RICKY HATTON is looking forward to reawakening his boxing talents when he fights Paulie Malignaggi at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

RICKY HATTON has ended months of speculation about his future with trainer Billy Graham by revealing the pair are to split with immediate effect, bringing an end to one of the most successful partnerships in British boxing history.

Ricky Hatton overcame an attack of nerves and a handful of booming left hands to get back into the winning habit and line up a world title showdown against IBF champion Paulie Malignaggi back in America in November.

IBO World Lightweight Welterweight Contest, City of Manchester Stadium, Manchester, Lancashire, United Kingdom: Ricky Hatton (Eng) beat Juan Lazcano (Mex) PTS 120-110 118-110 120-108.

RICKY HATTON craves a rematch with Floyd Mayweather — and efforts to lure the American to Wembley next spring have already begun.

HEAVYWEIGHTS Eamonn Higgins (UCC) and Martin Donovan (OLOL) claim top billing on Friday night when Cork County Board host a charity boxing show in aid of the Alzheimer’s Association at Neptune Stadium (7pm).

RICKY HATTON hopes to have secured his next two fights within a week — with bouts on both sides of the Atlantic planned.

PAUL McCLOSKEY has big plans for 2008 but they will all amount to nothing if he can’t get past Mexican dangerman Manuel Garnica at the Ladbrokes.com Fight Night at the University Sports Arena, Limerick on February 2 which will be headlined by Andy Lee.