Hatton was knocked out in two rounds by Manny Pacquiao last May

Ricky Hatton's trainer Lee Beard has parted company with the fighter to move to the United States.

Beard has been associated with the 31-year-old Hatton, who will return to the ring in 2010, for several years and also trains Hatton's brother Matthew.

A statement from Hatton Promotions said: "Lee has strong family connections in America and we fully understand his wish to move out there."

Hatton has not announced who will be in his corner when he returns this summer.

Beard became more heavily involved with the fighter after Hatton parted company with his former trainer Billy Graham in 2008.

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He was part of the fractured training set-up headed by Floyd Mayweather Sr which oversaw Hatton's second-round defeat by Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

When Hatton confirmed Mayweather Sr would not be involved in his next fight, Beard seemed set to take over as the main trainer.

But Hatton's statement continued: "As far as Ricky is concerned, he has not made any decision as to who will be replacing Floyd Mayweather Sr as his trainer and he will address this issue on his return from holiday.

"Matthew Hatton will continue his training for his fight at Fenton Manor, Stoke on 19 February under the wing of Bob Shannon.

"In the meantime Ricky, Matthew and everyone in the Hatton Camp wish Lee every success for the future."

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