Hatton's trainer Billy Graham speaks

Ricky Hatton’s trainer Billy Graham believes that Jose Luis Castillo will bring the best out of the “Hitman” when the two meet in Las Vegas on June 23rd.

Graham believes the old adage of “styles make fights” will be shown when the two meet.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Graham said: “I am expecting Castillo to bring out the best in him, but Ricky will also bring out the best in Castillo. Their styles will gel and the fans are in for a real treat.”

Graham also blasted the critics who have slammed Hatton’s performances since beating Kostya Tszyu over two years ago, saying: “When he was a kid I told him he would be judged very harshly by the press because of how talented he is. But they have taken it to the extreme. I can’t believe some of the negative things that have been said.”

Since that win over Tszyu, Hatton has stopped Carlos Maussa for the WBA light welterweight title, he stepped up to welterweight to outpoint WBA welterweight champion Luis Collazo, and last time out he claimed the IBF light welterweight title by outpointing Juan Urango on his Las Vegas debut.

Some sections of the media have stated that Hatton is past his peak, and his peak fight was that against Tszyu, but Graham disagreed and said the critics would be proved wrong when Hatton fights Castillo. Graham said: “He is really fired up for this fight. It hurts him when he gets panned by the critics after doing everything right. He should have been praised for his last three performances - all difficult opponents and one of them at a higher weight.”

Graham spoke of how the British fans and critics should get behind Hatton, saying: “He is the best ambassador British boxing has ever had, and I also believe he is the best fighter British boxing has ever had. Anyone who can’t get 100% behind Ricky Hatton has something wrong with them.”

Meanwhile, Hatton has been in Las Vegas this week promoting the fight. He was pictured traveling down the strip on an open top bus and speaking to reporters and fans outside the Caesars Palace resort.