'I don't want to go back into training,' admits Ricky Hatton

Manchester's former two-weight 'world' champion, Ricky Hatton, has clearly stated he doesn't fancy stepping back through the ropes.

Speaking ahead of his potentially intriguing sporting return this Sunday when he'll be representing England in a Soccer Aid match, the former Manchester City youth teamer admitted the prospect of a ring return was not at all enticing.  Although Hatton's still claiming he's undecided, he seems miles away from a comeback, both mentally and physically.

"I haven’t made my mind up but, at the minute, I don’t want to go back into training.

"Not at the moment (a comeback), unfortunately, which is hard to admit. It was heartbreaking to get beaten by Mayweather and Pacquiao – but I couldn’t live with myself if I went into training half-hearted and got beaten by someone I would’ve whupped a few years ago.

"I’m 31, have had 47 tough fights and I’ve been boxing since I was 10. These days, I have a fight before the fight just to get the weight off! Sooner or later, the day comes when you’ve had enough. But once I’ve had a bit of a rest and recharged the batteries, I may miss it. If that fire in the belly comes back…"

In truth, there seems little prospect of that fire returning, especially whilst any spark is being doused by lashings of Guinness.  That's an observation rather than a criticism - if Hatton doesn't fancy it, he's right - the worst thing he could do is make a half-hearted return and get beaten by someone he'd have battered in his prime.