Ricky Hatton quotes:

I'm going to say hello to two friends who I've shut out of my life for the past 10 weeks while I trained the hardest I've ever done for a fight. So welcome back Mr Guinness and Mr Dom Perignon.

I was leaving the hotel to get to the fight when my phone went and someone said 'Hello Ricky, it's Tom'. I said 'Tom who?' and when he said 'Tom Jones' I told him to eff off! I thought it was a wind-up!

It's still one of the proudest moments in my career boxing at Madison Square Garden. Some fighters who have won titles and championships have never boxed at Madison Square Garden. For a little kid just off a council estate to do it was a dream come true.

What sort of champion would I be if I just stayed in my normal weight division and didn't take the big challenges on? Bring them on, that's what Ricky Hatton's all about.

They call me Ricky Fatton. Mind you I've had a lot on my plate recently. I got measured for this suit the other week. They measured my pants, jacket, top to bottom. Bloody hell Ricky you're a Mark F they said, a size up from a marquee.

I have always really liked Tom Jones and I can't wait to see him in action. One thing is for sure, I would rather be singing for a living than getting punched on the head.

If there was such a thing as re-incarnation, Floyd would come back as himself

I've got a lot to prove because of the criticism over my weight and moving back down a division.

I've been giving a little gamble on the roulette and just sitting having a coffee with the fans, chatting away.

Both of us don't go backwards and I think that is the key to the fight. Whoever ends up going backwards is going to lose.

Depression is very bad illness. This will be the toughest fight of my life.

The one thing that's hurt in my career is people saying I don't want to come out of Manchester to fight people.

I think that headband and that brylcreem and that gel on his hair will do him no good should we get it on.

It was just 12 months ago that I was the one doing the chasing and looking for all the big names. I guess now I'm universally recognized as No. 1 in the division and they're all looking for me. To be in a position where I can pick my opponents, wow, that's a fighter's dream, really.

As an amateur, I couldn't get many fights. No one would fight me when I was a schoolboy.

As long as I've got the love of the fans, that means everything to me.

Dad's tiny - his passport picture is a full-length shot. He looks like he just hopped off a key ring. Mum is a different matter, she's a bit of a handful to say the least. I love her more than anyone on this Earth. But she's a monster.

He's won't push me back on the night and he certainly wasn't going to push me back up there.

I had to come to the United States to prove myself. I fought for a long time in England and a lot of people thought I was a protected fighter.

I have no fear in moving up (in weight) and fighting.

I think if you get the opportunity to try and become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world and you turn your back on it, then you're a bit of a fraud.

I think my greatest achievement in boxing is my following.

If you can't sell tickets you'll struggle.

If you want to watch two guys knock hell out of each other, watch us.

I'll go gentle on him, ... I promise not to rough him up too much. I just think him saying stuff like that is just him. He's like the Junior Witter of America, he hasn't got a good word to say about anyone expect himself. Personality wise, he's very different to me, that's for sure.

I'm a Mancunian born and bred and I feel I'm no different to the man in the crowd and it's nice to reward them. I want to become a great champion.

It's unbelievable really. For something that started off as a hobby, I ended up getting paid for doing it.

I've got a problem with my legs, they just can't walk past a chippy.

My first world title gave me the confidence to go and do bigger and better things.

The fans only don't support me cos of the way I fight, they support me cos of the way I am.

What is happening is not ideal. Sometimes nothing goes smoothly in the preparation for fights, and that is when you have to show what kind of champion you are and deal with whatever is put in front of you. This is just another obstacle, and if it does go to court then I will be as equally determined to overcome it.

What's the point being the best fighter on the planet if no likes you?

Winning the IBF title was the greatest night of my life. To give it up outside the ring is truly painful.

You can't let a man like this beat you.