Ricky Hatton gives big ring return hint

Manchester's former two-weight world champion Ricky Hatton still refuses to confirm his retirement, even though all of his actions since his chilling knockout suffered at the hands of Manny Pacquiao 14 months ago seem to point that way.

In fact, he has given a big hint that he might make a shock return to the ring - by renewing his boxer's licence with the British Boxing Board of Control.

“I haven’t announced my retirement. Floyd Mayweather Jnr was retired for nearly two years not long ago and he made a successful comeback," Hatton told the Daily Star.

“It is only 14 months for me. I have renewed my boxing licence again with the British Boxing Board of Control in case I decide to box on.

“I have an open mind really, but promoting is keeping me busy.

“I enjoy seeing all my lads win titles, none more so than my brother Matthew.”

Hatton has always been very concerned with how he is perceived by his public and what is gnawing away at him is that the last memory his huge fanbase will have of him is being laid unconscious on a Las Vegas canvas as a smiling Pacquiao walked away.  It is understandable that he wouldn't want to go out on that note.

In fact, Hatton harks back to what will undoubtedly be regarded as the high point of his career - his breathtaking victory against Australian Kostya Tszyu in 2005 - as the best example of a pre-retirement fight.

“The manner in which I ended my fight to Manny is not really the way I would like to bow out.

“I’d like to bow out like Tszyu did in an absolute war of a fight, a wonderful fight with great sportsmanship.”

In other news, it has been reported that Hatton has given up the Manchester City box he's shared with his mates for ten years.  Prices for next season have risen from £28,000 to £39,000, making it out of range for some of his pals.