Ricky Hatton insists he will make his own decision on his future

Ricky Hatton has hit out at self-styled experts who have advised him to retire following his defeat by Manny Pacquiao.

The media has been in overdrive since Hatton's devastating defeat in his IBO light-welterweight world title bout.

"It's my decision," he insisted. "At the moment my heart would rule my head, and I won't make any rash decisions as it's a big decision to make.

"At the moment I don't feel like lacing on a pair of gloves again, but after a holiday I might feel different."

Speaking in Oswestry, Hatton told BBC Radio Shropshire he felt in good shape despite being knocked cold by Pacquiao's left hook before the end of the second round.

It was a shattering defeat for the Mancunian, only his second in 47 fights - but it immediately led to talk of his being forced to bring the curtain down on his 12-year pro-career.

"Everyone's become an expert about me, but they don't know how I feel. I've only just landed back in England and even I don't really know how I feel," he added.

"Whether I decide to fight on or not I'll still be involved in boxing, but as far as actual physical fighting (is concerned) I need to be in a better frame of mind before I make a decision like this - and after a family holiday when things get back to normal I can make a positive decision."

He added: "No one will influence me, not even my parents."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version