• Welterweight

Hatton set for Katsidis bout

ESPN staff
September 23, 2012
Michael Katsidis beat Kevin Mitchell in London during May 2010 © Getty Images
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Ricky Hatton has reportedly settled on Australia's Michael Katsidis as his comeback opponent on November 24 in Manchester.

Katsidis, 32, is renowned as an entertaining and durable fighter - but has lost four of his most recent five bouts, including a light-welterweight contest against Albert Mensah in April. The vast majority of his battles have been at lightweight, where he has held an interim world title.

Hatton is expected to return in the welterweight division as he aims to land a world-title shot against Paul Malignaggi, the WBA champion, during 2013.

Katsidis suffered a wide points defeat to Ricky Burns on his most recent visit to England - although he did claim the notable scalp of Kevin Mitchell at Upton Park in May 2010.

Hatton will be returning to the ring for the first time since he suffered a devastating second-round knockout defeat to Manny Pacquiao in May 2009.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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