RICKY Hatton has apologised to his army of fans in the wake of his devastating defeat to Manny Pacquiao which left the Hyde-based Hitman agonising over whether to quit boxing.

The Manchester fighter was knocked out in the second round of his IBO light-welterweight title bout in Las Vegas which confirmed the Filipino Pacman as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

But as he wrestled with the fall-out from the crushing defeat, Hatton said in a message to M.E.N Sport: "I would like to thank all the fans who came over to Vegas to support me and I know there were thousands back at home following the fight on TV and the radio who were all rooting for me.

"I apologise for letting my heart rule my head and I apologise to the fans who feel that I may have let them down."

Hatton, 30, who was comforted by his fiancée Jennifer Dooley, will have a family holiday later this month and, after the 'dust has settled', make up his mind about whether to end his fabulous career.

Acknowledging the views of controversial coach Floyd Mayweather Snr, and worried fans that Hatton should now quit the fight game, the fallen champ's father and manager Ray said: "Fans need not be worried. It is normal procedure and state law for anyone knocked out to go the hospital for a brain scan, spinal checks and other tests.

Click on the video links on the right to see the reaction of Hatton's assistant trainer Lee Beard and Manny Pacquiao

"Ricky is disappointed he had a rush of blood trying to please the fans and he told me it was the same old thing... wearing his heart on his sleeve.

"He is disappointed in himself. It was like a cavalry charge and I thought to myself from the first round `What's happened to the game plan?' He was really reckless. But he's not going to hide away and got himself out and about here, meeting his fans who all want to see him.

"He's 30 now and obviously his own man. He'll take his time to decide what to do about carrying on and whatever he's decided, he'll get support from his family.

"He knows we will back him. I told him he might have been beaten twice in his career but on both occasions it was by two of the best fighters on the planet.

"After a few days he'll be on a plane back home as he's determined to be back for the Manchester derby."

What should Ricky do now? Have your say.