THE dream superfight between Britain’s top boxers, Amir Khan and Ricky Hatton, is expected to get the green light next year.
Khan, who celebrates his 23rd birthday today, admitted after his sensational 76-second knockout success over Dimitry Salita, that he had spoken with Hatton and that a meeting between the two of them could not be ruled out.
The Bolton boxer made a successful first defence of his WBA light-welterweight in Newcastle on Saturday and, although he plans to return to the ring in America in March, a mouthwatering showdown with Hatton could be on the cards for later in the year.
The Manchester boxer is expected to announce he will return for one fight only if he confirms his decision on his comeback early in the New Year.
The 31-year-old former light-welterweight world champion is seriously contemplating a farewell appearance simply to remove the shame of his last defeat, a two-round knockout against Manny Pacquiao in May.
The popular boxer was so embarrassed by the manner of the Las Vegas loss that he wants to give his thousands of fans one last, happy memory before hanging up his gloves.
“Only another boxer would know why I’m thinking about having another fight,” said Hatton.
“It was embarrassing for me what happened against Pacquiao. There were things that went on in my training camp that affected that fight and I will talk to the people who know.
“I’m not going to take any notice of those people who say I should never go back in the ring because they do not know me and they do not know what has gone on in the background.
‘I’ve heard the warnings about boxers going on too long and risking long-term damage. But I’m not coming back for five fights or anything like that. If I decide to come back it will be for one fight.”
A big-money showdown with Khan is certainly an option, and the Bolton boxer is more than happy to take the challenge, despite it being against a friend.
“Ricky is a mate of mine but I am a professional boxer,” he said. “I can understand why Ricky wants to come back because boxing has a big pull and it is difficult to walk away. There is no better feeling than winning a fight.
”My trainer Freddie Roach feels I am ready for the fight.”
Several big name boxers have been mentioned as Khan’s next opponent but he has ruled out Juan Manuel Marquez for the immediate future.
He added: “Marquez would be a big test for me and could happen in one or two fights’ time. I am ready for him as I am getting better. He wants to get back after a defeat and he will be keen to fight me like Barrera did, to prove he can beat the best.”
