Ricky Hatton backs `compatriot` Amir Khan to be the first to defeat `unbeaten` Mayweather

London – Former English two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton has backed his compatriot Amir Khan to be the first boxer in the world to defeat the unbeaten American boxing star Floyd Mayweather Jr.

A lucrative clash in May 2014 between Khan and Mayweather is now on the cards with talks underway, although no boxer has ever come close to beating Mayweather in his 45 fights.

According to the Daily Star, however, Hatton is convinced that Khan can be the first man to defeat Mayweather as he has the necessary style and speed that could cause problems for the American and give him a ‘real headache’.

The report mentioned that the Bolton bruiser Khan is a decade younger than Mayweather and has won 28 of his 31 contests.

Hatton, who lost to Mayweather in August 2007, further said that staying low is the trademark of Mayweather, who prefers to defend and sit on the ropes than attack, adding that Khan can make Mayweather the hunter if he is on the back foot, instead of jumping down his throat, as Mayweather is used to people flying at him.

Hatton also said that if Khan can jab and put together four or five-punch combinations, he could give Mayweather a ‘real headache’, and advised Khan to go for the fight as it would be a career-defining fight and his biggest payday.