• Ricky Hatton's return

Hatton to make 'major announcement' on Friday

ESPN staff
September 11, 2012
Ricky Hatton's last win came against Paulie Malignaggi © Getty Images
Enlarge

Ricky Hatton is expected to confirm his return to professional boxing on Friday after revealing he will make a "major announcement".

Hatton's return has been on the cards for a while, with reports coming out of his camp that he has lost three stones to get back to fighting shape. The Brit recently tweeted that he had become so slim that he "nearly slipped down a drain".

The 33-year-old quit the sport in 2009 following a second-round knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao. He has since stayed involved by managing his own stable of fighters.

However, it seems the bug has hit the two-weight world champion, whose representatives have held talks with the British Boxing Board of Control regarding the acquisition of a new licence.

It is expected that Hatton will announce his ring return on Friday, with a November 24 date at the MEN Arena in Manchester the anticipated venue. An opponent is yet to emerge.

Paulie Malignaggi recently ruled himself out of the November bout, while other options to have been mooted include Miguel Cotto, Amir Khan and Juan Manuel Marquez. However, it may well prove that a lower calibre of fighter is signed in order to allow Hatton to blow away any ring rust.

Hatton lost only twice during his pro career, to Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. His comeback is guaranteed to attract a bumper crowd for one of Britain's most popular fighters.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices