Ricky Hatton is returning to try to end his career on a high rather than his loss to Manny Pacquiao.
Last May’s second-round knockout loss to Pacquiao in an IBO title fight is still weighing heavily on the former world light-welterweight champion’s mind.
“As a fighter, you don’t want your last fight to be like that,” Hatton said on Wednesday. “I want to finish at the top and I know my last training camp could have been better, so those are the reasons I’m giving it one more go. I’ve sat down and listened to the people that are close to me and know what I’m capable of and know what I believe I’ve still got in me.”
No date or venue has been set for the comeback bout, but Hatton (45-2) wants a tough challenge.
“It’s got to be a top-10 ranked, pound-for-pound fighter or a world champion of some sort,” the British fighter said.
Hatton’s losses have come against the last two pound-for-pound kings, after being stopped in 10 rounds by Floyd Mayweather Jr in December 2007 for the WBC title. He then successfully defended his IBO title against Juan Lazcano and Paul Malignaggi, but didn’t impress in either fight.
“After the Mayweather defeat, I jumped straight into action straight away and I didn’t really perform my best,” Hatton said. “But this time I’ve had a good rest, recharged the batteries and had a really good think; put that last fight really behind me and I’m happy to get back at it now.”
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