De la Hoya: backing Hatton

Watch for Ricky Hatton to make the fight happen. Watch for Ricky Hatton to put the pressure on in a very intelligent way.

Oscar de la Hoya
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Boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya insists Ricky Hatton has what it takes to shake up the world in Las Vegas on Saturday night.

Floyd Mayweather is a hot favourite to be the man to retain his 'Undefeated' tag in the 'Fight of the Decade', but de la Hoya is tipping Manchester's finest to upset the odds.

Speaking after watching Hatton's final serious sparring session before Saturday's fight, six-weight former world champion de la Hoya told Sky Sports News: "Watch for Ricky Hatton to make the fight happen. Watch for Ricky Hatton to put the pressure on in a very intelligent way.

"Because that's the difference with Ricky Hatton. Yes, he is going to put the pressure on but in a smart way and I think when he mentioned that a while back, that's when I thought to myself - he is going to do it."

Comfort zone

De la Hoya lost a contentious split decision to Mayweather earlier this year but in the early rounds of that fight he showed how the 'Pretty Boy' could be pressurised out of his comfort zone. He has been advising Hatton on how it's done.

"I have been in there with Floyd and I know what it takes to beat him," de la Hoya added. "I gave (Ricky) a few inside tracks and he has been following them.

"He has a great trainer and a great team and they know what they are doing. That combination right there can really catapult him to that next level and win this fight.

"Ricky Hatton obviously has done his homework. He knows what he is doing - mentally and physically I see him as the strongest he's ever been."

As for the man himself, he is as relaxed as ever as the biggest night of his life creeps ever closer.

"I'm fired up but it's controlled aggression," he told Sky Sports News. "There is a lot of press around and obviously a lot of interviews because of the size of the fight I'm involved in, but I'm my usual sarcastic, relaxed and joking self."