• Boxing

Roach snubbed Hatton approach

ESPN staff
March 16, 2010
Ricky Hatton was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao © Getty Images
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Revered trainer Freddie Roach has revealed he turned down Ricky Hatton's approach to mastermind his return to the ring.

Hatton suffered a punishing defeat at the hands of Roach's stable star Manny Pacquiao - a fight that is likely to be Hatton's last with an announcement confirming his retirement expected this week.

However, as recently as last month Hatton was keen on making a return to the ring, with Juan Manuel Marquez a possible opponent, and Roach has revealed the Mancunian attempted to enlist his services.

"I've just asked one of my fighters Gerry Penalosa, to retire," Roach told the Daily Telegraph. "You can't lie to your fighters. When I was over in England last December with Amir, Ricky Hatton wanted me to work with him, and wondered if we could get together.

"If he wanted to fight Amir Khan, that's one thing. But I couldn't train Ricky. I said I think he should retire. He's washed up.

"If he continues fighting, he's going to jeopardise his health. I would not want to be a part of that.

"If he decides to fight Amir Khan, that's up to him. He's been a multi-world champion, he'll go down in history for some of his great victories, and the thousands of British fans who followed him to America, he's been there and done it, and he doesn't need to do it any more."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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