Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton confirms boxing comeback
Ricky Hatton has today announced he will make an explosive return to the ring this autumn.
Just over three years after his last professional bout, The Hitman will make his comeback in his hometown of Manchester at the MEN Arena on November 24.
The former two-weight World Champion has been in strict training over several months and is now within just a few pounds of the fighting weight required for his comeback bout.
Speaking at his ‘Ricky II’ press conference earlier today, the 33-year-old cited the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games as huge inspiration behind his return to the ring.
Hatton retired from the sport last year following a defeat to Manny Pacquiao but he is in no doubt he still has what it takes to be successful at the top level of the sport.
Hatton said: “No boxer wants to finish a career with a defeat like I did and, after training so many talented boxers over the last couple of years, I have got the hunger back.
“We have just seen a spectacular summer of sport in this country with the Olympics and Paralympics and I’ve got the itch back to perform in front of crowds like that. I’m a boxer at the end of the day, and I want to box.”
The opponent for Hatton’s fight is set to be announced in due course and he has been handed a license to box by the British Boxing Board of Control, subject to medical checks.
“I’ve spoken to the BBBC and I am confident of getting my license back to fight. I’m in great shape and I’m fit to box,” added Hatton.
“Fortunately I have done alright for myself over the years so this is about sport for me, not money. I really appreciate the situation I am in financially and I understand that I’m lucky in that respect. But this is about boxing and I’m happiest when I’m in the ring.”
