Hatton Looks Certain To Fight Again

By Clive Bernath: Ricky Hatton has indicated in countless interviews that he has not yet made up his mind whether to fight again. The popular Manchester boxing legend has always chosen his words carefully when the subject is broached-until now that is.

The 31 year-old former two weight world champion has not fought since being viciously knocked clean out by pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao seven months ago. But in an interview with the Daily Mirror Hatton has all but confirmed he will fight again in 2010.

"I’ve not made my mind up for certain but it looks like I will fight again next year," said Hatton.
"I’ve heard a lot and read a lot of speculation about my future and I have to admit there are some great fights out there," added Hatton.

The decision to fight again will certainly leave both his many thousands of fans and family split regarding his ring return but in fairness his father and manager Ray Hatton has always maintained he will respect whichever decision his son chooses.

Since the defeat to Pacquiao on May 2 this year Ricky has remained busy by opening up his own state of the art keep fit/Boxing gym, appearing as an after dinner speaker and most recently making huge inroads as a major boxing promoter so its not as if he needs or indeed has time to fight again.

Of course, though, there is a major problem. Ricky Hatton is a fighter, its what he does, its what he loves to do and watching the likes of his brother Matthew Hatton and friend Matthew Macklin fight on his shows has, by his own admission given him the desire to fight again.

Hatton confirmed as much in the Daily Mirror interview, stating: "I’ve enjoyed my time off from fighting and the promoting has been brilliant.
"It’s not been all about the glory and we had Matthew [ brother] losing a controversial decision in a world title fight.
"I also had Matt Macklin win the European middleweight title and put himself in the mix for a world title.

Assuming there is no dramatic change of heart it looks like Hatton will probably fight again in 2010 with a number of opponents being mentioned including WBA junior-welterweight champion Amir Khan.

Again speaking in the Mirror Hatton said: "A fight against Amir would be an enormous fight for everybody in the boxing business, but I would have to be one of the promoters".
"I know that Amir would take the fight and it is something that I have talked about - it’s a long way off, but it could happen.
"Amir has his own promotional company now and that is all that would be needed to make that fight happen."

Twelve months ago the Manchester ‘Hitman’ would almost certainly have had too much of everything for the former Olympic silver medallist but timing is everything in boxing and while Khan has matured and grown into a stronger and lightening fast junior-welterweight under the guidance of Freddie Roach, Ricky has been viciously knocked out by Manny Pacquiao and focused more of his time on business interests.

On a personal note I would like to see Hatton officially retire, concentrate on his numerous business ventures and enjoy the financial rewards he has worked so hard to acquire. Of course it is easy for me, his friends, fans and family to voice opinions and concerns-and we are all entitled to our opinions- but what we must also take into account is Ricky must be content and have peace of mind with whichever decision he makes. And if he passes all the strict medical requirements to the satisfaction of the British Boxing Board of Control and every other party involved in his return to the ring his decision to fight again should be respected.

December 22, 2009