Soccer AM

Khan: backing Hatton

I'm not saying he hasn't still got it in him. I think he can still come back and win a few good fights and maybe be a contender for a world title, but I think he should just retire now.

Amir Khan
Quotes of the week

Amir Khan believes Ricky Hatton is making the right decision should he chose to quit boxing.

Sky Sports News revealed on Saturday that Hatton will call time on his career in a press conference next week, and Khan told Soccer AM 'he has nothing left to prove'.

The former world champion has not fought since his devastating knockdown at the hands of Manny Pacquiao last May, but looked set to face Juan Manuel Marquez in a summer comeback clash.

The 31-year-old had been at a training camp in an attempt to get into shape; however reports suggest it has not been a success, prompting him hang up his gloves.

And Khan, who is set to make his American debut when he goes toe-to-toe with Paulie Malignaggi on 15 May, says there is no reason for the Hitman to enter the ring again.

"I think it's a good move," he said. "He's made his money, he's made a name for himself and I think he should retire now."

"He's at that age as well, where he's going to start going downhill and there's no point coming back now because he hasn't got anything to prove."

"In boxing you're on your own, and if you're not prepared to put the work in at the gym and train hard - and when you are in training you want to sneak off on a holiday - come on you're going to affect your body," he added.

"I'm not saying he hasn't still got it in him. I think he can still comeback and win a few good fights and maybe be a contender for a world title, but I think he should just retire now."

Showdown

An all-British showdown between the WBA light-welterweight world champion and Hatton has been the subject of much speculation in recent years.

And Khan admitted if Hatton had wanted the fight as his comeback it could conceivably have happened.

"Yeah I think the fight would be made then," he said. "Ricky's on Golden Boy promotions as well so I think it would be quite easy.

"It would be a massive fight in the UK. I think the British public would love to see that. He's a nice lad Ricky and a good mate of mine as well and sometimes you don't want to step into the ring with your friend.

"But I think I can go down a different route and fight other big names and I don't have to fight Ricky."