British boxing icon Ricky Hatton admits he's a huge fan of Manchester City striker Mario Balotelli.

Hatton, now retired from the ring, joked his admiration for Balotelli stretches so far, he would choose him over his own brother Matthew to best his Best Man.

"When the day comes and I get married, I want Mario Balotelli to be my best man," Hatton told The Sun.

"He could be the best player in the world... if he calms down!"