Jump directly to the content

Matthew Hatton was involved in some high profile fights during his career that would have brought huge pressure… but the die-hard Manchester United fan is as nervous about this weekend’s Manchester derby.

Hatton fought and lost to Canelo Alvarez in 2011 in the biggest bout of his career with the WBC light middleweight title up for grabs.

Hatton fought Canelo back in 2011, but says he is just as nervous for this weekend's Manchester derby
4
Hatton fought Canelo back in 2011, but says he is just as nervous for this weekend's Manchester derbyCredit: Getty
Solskjaer's struggling Man United will host Man City at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby this weekend - LIVE on talkSPORT
4
Solskjaer's struggling Man United will host Man City at Old Trafford in the Manchester derby this weekend - LIVE on talkSPORTCredit: AFP or licensors

Canelo is the pound-for-pound king having won multiple world titles at four different weight classes, and one of the most feared boxers out there.

Hatton is a massive United fan and admitted the game this weekend against rivals Man City is on par with fighting the Mexican for nerves.

His older brother Ricky, the popular British boxing hero, is famously a die-hard City fan with the siblings firmly in opposite camps when it comes to football.

Saturday's derby, which is live on talkSPORT, could not come at a worse time for United after a 5-0 drubbing to Liverpool less than two weeks ago, which they followed with scraping a draw against Atalanta on Tuesday in the Champions League.

Ricky and Matthew Hatton support Man City and Man United respectively
4
Ricky and Matthew Hatton support Man City and Man United respectivelyCredit: Getty

“I am here, I won’t be at the derby but I will certainly be watching,” Hatton told talkSPORT Breakfast.

“I don’t know whether I was more nervous before the Canelo fight or for the derby this weekend.

“I’m always an optimist, I’ve talked about Plant before but I think this is going to be tough for us as well.”

Canelo is also in action this weekend as he takes on Caleb Plant in Las Vegas in what will be his 60th professional bout.

Canelo remains boxing's biggest superstar
4
Canelo remains boxing's biggest superstarCredit: Getty

He has a record of 56-1-2 and Hatton cannot see anyone else other than the Mexican getting the victory.

Hatton added: “It’s difficult because Caleb Plant is an excellent fighter, but I do think, and I’ve been saying this for some time, around those kind of weights Canelo is becoming almost invincible for me.

“I think it is going to be an excellent fight, a quality fight. Is Plant going to win the fight? Personally I don’t think so as I can’t see anything else but an Alvarez win.

“Two quality fighters and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tune into talkSPORT on Saturday for LIVE commentary of the Manchester derby between Man United and Man City - kick-off 12:30pm

Topics
cricket exchange