News: Ricky Hatton shock ring return

22nd August 2012

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RICKY HATTON is in training for a boxing comeback – and will make his return to the ring in November.

The Manchester ace has not fought since being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in 2009 and has always insisted he had retired for good.

But the 33-year-old former two-weight world champion has been back in the gym, and sources say he is in his best shape since he was fighting.

Now he is ready to announce his return in the next fortnight – and his first opponent is almost certain to be old rival Paulie Malignaggi in late November.

Malignaggi is desperate to avenge his defeat to Hatton back in 2008 when he felt he didn’t do himself justice in a lightwelterweight clash in Las Vegas in 2008.

The New Yorker is now WBA welterweight champion and would be willing to put that belt on the line because he feels he has unfinished business with Hatton.

Since retiring, Hatton was blighted by a cocaine addiction but has cleaned up his act and is gradually gaining a good reputation as a trainer and promoter.

But he has already lost 34lbs since returning to training and Starsport understands he has rediscovered his buzz for the fight game again.

He plans to announce a two-fight return and is keen to secure a TV deal to help his Hatton Promotions company promote the fight.

If he comes through well against Malignaggi, Hatton is still thought to harbour ambitions of a return with Pacquiao, who beat him inside two rounds three years ago.

Hatton has always felt problems in his training camp meant he didn’t give a proper account of himself in that fight.

And even at this stage a rematch would attract huge interest both in the States and the UK.

Link: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/inthering/view/268253/Ricky-Hatton-shock-ring-return/

 

Confused, unless something has changed. The link is also from the British website.