Graham: Hatton is a workhorse
by Michelle Fortune, 14 May 2008
Ricky Hatton is working hard to get in shape for his comeback fight against Juan Lazcano, according to his trainer Billy Graham.
Hatton was forced to miss a number of sparring sessions after being hit with a virus but Graham insists that the Manchester fighter is on the mend and is looking in superb form ahead of the May 24 bout with the Mexican.
"Everyone knows how Ricky lives when he is out of training but anyone who knows him knows he is a workhorse in the gym," said Graham.
"I have never had to drag Ricky to the gym and I haven't this time either."
Hatton lost his unbeaten record when knocked out by Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas last December; a defeat which Graham acknowledges affected the boxer. However, he is confident that he will bounce back in style in front of his home crowd at the City of Manchester Stadium.
"I knew he would have to lick his wounds. I had to myself because I was convinced we would win the Mayweather fight but there you go," added the trainer.
"When a fighter loses his unbeaten record you worry about how he will come back.
"It either makes or breaks them, it can send them the other way and they lose all confidence but I had no doubt that Ricky was the other type.
"He is determined to come back with a great performance to prove the doubters wrong again and I have no doubts whatsoever that he will be fine."