I had to come to the United States to prove myself. I fought for a long time in England and a lot of people thought I was a protected fighter.

What sort of champion would I be if I just stayed in my normal weight division and didn't take the big challenges on? Bring them on, that's what Ricky Hatton's all about.

I was leaving the hotel to get to the fight when my phone went and someone said 'Hello Ricky, it's Tom'. I said 'Tom who?' and when he said 'Tom Jones' I told him to eff off! I thought it was a wind-up!

I think everyone is pretty excited about me. I have a style that any fight fan would love. I am a real value-for-money fighter. People want to see me against the elite.

Depression is very bad illness. This will be the toughest fight of my life.

The fans only don't support me cos of the way I fight, they support me cos of the way I am.

I have been blowing past the majority of my opponents, so people get the impression of me as an attacking, body punching, and brawler type. I do like to put the pressure on, but I have very underrated boxing skills. I have won nine amateur titles. I had 80 amateur fights, and won 76 if them. You do not get that kind of record without having talent. The good thing is I have not really needed all my talent yet. When I get an opportunity to show that talent, people will start taking me more seriously.