• Welterweight

Hatton to return against Senchenko

ESPN staff
September 28, 2012
Ricky Hatton is set to return to the ring for the first time in three years © PA Photos
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Ricky Hatton has announced that he will fight Vyacheslav Senchenko when he makes his return to the ring at the MEN Arena on November 24.

Hatton, a former world champion at two weights, last fought in May 2009 but confirmed that he was coming out of retirement earlier this month. Even before announcing the bout would be with the 35-year-old Ukrainian, the 16,500-capacity arena had sold out.

Hatton will face Senchenko over 10 rounds at welterweight, at which he won the WBA belt after winning four titles at light-welterweight.

Former world champion Senchenko might not have been among the boxers tipped to face Hatton on his return, but will head to the ring with just one defeat in 33 fights.

After a decorated amateur career, Senchenko won the WBA welterweight title in 2009 and held onto the belt for three years before being stopped in his fourth defence by Paul Malignaggi in April.

Hatton has beaten Malignaggi in the past and is targeting the American for the belt early next year, starting with a victory against the Ukrainian.

"I can't wait to get in the ring now and I'm sure that Vyacheslav Senchenko will give me a good fight," said Hatton, who turns 34 at the start of October. "It's one that I am confident I can win though.

"Senchenko lost the last time he fought to Paulie Malignaggi but he has got a good pedigree. I'm in great shape, I'm feeling good and I know I can put on a performance for all those watching."

"I'm a boxer who loves boxing and loves to box. I'm driven by a hunger to box and look forward to getting back in the ring on the 24th."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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