Steven Gerrard's message of support to Ricky Hatton

Dec 7 2007

Steven Gerrard has told Ricky Hatton he has the backing of Liverpool for his world title fight - but the Reds star will not be able to watch the showdown with Floyd Mayweather himself!

The Liverpool skipper, a big fight fan and a friend of Manchester City supporter Hatton, will be expected to be in bed on Sunday morning when the fight will be televised from Las Vegas.

Liverpool will have played Reading in a 5.15pm kick-off at the Madejski Stadium on Saturday evening, and their return flight from Heathrow will not get them back on Merseyside until around 11pm.

With another flight to Marseille early on Monday morning for their next Champions League game, boss Rafael Benitez wants his players well rested.

But Gerrard has made sure Hatton knows he has the backing of the Anfield club and the whole city by saying: “Best of luck mate. I hope you get what you want out of the fight. Everyone at Liverpool it rooting for you.

“Unfortunately we have a massive game on Tuesday so I won’t be able to watch it live - I will be recording it though.”

Gerrard is joined in his support for Hatton by full-back John Arne Riise, another boxing fan.

Riise added: “All the best Ricky. I’ve been watching the build-up and it’s been really annoying me, so you really have to take him down. I know you’re a Man City fan but you’ve got our support.”