Hitman plans summer return

Hatton: Planning a summer return

I think one of my best attributes is that I'm pretty fearless, so I'll fight anyone that is put in front of me.

Ricky Hatton
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Ricky Hatton has told Sky Sports News that he plans to be back in the ring at the end of May or the beginning of June, although it won't be against Junior Witter.

The Mancunian is currently in South Africa relaxing after suffering his first defeat as a professional against Floyd Mayweather last December.

That loss in Las Vegas has led to plenty of speculation about the 29-year-old's future, with a long list of possible opponents being talked about for his return to action.

Now Hatton has confirmed that several things are "in the pipeline", including a possible homecoming at the City of Manchester Stadium this summer.

However, an all-British showdown with current WBC light-welterweight champion Witter is not on the cards, despite the Bradford-boxer's best attempts to tempt Hatton by calling him out in the media.

Pay day

"Junior Witter has made a career for himself on slagging me off," he said.

"I don't know whether I want to give him the best pay day of his life. When someone slags you off you don't repay them by giving them their best pay day.

"But you can never say never. Fair play to Junior - he's won a world title and looking really, really good at the minute."

Another possible opponent is Oscar De La Hoya, whose company, Golden Boy Promotions, was behind 'Undefeated' - Hatton's fight with Mayweather.

Asked whether he would be keen to fight the legendary American, Hatton answered: "Absolutely. I think one of my best attributes is that I'm pretty fearless, so I'll fight anyone that is put in front of me."

Weight issues

However, after unsuccessfully moving up in weight to take on Pretty Boy last time out, it appears The Hitman is keen to return to light-welterweight, a division in which he has fought all-but two of his 44 fights and won the WBA, WBU and IBF titles.

That would appear to rule out a money-spinning bout with De La Hoya, who last fought at light-middleweight.

"Everyone knows that I'm a natural junior-welterweight, I moved up to welter in my last fight," Hatton added.

"A fight against Oscar would probably be at a catch weight between welter and junior-middle, and I don't know if that would be suitable weight-wise because I'm a 10 stone fighter."