• Ricky Hatton v Vyacheslav Senchenko

Hatton labels Senchenko no-show 'unprofessional'

Ricky Hatton questioned the professionalism of Vyacheslav Senchenko after the former WBA welterweight champion failed to turn up to Thursday's press conference.

Hatton is making his ring return after he retired in 2009, and he faced the media by himself in Manchester due to Senchenko's no-show.

"He had plenty of time to make it to the press conference, but I feel a lot more relaxed these days to be honest," Hatton told Sky Sports News.

"I used to let so many things get on top of me and bother me, but now I'm not bothered. Ultimately it's down to what happens in the ring on the night.

"But it is pretty unprofessional because this is what he is contracted to do and I'm sure the press would have liked to have seen us stood next to each other."

Hatton has many questions to answer as he attempts a second stint in the sport at the age of 34, and in Senchenko he meets a man who was world champion until he lost the belt in his most recent fight.

The Brit claims to be far less nervous than in the past, and he hopes that will help him implement the things he has worked on in training. Hatton often relied upon heart in previous battles, but he plans to outbox Senchenko this weekend.

"This is a decent first test. Usually the nerves start at the press conference and then the weigh-ins and as you get nearer the fight. But I must admit I'm dead proud of my frame of mind," he said.

"I turned up, I wasn't bothered [about Senchenko's absence], it's one of the changes I've made mentally. I'm in a happier place now. I feel really relaxed.

"How many times have I said I need to move my head more, work the jab and change my angles? And then the red-eyed monster's turned up.

"But I've been saying that the old Ricky Hatton is back. Changing angles, not just steaming in there, the stress has gone. I'm a massive worrier, but the nerves have gone."

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