'I'd like to see Ricky Hatton retire' - Joe Calzaghe

Joe Calzaghe feels it would be best for Ricky Hatton to retire rather than seek one last big night in the ring.

The biggest boxing story this week has been the proposed return of Hatton (even though it was reported on this website on November 17th).

Calzaghe writes in his occasional column in his local paper, the South Wales Argus, "I have mixed feelings on the matter. I do agree with Ricky that only a fighter knows when it is time to go – something I knew after the Roy Jones fight.

"Ricky isn’t old, by any means, he’s only 32 I believe and as I retired considerably later than that, I can’t go preaching that he should give it up.

"He lost his last fight by knockout and if that had been me, maybe I wouldn’t have wanted to go out like that either. But obviously I can’t say, because I’ve never been in that position.

"If Ricky is lining up someone like Juan Manuel Marquez as reported, he could be fine. Marquez is a lightweight and though he’s a great fighter, he’s not really a big puncher.

"However, on the other hand, speaking honestly, if I am going to give my opinion, I would have liked to see Ricky retire.

"He’s been in some true wars over the years, everyone knows about his lifestyle and the last time he fought, he was knocked out for three minutes. That takes a toll on anyone and with money not being an issue, I think maybe the time has come to call it a day.

"But good luck to Ricky, he’s a lovely guy and I hope his comeback works out for him."