Ricky "Hitman" Hatton urged fellow British boxer David Haye not to follow him into retirement, telling him instead to rebuild his career with a high-profile fight in Las Vegas, Sky Sports reported Friday.
Hatton, a former two-weight world champion, confirmed that he was hanging up his gloves Thursday but said he did not want Londoner Haye to end his career, despite him losing his WBA heavyweight belt to Wladimir Klitschko on points last Saturday in a one-sided contest.
Haye said that he would retire before his 31st birthday in October but is now reconsidering those plans, with a rematch against Wladimir Klitschko, or a contest against WBC champion Vitali Klitschko, a possibility.
"The decision is his, but I think retirement is a bit too early for him," Hatton said. "I think he should give it a couple more fights. He still has a lot to offer."
The "Hitman" enjoyed some of his most memorable moments in the ring in Las Vegas, while Haye has never boxed in the sport's most glamorous city.
Golden Boy Promotions chief Richard Schaefer said that Haye should rebuild his career in the US — and Hatton, who fought five times in Vegas, agreed.
"It would be nice for David Haye to see the Hayemaker's name up in lights in Las Vegas like I had. He's not had the chance to do that yet," Hatton said.
He added, "It would be nice for him to go to America, re-establish himself over there and come back and get a rematch over here with Wladimir or fight Vitali. He is still the most exciting heavyweight in the division. I am proud to call him a friend, and I think if he does come back, we will get right behind him."
