Ricky Hatton: 'Andrew Flintoff deserves respect'

Ricky Hatton has said that Andrew Flintoff deserves respect as he prepares to make his boxing debut.

The former England cricketer, known as Freddie, faces American Richard Dawson at the Manchester Arena this evening.

The recently-retired Hatton told PA Sport: "How many sports stars say, 'You know what, I could do cricket, I could do tennis, I could do football but boxing's one game I couldn't do?' Well Freddie's doing it and he deserves the utmost respect for doing it.

"He's got a passion for boxing, I don't think he'd make a mockery of the sport, I don't think the McGuigans [Flintoff's trainers] would make a mockery of the sport.

"He was in my gym this week and he looks really prepared. And it's not about whether he has one fight or 101 fights or whether he wins a title. He's giving something a go."

Flintoff, who is almost two stone lighter than his undefeated opponent, faces four two-minute rounds against the 23-year-old.