Former champ Ricky Hatton, who turns 34 next month and hasn't fought since being destroyed in two rounds by Manny Pacquiao in May 2009, is expected to announce his comeback at a Friday press conference in Manchester, England. Rumor is Hatton has lost 40 pounds and will sign a multi-fight deal culminating with a rematch against current WBA welterweight champ Paulie Malignaggi. Malignaggi is a logical target as he poses almost no threat of knocking Hatton out. Hatton stopped Malignaggi in 11 rounds in Nov. 2008.
Ricky Hatton to Announce Comeback
From Andrew Eisele, About.com GuideSeptember 12, 2012
Explore Boxing
Must Reads
Most Popular
Also from About.com:
©2013 About.com. All rights reserved.
Comments
Always an exciting fighter with great energy and bravado, Ricky Hatton’s return is both interesting and potentially exciting. Whether or not it is a wise move for the fighter or a mistake will await his performance. Hatton always had difficulty staying at weight when out of the ring, and this must have had an impact on his performances as he got older. His selection of Paulie Malignaggi as his first return opponent makes it likely that the match will go to a decision. Malignaggi may be a light puncher, but he is an excellent boxer and has gotten better in his ability to manage a fight and not get hurt. Styles do make fights and this will be an interesting match, whether or not Ricky Hatton wins or loses.