Ricky Hatton is on a drip in hospital with a suspected stomach virus, his father and manager Ray has confirmed.

"He is not unconscious, but is on a drip," Ray Hatton said. "He suffered severe stomach cramps and was in absolute agony. It was thought at first he had swine flu but it seems he's caught some kind of gastric bug.

"He had to cancel a speaking engagement, which he has never done before. The phone has been going crazy with fans worried about him. I just want to say, he's all right."

Hatton is likely to remain in hospital until at least tomorrow while doctors carry out tests.

The Hyde-based boxer was taken to hospital on Tuesday by his fiancee, Jennifer Dooley. He had been unwell since Friday evening, although he attended Hatton Promotions' latest show in Altrincham, but he was worse on Monday and was driven to Tameside General Hospital in Greater Manchester on Tuesday morning. From there he was transferred to another hospital.

Meanwhile, claims that Hatton is lining up a ring comeback in November against Vyacheslav Senchenko, the WBA welterweight champion, have been denied.