Ricky Hatton Expected to Announce Return to Boxing
The itch to return to the ring has enticed another former champion to make his way back to boxing. Per Sky Sports via Twitter, former light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton is set to announce his comeback.
Here is the tweet:
"Ricky Hatton expected to announce his comeback in a press conference on Friday. More on #SSN
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) September 11, 2012"
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Update: Friday, Sept. 14 at 9:25 a.m. ET
Hatton made some comments about his return, which were passed along by the BBC. He talks about why he was motivated to return, including his desire to make his home country proud.
""I want British boxing to be proud of me again," added Hatton, whose fight will take place at the Manchester Arena. "The only way to convince everyone I'm back is by flattening someone on 24 November."
"
The former Great Britain superstar clearly isn't lacking confidence ahead of his comeback fight in a couple months. If he can put together a winning streak upon his return, the respect from the British fans should follow.
-----End of update-----
Update: Friday, Sept. 14 at 8:25 a.m. ET
Hatton will return to the ring on Nov. 24 against an opponent to be named at a later date, according to the Associated Press. He hasn't fought since a loss to Manny Pacquiao in 2009, but has decided to return with a fight in his home town of Manchester, England.
The British star had only two losses in his career before stepping aside, and they were quality losses to Pacquiao and fellow top-tier boxer Floyd Mayweather. It will be interesting to see how he performs after so much time away.
-----End of update-----
The last time we saw Hatton in a ring competing, he was being eradicated by Manny Pacquiao in two rounds. Hatton rose to prominence after upsetting long-time, 140-pound king Kostya Tszyu in 2005. Tszyu quit on the stool in the 11th round, and subsequently retired after that fight.
Hatton found tons of success at 140 pounds, but his ventures into the welterweight division weren't as successful. He was viciously knocked out by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. at 147 pounds in 2007. Many people—including myself—thought he lost his first fight at welterweight against Luis Collazo as well.
The loss to Pacquiao was the most damaging to Hatton's psyche and future as it took place at 138 pounds. It was the only loss of Hatton's career at his most comfortable weight, and it wasn't even close.
The knockout was nasty, take a look at it below:
It is understandable why Hatton would lose his flavor for the sport after a loss like this. However, it is also understandable why he would consider a return to the ring.
He is still holds a sparkling record of 45-2 with 32 KOs. His only two losses came to the two best fighters of the generation. At 34 years old, he believes he can still compete with the best in the world.
An opponent hasn't been announced, but Hatton would be wise to take it slow to start.
During his time away from competing he became a promoter.
Per Phil D. Jay of Boxing Scene, Hatton could fight on November 24. The event could see the ever popular English fighter wearing two hats.
Hatton would be a part of the card that would also showcase the talent under his promotional umbrella. We'll find out soon which hat fits him best at this point in his life.
Follow Brian Mazique and Franchiseplay on YouTube and Twitter for reactions, analysis and news from the world of sports and sports video games
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
