Could Ricky Hatton be lured back into the ring?

Ricky Hatton is feeling just champion again – this time as a trainer. But I can’t help thinking that the lure of winning another fight with his own two fists will be too much to refuse. Does that sound crazy? Maybe. But not nearly as crazy as it would have 12 months ago. You only had to see the Hitman barking orders from the corner at Sergey Rabchenko last week to know he’s got the bug again. Under his guidance the Belarussian collected the European light-middleweight title by stopping Ryan Rhodes. As a trainer, to see your plans succeed in the ring, the feeling is unbeatable. But as a former world champion, it has to come as second best. The question is whether Ricky believes he can pull those gloves on for one last time? There has been no shortage of gossip in boxing circles following his loss of weight in recent months. He is looking as healthy as he has in a long time. Being down the gym with your fighters, working on the pads – it’s hard work and you’ve got to be fit to keep up. He’s obviously done it – now can he take it a step further? Ricky announced his retirement last year, but everyone loves a comeback story. He’s fought his demons. Perhaps it could be time to end his career in the manner that he would always have liked. A two-weight world champion, his defeats were to the two greatest pound-for-pound fighters of their generation. If you survey the boxing landscape, you will see Paulie Malinaggi – a man Ricky beat convincingly – holding the WBA welterweight title. This is no disrespect to Malinaggi, but that would have to be a fight that would interest Hatton; likewise it would give the New Yorker the opportunity avenge that defeat to Hitman back in 2008. It has been three long years since Ricky lost to Manny Pacquiao inside two rounds at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but his appeal has not dwindled. No one can tell me that he couldn’t still pack the Manchester Arena like he did in his glory days. I know I’d buy a ticket. What a boost it would provide for his promotions company as well – currently looking for a new TV deal after a split with Sky. All the networks would crawl all over each other to try and sign him up. And with a host of some of the most exciting talent in British boxing in his stable, he could stage the kind of show Manchester would never forget. Perhaps I’m getting ahead of myself – but can’t you imagine the sound of Blue Moon as the Hitman makes his entrance for one last time? Get Your FREE Equifax Credit Report

Read more at: http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereve...ould-ricky-hatton-be-lured-back-into-the-ring

 

Agreed - Joe Gallagher trying to play matchmaker to get his guys some exposure on a potential Ricky undercard.