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http://menmedia.co.uk/manchestereveningnews/sport/boxing/s/1585937_ricky-hattons-facing-return-d-dayRicky Hatton is set to break his silence over a sensational comeback.
The Hitman has spent the summer considering a return to the ring, but has so far remained tight-lipped over his plans.
As revealed exclusively by MEN Sport the former two-weight world champion has discussed resurrecting his career with close friends.
He has lost a substantial amount of weight in recent months, which has only fuelled speculation that he is ready to pull on the gloves once more.
He was expected to make an announcement last week, but as yet is still to categorically state his intentions.
Hatton's silence has only added to the anticipation and after returning from holiday with family in Tenerife, the boxing world is eagerly awaiting his decision.
Comeback
Talk is rife in the boxing community that a comeback fight has already been lined up for the Manchester Arena in October or November.
As yet the venue that saw him win the IBF light welterweight title against Kostya Tszyu in 2005 has no confirmed dates set aside for boxing before the end of the year.
But they would be keen to stage what would be a guaranteed sell-out show.
Hatton, 33, hasn't fought since his brutal second round knockout against Manny Pacquiao in 2009.
When officially announcing his retirement last year he revealed his struggles to motivate himself to get back into fighting shape.
But since turning to coaching - leading Sergey Rabchenko to the European light middleweight title - he has got himself into his best condition since the Pacquiao fight. US promoting giant Golden Boy would also be keen to work with the man who provided them with blockbuster fights with Floyd Mayweather Jr and Pacquiao.
Paulie Malignaggi has been quick to offer himself up as a comeback opponent, with the lure of the WBA welterweight title as a bargaining chip.
But if Hatton does decide to return to the ring it is unlikely that he would jump straight into such a testing clash with the man he defeated in 11 rounds in 2008.
For now Hatton continues to keep everyone guessing as he decides if he wants or needs to give it another go.
Financially secure from his heyday and a successful promotions business, any return would be purely about sporting pride and ambition.
Love
He readily admitted that he struggled to come to terms with the nature of his last bout and would love to leave the sport on a winning note.
His army of fans would also love to relive their epic trips to Las Vegas in support of one of boxing's most popular figures of all time.
