Graham: 'Hitman' Hatton sacked me

8:58pm Wednesday 30th July 2008

Ricky Hatton's former trainer Billy Graham has revealed it was the fighter's decision to end their 11-year partnership but says he has nothing but good wishes for the Manchester 'Hitman'.

Graham contested the Hatton camp's version of the split, admitting he did announce his retirement but only after Hatton met with him on Monday to declare Graham's days as his chief cornerman were numbered.

Describing the news as a "huge blow", Graham told PA Sport: "I was sacked - but if Ricky wants to finish with me that's entirely up to him. As a result I have decided it is a good time to retire."

He added: "I'm not going to get into a slanging match with Ricky because we've been through too much together. I always said I would retire when Ricky finished and I had hoped to stick it out to the end.

"We've spent half our lives together and we've changed each other's lives. It's a fantastic story and I'm not going to ruin it by bad-mouthing him.

"I wish him all the best for his next fight."

Hatton will return to the ring without Graham in his corner for his next fight against Paulie Malignaggi in Las Vegas on November 22 - but Graham said he expected to be among the crowd.

"It's not over between me and Ricky just because I'm not training him any more," added Graham.

"I'll be there and I'll be urging him on. I just won't be in his corner - that's the only difference."

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