Ricky Hatton is expected to return to the ring early next year with a high-profile bout against Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in the Hitman’s home city of Manchester.
Hatton has not fought since he was knocked out in the second round by Filipino superstar Manny Pacquiao in May, but his lawyer and promotional partner Gareth Williams hinted the Mancunian wants to bounce back in a fight with Marquez.
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Hatton’s American promoter Golden Boy Promotions, has indicated that Marquez, who was outclassed in his last performance against Floyd Mayweather Jr, is keen to make the fight go ahead.
"Gareth Williams has indicated to me Ricky would like to fight Juan Manuel Marquez," Schaefer said.
"I think it would be a great, great all-action showdown so I'm frankly extremely excited if that fight could happen."
Asked whether the fight would take place in Manchester, Schaefer added on Sky Sports News: "Absolutely, that's what Gareth has mentioned and I have had conversations with Juan Manuel Marquez on Monday here at my offices.
"I have informed him of the possibility of a showdown in England, in Manchester, against Ricky Hatton and he immediately accepted the challenge, accepted the opportunity and would love to come to Manchester."
Hatton will have been out the ring for a year by the time the fight goes ahead and judging by his recent TV appearances, his habit of piling on weight between fights is still in full swing.
Should the fight go ahead, the 31-year-old will be diving back in at the deep end by taking on Marquez, who is a three-weight world champion and took Hatton conqueror Pacquiao the distance twice, and in many minds he won at least one of them.
