Ricky Hatton says new trainer Floyd Mayweather Snr will help him silence the critics when faces Paulie Malignaggi on November 22.
Manchester’s finest has vowed to deliver a “fantastic performance” when he goes up against the brash ‘Magic Man’ in the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
The Hitman has been hard at work preparing for his huge showdown with his main rival at light-welterweight, and believes Mayweather Snr’s different approach is a breath of fresh air.
Mayweather Snr, who replaced the long-serving Billy Graham recently, has urged him to think more about his attacking strategy and has ditched the gruelling fitness workouts of old and instead implemented a programme more geared to pace and technique.
“I’ve enjoyed my boxing more so lately because of the new changes that have come in,” Hatton told Sky Sports News.
“There’s a spring in my step, it’s good fun and I’m very excited about the future.
“It’s different combinations to set traps, set my opponent up and to slow me down and put the brakes on a little bit.
“People have said for years I’m a better fighter when I slow my pace down, use the jab and show the boxing ability I’ve got.”
“Baring that in mind, it’s working well.”
Mayweather wants the 30-year-old Hatton (44-1, 31KOs) to fight in bursts rather than trying to remain the all-action hero who never let up in his bid to entertain the crowds.
The pair have been working on head movement on the way in, using the right hand before teeing off with his trademark left to the body and slipping punches – something Hatton has hardly been renowned for.
And although it might lead to some early teething problems, the longest training camp in his career will give the Manchester fighter plenty of time to get to grips with Mayweather’s demands.
“It needs to be a good performance,” said Hatton. “I think the daggers are out for me a little bit and the only way I will convince them otherwise is if I put on a fantastic performance on November 22.
“If the first five weeks of training camp are anything to go by, then that’s a near certainty.”
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