Ricky Hatton wants to regain his boxing licence so he is free to make a decision on his future in the sport.
British Boxing Board of Control fined STG20,000 Hatton and stripped the two-weight world champion of his licence after it was reported that he had allegedly taken recreational drugs.
It was reported last weekend that he was preparing to fight Oscar De La Hoya, but the 32-year-old has denied this.
“Oscar said he was angry over the story and I don’t blame him,” Hatton said. “I can say it is absolute rubbish. Nothing was ever said to me and right now my main concern is the show we are staging next week.”
Hatton has not fought since being knocked out cold by Manny Pacquiao and while he is unlikely to launch a comeback he would like to have the choice and for that reason he wants to regain his licence.
“As far as a comeback goes, I am still of the opinion I had 18 months ago. I have no ambition to come back,” he went on.
“Even if I did, at this moment in time I am banned by the British Boxing Board of Control so I am unable to make a decision whether I wanted to fight or not.
“Although I feel the Board was correct in punishing me, hopefully in time they will offer my licence back and I will be free to make a decision on my future.
“The Board have banned me but after all I have done in boxing I have the right to retire Ricky Hatton and nobody else.”
