• Light-welterweight

Amir Khan open to Ricky Hatton fight

ESPN staff
September 13, 2012
Amir Khan needs to bounce back from his hammering at the hands of Danny Garcia © PA Photos
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Amir Khan's manager has insisted his man could put his friendship with Ricky Hatton to one side in order to put on a British superfight between the pair.

Hatton has been putting in the miles in the gym and is widely tipped to announce his return to the ring, following over three years in retirement, at a press conference on Friday.

Both Hatton, whose last fight was a mauling by Manny Pacquiao, and Khan - beaten by Danny Garcia in his most recent bout - have reputations to restore. They are likely to head in different directions in the short term, but the prospect of meeting down the line is something that appeals to the Khan camp.

"I've spoken to Amir about this before and while he and Ricky are good friends, he knows boxing is a business," Khan's manager Asif Vali told the Daily Mirror. "A fight between Amir and Ricky would be huge. It would be a massive superfight. It could sell 100,000 at Wembley and everyone would want to see it.

"I'm sure they could put their friendship to one side for 12 weeks for this fight."

There has been no word from Hatton on his future plans, but Vali feels the prospect of a fight with Khan will be put to him on Friday.

Vali said: "Ricky's bound to be asked that question at his press conference on Friday and if the opportunity for them to fight arises then who knows what will happen?

"Close friends have fought before and it has not affected their friendships."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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