Hatton hoping to regain boxing licence

Ricky Hatton hopes to eventually regain his licence to box even if he admits he is unlikely to make a comeback.

The former two-weight world champion is currently banned by the British Boxing Board of Control after allegations of recreational drug use recently.

Nevertheless he is still being linked with a comeback despite showing no desire to return since being knocked out cold by Manny Pacquiao last year.

The latest rumours suggested he would fight another inactive box office attraction in Oscar De La Hoya, partly fuelled by Hatton’s slimmed-down appearance at last weekend’s David Haye-Audley Harrison fight.

The 32-year-old, however, has scotched that talk.

“Oscar said he was angry over the story and I don’t blame him,” said Hatton, currently busy promoting shows, including his brother Matthew’s European title defence on November 26.

“I can say it is absolute rubbish. Nothing was ever said to me and right now my main concern is the show we are staging next week.”

He added: “As far as a comeback goes, I am still of the opinion I had 18 months ago. I have no ambition to come back.

“Even if I did, at this moment in time I am banned by the British Boxing Board of Control so I am unable to make a decision whether I wanted to fight or not.

“Although I feel the Board was correct in punishing me, hopefully in time they will offer my licence back and I will be free to make a decision on my future.

“The Board have banned me but after all I have done in boxing I have the right to retire Ricky Hatton and nobody else.”