Mayweather hails 'brave' Hatton - then hints he may quit boxing

Mayweather produced a masterclass performance to extend his unbeaten record to 39 fights.

Scroll down for more

But Mayweather admitted that Hatton had proved a tough opponent. "Ricky Hatton is one tough fighter. He is still a champion in my eyes and I'd love to see him fight again.

"Ricky Hatton is probably one of toughest competitors I've faced. I hit him with some big ones but he kept coming and I can see why they call him the 'Hitman'."

Mayweather, asked to explain his fight strategy, added: "I took my time. I fought on the inside, fought on the outside. That was my game plan. A true champion can adapt to anything."

Mayweather hinted that he may be ready to hang up his gloves for good after already announcing his retirement once.

"I've done what I had to do in the sport. I've accomplished what I came to accomplish, now is time for me to be a promoter.

"I won't let the sport of boxing retire me I'll retire from the boxing. I always wanted to go to the UK to fight and since I couldn't do that you brought the best of the UK - Ricky the Hitman - to me.

"I have nothing else to prove."

Mayweather, affirming his position as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, was also glad to have proved he was still able to thrill in the ring.

"I wanted to show the fans that I could still punch with power. I've still got these exciting fights left in me.

"A couple of fights ago I gave the fans a couple of dull fights but I've still got the spark left."

Boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard has urged Hatton to go away and carefully consider his fighting future after defeat by Mayweather.

Leonard believes Hatton now faces the biggest test of his career as he tries to come to terms with his first defeat and return unaffected by its inevitable consequences.

Leonard said: "It's hard to come to the realisation of what happened and whether or not he could have done better. He should go and spend time with his family then get back up there if he so desires.

"It's always hard and if you start to question yourself that is the biggest obstacle you face. You start saying, 'why am I doing this?' But if you find you have the same commitment and desire you will be OK."

Leonard said he believed Hatton did the best he could tactically against Mayweather and simply had to concede that the five-weight world champion was just too good.

He added: "He fought the right way. It was the only way he could fight to have a chance of winning. He fought a rugged fight but he got tired, became lackadaisical and Floyd's speed caught him.

"Floyd's very effective as a puncher and the pace and tempo and holding and pushing wears you down. I think Floyd was also a little tired, but he proved he has the heart of a champion."