Ricky Hatton on Conor McGregor: “He’s like me, in many ways”

WHEN it comes to superstardom in the world of combat sport, few fighters on this side of the Atlantic have reached the heights of Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton.

And the boxing legend-turned-trainer and promoter had some kind words for Irish UFC superstar Conor McGregor when stopped by one of TMZ’s roving reporters this week.

“(It’s a) Totally different sport,” he said.

“But he is like me, in many ways.

“He has a great following, (he’s) very exciting, great character. What’s not to like about him?”

And when asked if he had any advice for the Irish superstar, Hatton simply advised the Dubliner to keep an eye on his money.

“Just look after it,” he said.

“Your career’s very very short. We all think we can go on forever, and we can’t.

“Obviously mixed martial arts is a very very physical sport – more physical than ours (boxing) – so I guess you’ve got to look after your pennies more careful than us, I guess.

“But he seems a sensible lad, he seems to have a good team around him, I’m sure he’ll do the right things.”

McGregor is preparing to face Nate Diaz in a hotly-anticipated rematch at UFC 202 in Las Vegas on August 20.

‘The Notorious’ lost via second-round submission in their first encounter, but has vowed to exact revenge in the rematch.