Boxing In Britain: “Hitman” Hatton Denies Comeback Whispers

Ricky Hatton insists his weight loss that has nothing to do with a rumoured comeback.

The former two weight world champion has shed 34lb in five weeks since leaving The Priory where he was treated for depression. Hatton, 32, is not even contemplating fighting againat the moment but is still training and puts his fitness down to using Vyomax Nutrition Products.

‘The Hitman’ is also working out daily at his gym, Hatton Health and Fitness and making full use of their state of the art facilities. He said: “I have been five weeks out of rehab and dropped two-and-a-half stone. I used to drop that much in a 12 week training camp.

“I am not working as hard I did when I was fighting, but it is all down to the advise from Samir Kiami and products from his company Vyomax Nutrition.

“He is working with a lot of Hatton Promotions boxers and the proof is in the pudding when you see what I am physically looking like. When I made the decision to enter rehab I weighed 14st 6lb, but now I am down to 12 stone. I feeling fantastic and I am happy.”

Hatton was shocked to read that he was supposedly offered a comeback fight against his good friend and American promotional partner Oscar de la Hoya.

Hatton broke off from working on his triple title promotion at Bolton’s Reebok Stadium on November 26 and insisted: “Oscar said he was angry over the story and I don’t blame him.

“I can say it is absolute rubbish. Nothing was ever said to me and right now my main concern is the show we are staging next week. People are talking about a comeback because they see me healthy. They look at all that weight I have lost in five weeks and think he must be fighting.

“It is just because of the advice from people like Samir and the exceptional products I have been taking that I look so well. As far as a comeback goes, I am still of the opinion I had 18 months ago. I have no ambition to comeback.

“Even if I did, at this moment in time I am banned by the British Boxing Board of Control so I am unable to make a decision whether I wanted to fight or not.

“Although I feel the Board was correct in punishing me hopefully in time they will offer my licence back and I will be free to make a decision on my future. The Board have banned me but after all I have done in boxing I have the right to retire Ricky Hatton and nobody else.”

Hatton Promotions show at the Reebok is headed by Ricky’s younger brother Matthew who defends his European welterweight title against Switzerland’s undefeated Roberto Belge.

Commonwealth middleweight champion Martin Murray aims to become a double champion when he tees off with Brazil’s former world title challenger Carlos Nascimento for the vacant WBA international crown.

On the same bill, Bury’s impressive WBA international champion Scott Quigg will be bidding for his 21st consecutive win, but faces good Frenchman Daniel Kodjo Sassou – his toughest opponent to date.

The rest of the undercard features some of Hatton Promotions talented prospects including Matty Askin, Adam Etches, Tasif Khan and Beijing Olympian Joe Murray.

Hatton Promotions latest talent stacked show is certain to sell-out but you can get your tickets £75 (Ringside), £50 and £30 from 0161 775 7500, www.ticketline.co.uk

There is limited number of corporate packages – price on request.