Quotes from Ricky Hatton

Everyone knows my story and lots of people have been disappointed in my deterioration as a man. But they can see I'm trying to get better.

Depression is a serious thing and, after my defeat to Pacquiao, I was facing retirement and didn't cope with it very well.

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

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.

My passion is promoting and training.

First time I had my defeat, it was very hard to come to terms with.

I'd go into the pub and start crying even before I'd had my first drink.

Growing up in a pub taught me a lot about life.

My mum and dad had four pubs when we were growing up, but the main one was the New Inn in Hattersley, on the estate. It was a very good pub.

I don't mind getting beaten by Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather Jr and people like that, but I'd hate to go into a training camp with my heart not fully in it and risk getting beaten by somebody who shouldn't be beating me.

Jose Mourinho is the Floyd Mayweather Jr of football management. You either love him or hate him.

Just like footballers want to play at Wembley, the Nou Camp and the Bernabeu, boxers have their dream arenas too.

Muhammad Ali was the one who started it, winding up his opponents, but he always did it with a twinkle in his eye and a bit of class about him. Mayweather is just insulting from start to finish.

I could come in the gym to train with the boys and they'd think I was alright, but I'd go home and sit there crying.

Sir Alex Ferguson sent me a letter wishing me good luck before my fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. He also sent me a United shirt, signed by all of the players. It was a really nice touch and typical of the man who has always made himself available to managers in this country whenever they've needed advice.

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

Depression is a very serious thing. People don't realise how deadly it can be.

Sometimes you have to hit rock bottom to think: 'Blimey, Ricky, get a grip.'

I want to be recognised as a great fighter; and not just in England.

I've never been a red carpet hugger unless it is for charity.

It doesn't matter how many people say 'don't be hard on yourself,' I feel like I have to redeem myself to my fans, my family and the whole of British sport.

I want to go down as a champion who redeemed himself, made up for letting everyone down and regained his self-respect.

To have a heavyweight world champion from Manchester is something you can only dream of.

I'm not going to say I was Britain's greatest ever world champion. I think Joe Calzaghe was the best - although I think I fought a lot better fighters.