fight.

If the outcome of his bout for the American's WBC welterweight crown were to be decided by public vote, Hatton would win by a landslide.

Source: BBC Sport