Hatton to make return in May

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

Hatton is set to fight American Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, May 24, and then battle to become IBF world light-welterweight champion once more by overcoming current champion Paulie Malignaggi at New York’s Madison Square Garden in the autumn.

Lazcano agreed terms four weeks ago, Ray Hatton, the Manchester fighter’s father and business manager revealed yesterday.