‘Hitman’ returning for one last shot

RICKY HATTON admits his determination to finish at the top convinced him to return to the ring following his two-round destruction by Manny Pacquiao last year.

The popular Manchester ‘Hitman’, who admitted back in September he expected to lace on the gloves again, confirmed yesterday he will have at least one more bout before calling it a day.

The 31-year-old has not boxed since the Pacquiao loss in Las Vegas last May but insists he will fight “a top-10 ranked pound-for-pound fighter or a world champion of some sort” this summer.

The two-weight world champion told Hatton TV: “I’ve decided to make a comeback and have another fight this year – probably round about the summertime.

Possible opponents include Juan Manuel Marquez and Amir Khan but Hatton himself suggested a rematch with Colombian IBF light-welterweight champion Juan Urango – who he beat in 2007 – is a consideration.

There is a strong possibility Hatton’s return could be staged in England, though a showdown with Khan remains unlikely while he is promoted by Frank Warren.

“We’re looking at the IBF champion Juan Urango, who I’ve already fought and beaten,” Hatton said.

“It’s got to be a top-10 ranked pound-for-pound fighter or a world champion of some sort.

“I’ve boxed at such a high level and I could not have one more fight and people look at me and go ‘he’s just had this fight just to knock someone over and end on top’.

“I want people to say ‘give Ricky his credit – he finished at the top’.”

Hatton will head to Australia on holiday next week and plans to start getting in shape immediately on his return.

“I go on holiday next week with my girlfriend to Australia and then when I come back, even though I haven’t got a date yet, I’m going to go straight into training because weight-wise I have had a little bit more to carry than I normally do,” he said.