Ricky Hatton will refuse to "jump on the bandwagon" which followed the initial criticism aimed at Chris Eubank Jr after his defeat to George Groves last weekend.

Eubank Jr was defeated by Groves on points last weekend in the semi-final of the inaugural World Boxing Super Series in Manchester.

And while Eubank Jr has received plenty of stick from pundits and fans following his defeat, Hatton believes that the 28-year-old can come back stronger following his recent setback in the ring.

Speaking to iFL TV, Hatton said: "People had Eubank as the favourite because it was a genuine 50/50 to be honest, and poor Chris has taken a little bit of stick this week, so I don't want to be one of them who jumps on the bandwagon, as I think it showed levels.

"George (Groves) has boxed at the better level with a higher quality of opposition. If I was Chris, it's not where you start it's where you finish, he's still fresh with no miles on the clock she can definitely come back."

The 39-year-old Hatton then passed on some advice to Eubank Jr about improving on his 'close-quarter' fighting technique heading into future bouts.

The Stockport-native, who retired from the sport in 2009 before a one-off comeback fight in 2012, feels that should Eubank Jr focus on this side of his game, then he will see vast improvements.

Hatton said: "I think he needs to work on his in-game really. When you look at George as a boxer, he's more of a stylist, but when it got to close-quarters, George was the one who was bossing.

"I feel Chris needs to go back to the drawing board and work on a little bit of close-quarter fights.

"He's still a fresh Eubank Jr and he'll come back stronger which I hope he does. "

Although it is back to the drawing board for Eubank Jr, Groves was in Germany to see Callum Smith seal his place in the final by beating Nieky Holzken comfortably on points.

Providing Groves recovers from his dislocated shoulder in time, the pair are set to do battle on June 2 at the O2 Arena.