• Boxing

Khan hopes to fill Hatton's boots

ESPN staff
July 8, 2011
Amir Khan has paid tribute to Ricky Hatton © Getty Images
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Amir Khan hopes he can follow in the footsteps of Ricky Hatton following the retirement of the former two-weight world champion.

Hatton confirmed his retirement on Thursday, and Khan, who defends his WBA light-welterweight title against Zab Judah in Las Vegas on July 23, admits he sees himself as Hatton's natural successor.

After unifying the IBF and WBA light-welterweight titles in 2005, Hatton became welterweight champion with victory over Luis Collazo.

Hatton fought five times in Vegas, the scene of his most recent fight, where he came unstuck against Manny Pacquiao - Khan's training partner at Freddie Roach's Wild Card Gym.

"He came to America and I'm here now trying to fill his boots," Khan said. "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."

Hatton will continue to work in the sport with his promotional business, Hatton Promotions, and Khan, who collaborated with Hatton for his successful defence against Paul McCloskey in Manchester in April, would be keen to join forces with Hatton in the future.

"One thing about Ricky is he's always very supportive," Khan said. "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."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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