Confident Mancunian hoping to make experience count in Sheffield
Matthew Hatton may be a huge underdog in his fight with Kell Brook on Saturday week, but that hasn't dented his confidence.
Hatton, the younger brother of Ricky, will be taking part in his 50th professional fight - almost twice as many as his opponent.
And the 30-year-old is hoping to make his experience tell as he seeks to de-rail unbeaten Brook's inexorable rise to the top.
"I'm very proud to be racking up my 50th fight which is a lot for a modern day fighter and a landmark night for me and I want to celebrate in style," he told Sky Sports.
"I enjoy being the underdog. I'm a stubborn character by nature and people are making me a massive underdog going into this fight; I certainly don't see it that way.
"This is a fight I go into confident of winning, expecting to win and I like to prove people wrong and being the underdog hasn't worried me throughout my career, and certainly won't do on the 17th."
Hatton fought for the world title 12 months ago and is not anticipating an easier night in Sheffield.
"A year ago I was in LA to fight Saul Alvarez," he added. "I stepped up a weight division for that and gave away a big size difference.
"The fight against Kell is a level playing field and weight won't be an issue.
"I believe I'm the better fighter, more experienced fighter, I think it will be a really tough fight and I've got a lot of respect for Kell Brook...I've prepared for a long tough battle and I believe that's what it'll be.
"He'll bring his A game as well and I believe it will be a great fight for the fans."
