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Hatton expects to be in top form against Castillo

Boxers Ricky Hatton, left, of England and Jose Luis Castillo, right, of Mexico pose for photos in Las Vegas on Thursday. The two will square off in a light welterweight boxing match today. PHOTO: AP

Undefeated English fighter Ricky Hatton expects to be in the best form of his career today for his 12-round light welterweight showdown with Mexico's Jose Luis Castillo.

Hatton, 42-0 with 32 knockouts, has been excited about the bout against the two-time lightweight champion since it was announced and is confident of victory over Castillo, 55-7 with one draw and 47 knockouts.

"When you fight someone who has done what he has, you get a little more spring in your step," Hatton said.

"That just shows by the way I have performed in training camp," he said. "It's the best I've ever been by a country mile and it's because of the man I've got in front of me."

The 28-year-old former super lightweight champion from Manchester was unsatisfied with his form in his pas two triumphs and wants to stage an impressive show for US fans.

"Perhaps without realizing it I got a bit complacent," Hatton said.

"But because I am fighting the guy who I am fighting, I think without realizing it I will find a bit extra. I've been walking around snarling for two weeks and I didn't have that for my last two fights," he said.

"The motivation of facing Hatton has brought out the best in me. Hatton will not have seen anything like me."

Jose Castillo, light welterweight boxer

Castillo, 33, respects Hatton's ability but knows a loss could end his chance at meaningful fights, especially in light of his failure to make weight a year ago to wipe out a third fight against Diego Corrales.

"He seems to come at you from all angles and he is very reckless," Castillo said.

"If he comes out and uses his elbows and holds then people won't like it. He knows how to be a real rough guy and there is no rhythm to what he does," he said.

"But Ricky has great heart and great courage. He has to do what he has to do to win," Castillo said. "He is a fighter who commands great respect and he has the heart that many Mexican fans and fighters love to see."

Castillo's failure to make weight last year cost him a US$900,000 payday and a US$250,000 fine.

"It was a huge hit financially. I let a lot of people down. It didn't make me feel good. I'm glad I'm getting this opportunity to make it up to them. I just hope to get some big fights before I retire," Castillo said.

"This fight is like a new beginning," he said. "The motivation of facing Hatton has brought out the best in me. Hatton will not have seen anything like me."
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