Lewis: Fans could make difference

Ricky Hatton's colossal travelling army of fans will roar the Briton to a famous victory over Floyd Mayweather on Saturday night, according to former world heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis.

Over 15,000 supporters are in Las Vegas for the WBC welterweight title clash despite only 3,000 having procured tickets for a contest which sold out within 30 minutes of tickets going on sale.

Lewis knows all about the power of such vocal support having regularly been roared on by thousands of British supporters during his reign as heavyweight champion, and said: "The fans are a big factor and they are making it an electrifying atmosphere in Las Vegas."

He added: "There really are a lot of British fans over to see the fight. The fans give you strength sometimes when you're going down the line and when you're in the 10th round and you're a bit tired hearing the fans calling your name just reinvigorates you and gives you more strength."

Like many of his countrymen, Lewis believes Hatton has what it takes to outhustle Mayweather and claim victory in contest which is guaranteed develop into an intriguing clash of styles.

Lewis added: "The contrast is going to make it a great fight. I think Ricky really has to put some pressure on him and it's got to be intelligent pressure - he can't just run in there.

"But if anyone can catch Floyd and end his unbeaten record it's Ricky. He has got the speed and the heart and the will-power to win a great fight and become undisputed champion."

Hatton had the support of 6,000 supporters when he weighed in two pounds under the 147lbs welterweight limit in a glittering MGM Grand ceremony, while Mayweather hit the weight exactly.