In stark contrast to the circulating stories of an illness during training camp, which turned out to be nothing more than a fleeting minor virus, IBO/Ring Light Welterweight World Champion Ricky Hatton extended an open invitation to the British press yesterday to witness a rigorous display of his healthful condition.

There has been no denial from Team Hatton that Ricky picked up a virus for a short period, but he was so far advanced in his training that he was already preparing to cut back.

Boxing and sports aficionados will know that super-fit athletes can easily pick up viruses and Ricky has simply followed medical advice and briefly cut back, but we can confirm that all is well and Ricky is back on course and cleared by his doctor.

This was readily apparent yesterday when Hatton held a open media training session at Billy Graham’s Phoenix Camp Gym in Manchester, England.

“The Hitman” put on a spectacular display of his legendary fitness as he pummeled the bodybag wearing Graham around the ring with tremendous aggression, pressure and endurance.

There is no problem with Ricky as was seen by members of the British press, who witnessed this final media training session today.

The 55,000 ticket holders for Hatton’s showdown with Mexican hard man Juan Lazcano, as well as the legion of Sky Box Office viewers, can expect a vintage Hitman performance at City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, May 24.