RICKY HATTON will not retire from boxing following his horrific second-round KO defeat by Manny Pacquiao at the weekend, but is planning instead to make a farewell appearance in the ring later this year in Manchester.
Hatton has discussed the issue with family and friends ever since his shocking loss in the early hours of Sunday morning in Las Vegas, and has told them in no uncertain terms he wants to enjoy one final hurrah in front of his adoring Manchester fans.
?Hitman? Hatton, one of the most popular British fighters ever to lace a glove, will not countenance an all-British showdown with Amir Khan, who challenges for the WBA version of the world light-welterweight crown in June.
Hatton, 30, does though want a decent opponent for what should be his final fight and his motivation is a simple one ? he does not want boxing fans to recall his last act in the ring was lying unconscious following Pacquiao?s devastating left hook.
Hatton is intensely proud of his achievements in boxing, which have made him one of the most instantly recognisable British figures in any sport and it is this pride which has persuaded him to delay his retirement.
He believes he was hindered by his pre-fight fall-out with brash American trainer Floyd Mayweather snr, though he readily accepts Pacquiao fully deserved his astonishing victory. It was only the second loss of his 47-fight career, which started 12 years ago.
Mayweather is said to have angered the fighter and his manager father Ray and been involved in a series of rows because of his failure to arrive on time for several work-outs
Hatton?s lawyer, Gareth Williams, says Hatton may choose to break his silence over his future at the opening of the new gym business he has built in his home district of Hyde, Manchester, which is scheduled for Thursday next week.
