Hatton plans Las Vegas return

Ricky Hatton looks set to switch the venue of his next fight from New York to Las Vegas – in order to save his army of fans some money.

The ’Hitman’ will take on IBF light-welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi in November and had his heart set on a bout at Madison Square Garden in New York.

Hatton has always dreamed of topping the bill at the legendary venue, where New Yorker Malignaggi is also a big draw.

But the 29-year-old has discovered this would prove significantly more expensive for his travelling supporters and so is prepared to return to the scene of his only defeat, December’s 10th-round knockout by Floyd Mayweather.

Hatton’s father and promoter Ray told skysports.com: “Although it would be great to top the bill at Madison Square Garden – even though he’s only fought there once before – this is about the fans.

“His exact words were, ’Dad, the fans made me, so I want what’s best financially for the fans. I want to make it more a price for them because it is near Christmas’.

“He’s putting his weight behind Vegas because of the money the fans are going to save.”

The fight has been mooted for the weekend of November 22 and if it is held in Vegas, it is likely to be at the MGM Grand or the Thomas & Mack Center.