Hatton remains focused

Ricky Hatton knows he cannot afford to look ahead to projected super-fights in front of six-figure crowds when he steps back into the ring against Juan Lazcano in Manchester on Saturday night.

Hatton's handlers are already in talks with stadiums including Wembley and Croke Park over the possibility of shattering attendance records by luring Floyd Mayweather into a rematch.

But the 'Hit Man', who is already contractually obliged to take his next fight against New York's IBF 140lbs champion Paulie Malignaggi, said: "This is my first comeback fight from a knockout defeat and I would be a fool to start looking ahead. Lots of fighters have come back from defeat to be a better fighter, and I have got to do the same."

He added: "Names are being thrown at you all the time and in some ways knowing what fights are on the horizon is what drives you on. But first I am concentrating on getting back to winning ways."

Hatton and his handlers have been astounded by the level of support for what is expected to prove a relatively routine assignment on Saturday night, and are relishing bigger opportunities to come.

Over 45,000 tickets had been sold within two hours of going on sale to the general public, leaving many predicting any Mayweather rematch could burst through the 100,000 barrier.

Hatton said: "I would love to set the all-time record for an outdoor crowd. We have looked at Croke Park. That is an arena that could do it. It is something we have our eye on.

"You can't think it could get any better but it does. It never ceases to amaze me as I have never looked at myself as a superstar. But my fights have become more than a boxing match. They are events."