Khan and Brook finally step into the ring to settle one of British boxing's longest-standing grudges on Saturday in Manchester, live on Sky Sports Box Office.

Hatton, the Manchester boxing legend, says that Khan's speed will be a factor if he avoids a brawl: "Maybe it should have happened a few years ago but I think it's an even better fight now.

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"As you get older you don't have the same stamina or speed.

"Amir has the speed, the boxing ability, the footwork and movement to give Kell trouble. But Amir gets drawn into a fight - and that's why we love him!

"As he gets older Amir might go into the trenches early which will make for a great fight.

"From rounds six, seven, eight and nine - Amir can get drawn in.

"Then it shifts into Kell's favour."

Khan and Brook traded insults on a spikey episode of The Gloves Are Off and will cross paths for the first time this week at Wednesday's public work-outs.

Hatton remembered provoking Floyd Mayweather during his own grudge match: "Amir is playing mind games. With Mayweather when we did our press conference, I made jokes which upset Floyd. On the train back to London, steam was coming out of his ears!

"I went a little bit over the top at the weigh-in.

"You need to stay cool, stay confident, stick to the game-plan.

"Amir has had a few digs at Kell. I don't think Kell is falling for it."

The two former world champions will clash in a fascinating fight which also pits Yorkshire against Lancashire.

"The build-up has been brilliant," Hatton said. "They just don't like each other, do they?

"Amir is trying to get under Kell's skin with a few comments which are naughty.

"They both look in great shape and confident."

Brook has prepared in Fuerteventura - his usual destination - with long-term trainer Dominic Ingle, while Khan has sought out Terence Crawford's trainer Brian 'BoMac' McIntyre in Omaha.

"Being in Crawford's camp is a fantastic thing," Hatton said. "Crawford is flying.

"But Ingle has been with Kell since day one. I'd have stayed with Billy Graham until the end of my career [if possible].

"I had a new trainer in Floyd Mayweather Sr and it can revitalise you - it can give you a spring in your step."

Crawford arrives to support Khan

The sensational American, who holds victories over both Khan and Brook, has arrived in Manchester.

Asked if he has shared his methods of stopping Brook with his new ally Khan, Crawford said: "We have different styles. Amir is fast, he likes to box a lot. Two different styles.

"What he is working on against Brook is different to what I worked on.

"It is not the same game-plan."

Brook has not been in the ring since failing in his challenge of WBO welterweight champion Crawford.

Crawford said about how Brook may recover: "I can't speak for another man.

"That was a great fight. To me, he still had a lot left in him. But I caught him with a good shot.

"I'm here to support Amir.

"He has been in training with myself and my coaches. So I am just supporting a friend.

"Amir is ready. He has done everything that he needs to do.

"It should be a great fight.

"We, as fighters, lose sight of things that we should and shouldn't be doing. The most important thing in the game-plan is to be himself, to stick to what is working."

Watch Khan vs Brook on Saturday, live on Sky Sports Box Office, from 6pm. Book it via your Sky remote or book it online here. Non-Sky TV subscribers can book and watch it here.