With the excitement in North West England reaching a fever pitch for Ricky Hatton's much anticipated return to his beloved city of Manchester, there are many questions still to be answered surrounding this massive fight card which will be played out in the open air City of Manchester Stadium before a record breaking 56,000 spectators. More...

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

This Saturday, at the City of Manchester Stadium, England, Ricky “Hitman” Hatton returns to the ring after suffering his first ever defeat to Floyd Mayweather. “How or the way you bounce back from a defeat – that’s what matters,” said the Hitman. He was clearly upset for the disappointed fans that travelled to Las Vegas to see him and also for the thousands that couldn’t afford the trip across to America and had to watch at home.

Hatton is having what he calls his ‘Homecoming’ here at Manchester - keen to ‘put on a great show’ for the fans he adores. Even his entrance on the night is rumoured to be a ‘show-stopper!’ Fans have been speculating as to his entrance after rumours of a fun-element. “I reckon he might dress up as Elvis!” one fan suggested (knowing that the Hitman is a big Elvis fan). He’s sure to have a number of Elvis items having spent time in Vegas. “I think he’ll come in as Delroy Trotter!” another fan laughed.

Fighting at his beloved City of Manchester Stadium is a dream come true for Hatton, but one thing‘s for sure, it won’t matter what football team you support - there will be 55,000 singing ‘Blue Moon’ on Saturday night.

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Today, SaddoBoxing went to the City of Manchester Stadium, England, to see the progress of preparations for Saturday’s 'Homecoming' fight night between Ricky “Hitman” Hatton and Juan Lazcano - promoted by Frank Maloney in association with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy.

There's no denying - it is indeed a beautiful stadium. The pitch, now covered by the protective white boarding, was host to an 'army' of workmen building the huge steel structure and canopy that takes centre stage on Saturday night.

Ray Hatton could be seen gazing up at the 'structure'. Obviously delighted with the progress - he mentioned that it was 'something like 30 metres high' and that the canopy had been brought in from abroad - one of the biggest you can get. Workmen could be seen abseiling from the canopy as they checked over the steel columns. More...

While law practitioners generally aren't thought of in charitable terms by most members of the general public, few would object to the motion that lawyers are a necessity in modern day life, and in fact, it could well be argued that denizens of the legal profession have sustained more than a few businesses during the tough times that most enterprises must go through from time to time. More...

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Just days away from Ricky Hatton’s 'Homecoming' fight at the City of Manchester Stadium, Frank Maloney hosted a press-meet today with opponent - Juan Lazcano.

I have recently written an account of Lazcano’s last two fights against Vivian Harris and prior to that - against Manuel Garnica. But, today, I was lucky enough to meet the man in person and - darn it - he’s really nice!

Walking up to the new, very smart - Village Hotel at Ashton-under-Lyne, I wondered how the meeting with the 'Hispanic causing Panic!' would go. Greeting me at the doorway was our very own Editor - Curtis McCormick, who led me through to the press-room. More...

**With Slideshow**

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday, at Vermilion Cinnabar - the stylish, new, Thai influenced restaurant and bar in Manchester, England, Frank Maloney hosted a press conference to update media on the forthcoming fightnight which headlines Ricky Hatton and Juan Lazcano.

Despite other important press conferences held on the same day - it was a full-house at Manchester's trendy new venue.

In attendance were, Frank Maloney, Ricky Hatton, Ricky and Matthew's father/manager Ray Hatton, Hatton trainer Billy Graham, welterweights Matthew Hatton and Craig Watson as well as super bantams Danny Wallace and Mark Moran.

Frank Maloney in association with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy presents 'Homecoming' - a fightnight staged at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, May 24. More...

The first bill takes place on Friday, April 18 with Gary Woolcombe defending his British light middleweight title at London's famed York Hall with chief support featuring heavyweights John McDermott and Pele Reid clashing for the vacant English crown. Also on the card will be undefeated Commonwealth light welterweight champion Ajose Olusegun and on her second fight on a contract with Frank Maloney, women's boxing sensation Laura Saperstein. More...