Ricky Hatton says he is fully fit to face Juan Lazcano later this month after recovering from illness.

 

Manchester's Hatton, 29, faces the Mexican at home in  the City of Manchester stadium on 24 May.

There had been fears he might have to pull out of the bout. "A couple of weeks ago I had a virus but I just had to work around it and take a few days off," said Hatton. "I'm fine now. It was blown out of proportion, mainly by my dad but the fight was never in jeopardy."

If Hatton beats Lazcano it should set up a contest with IBF champion Paulie Malignaggi in America. "In a 12-week training camp you pick up all sorts of little problems," added Hatton. "When you get an illness four weeks before the fight, calling it off is not an option. "It would be a different story if it was four days before." The 29-year-old Briton has also wants a rematch with Floyd Mayweather, which is likely to take place in Las Vegas. "This fight could be my last in England," he said "I think HBO and Golden Boy would like me to fight in the States to be honest, though there's nothing set in stone that says I have to."