Hatton retirement plans on hold

RICKY Hatton is ready to shelve his retirement plans and go on boxing beyond 2009.

The Hitman planned to have just two more fights in his glittering career - preferably against Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr - before stepping away from the ring.

But the IBO light welterweight champion has rediscovered his love for the sport and is prepared to go for another year at least.

Hatton's father and manager, Ray, said: "He said to me that if he wins his next fight, he will be looking at another year. A lot depends on your performances and he's got that hunger back."

Hatton is set to face Pacquiao, the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, in May.

A deal for the fight is all but done, with just the location to be agreed.

Determined

Hatton is desperate to stage it at Wembley, but because of American broadcasting demands the Pacquiao camp are determined to fight in the US, with the MGM Grand or Thomas and Mack Centre in Las Vegas the preferred venues.

Hatton will not risk missing out on a bout that could eclipse his 2007 clash with Mayweather, but his camp remain hopeful they can persuade Pacquiao to come to England.

"As far as we are concerned the fight is all but done," said Ray. "We are just fighting our corner in terms of the location.

"For the British fans we want to have it over here and we are trying to put together a package to show that we can financially equal or better what they can do over there.

"We are trying desperately, but we cannot afford to lose the fight. Manny is the hot ticket at the moment."

Even if Hatton is unsuccessful in luring Pacquiao to England for a fight provisionally scheduled for May 2, he is determined to fight on home soil again before he retires.

The 30-year-old had an emotional homecoming at the City of Manchester Stadium in May in an unconvincing points victory against Juan Lazcano.

But he is determined to fulfil an ambition of fighting in front of 100,000 at Wembley.

"He will definitely fight in England again," said Ray. "He said that even if he has to make an extra fight, he will fight over here again."

Do you think Hatton would beat Pacquiao? Have your say.

Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk