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Hatton: I want Brook & Khan, not a journeyman

ESPN staff
September 14, 2012

Ricky Hatton is adamant that he will not ease his way back into boxing by facing a journeyman in his return fight on November 24.

Hatton confirmed on Friday that he has ended his retirement, more than three years after his most recent bout, a second-round defeat to Manny Pacquiao.

The Briton revealed that he felt compelled to make a comeback, having struggled to come to terms with his devastating knockout loss against Pacquiao.

While no opponent for Hatton has been announced, Amir Khan has been heavily linked with a Hatton fight - and the former two-weight world champion is open to the prospect.

"If I come back against a journeyman, I'm not going to fight for world titles," Hatton said to Sky Sports News. "I need to come back against someone who is world ranked and who will put me in a position to challenge for world title. It will be a live opponent.

"There are British welterweight rivals in Amir Khan and Kell Brook, and I'd be a liar if I didn't say I'd love a run at those two. November 24 is the key to everything. I can say I can come back just as strong, but I don't expect anyone to believe me until I get out there and perform.

"The dream is redemption. And if a world title comes with that, then so be it. I've come to be a world champion again."

Meanwhile, Hatton has scotched rumours he is only stepping back into the ring to boost his promotional company. "People saying I'm coming back to get my lads work - I've never heard so much old rubbish in all my life," he said.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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