Ricky Hatton: I hope Conor McGregor wins. But it could be a 12 round onslaught

RICKY HATTONย has criticised the arrangement of a bout between Floyd Mayweather and Conor McGregor, despite being an admirer of both fighters.

It was announced earlier in the week that 40-year-old former multi-weight world champion Mayweather would come out of retirement to put his 49-0 record on the line against mixed martial arts champion McGregor in Las Vegas on August 26.

The Irishman has never boxed and critics have questioned the integrity of a contest against one of the sportโ€™s all-time greats.

Hatton, who was stopped by Mayweather in the 10th round when the pair met in 2007, predicts the American could win every round, although accepts there could be plenty of entertainment.

โ€œI cant say Iโ€™m a fan of it,โ€ Hatton told BBC Radio 5 liveโ€™s Sportsweek programme.

โ€œIโ€™m a fan of UFC, a fan of McGregor โ€“ heโ€™s got character, heโ€™s exciting, entertaining, value for money. I hope I donโ€™t upset any Irish fans or Conor, but I canโ€™t get excited about this fight one bit.

Ricky Hatton lost to Floyd Mayweather in 2007 (Peter Byrne/PA)

โ€œItโ€™s going to be great entertainment โ€“ thatโ€™s the most complimentary I can be about it. Itโ€™s two different sports.โ€

Mayweather will reportedly be paid over 100million US dollars (ยฃ78million) for the contest, which will be broadcast on pay-per-view networks across the world.

Hatton places no blame on the fighters for accepting what is likely to be a nine-figure purse, but believes McGregor will struggle to make an impact once the bell sounds.

โ€œWhen I look at some of the people Mayweather has beaten like Saul Alvarez โ€“ heโ€™s not going to be as big a puncher as Alvarez, and he couldnโ€™t lay a glove on him. I feel embarrassed to say this but Iโ€™d be very surprised if (McGregor) wins a round.

โ€œI hope he does well. I hope he wins. Thereโ€™s no doubt whose corner Iโ€™m in, but if youโ€™re asking me to be brutally honest I canโ€™t see anything other than a shut-out for Mayweather. I think it could be a 12-round onslaught, to be honest with you.

โ€œBoxing and UFC have to take the blame for it โ€“ I donโ€™t think you can blame the fighters because itโ€™s going to be a stack of money.

โ€œGood luck to the boys. Whoโ€™s going to turn their back on that? I just canโ€™t say Iโ€™m a fan of this. Iโ€™m fans of both sports but theyโ€™re their own individual sports and they should stick to their own.โ€

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