Khan: Looked up to Ricky Hatton

Amir Khan hopes he can emulate the success enjoyed by former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton after the popular Manchester fighter confirmed his retirement from boxing.

Khan defends his WBA light-welterweight crown against New Yorker Zab Judah on July 23 in Las Vegas and admits Hatton was a fighter he looked up to a young amateur in Bolton.

“He came to America and I’m here now trying to fill his boots,” said Khan, who trains alongside Pacquiao at Freddie Roach’s Wild Card Gym. “Hopefully I can achieve what he achieved or even more.

“It’s great to have someone like him to look up to because he’s a great champion.

“He’ll never be forgotten. He was very exciting to watch.”

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Hatton will remain involved in the sport at the head of his burgeoning promotional business.

In April, Hatton Promotions hosted Khan’s fourth successful championship defence against Northern Ireland’s Paul McCloskey at the Manchester Evening News Arena, and the former Olympic silver medallist would be delighted to collaborate again in the future.

“One thing about Ricky is he’s always very supportive,” he added. “He’s one of the nicest guys you’ll ever meet.

“We did a joint promotion when I fought Paul McCloskey and hopefully we can continue that relationship.”

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