Phil D. Jay
WBN Editor
Former two division world title holder Ricky Hatton is ready to relaunch his career in style on November 24 by defeating ex-world champion Vyacheslav Senchenko at the Manchester Arena.
The much-loved Briton is hoping a devastating victory over the Ukrainian will make the 147lb division sit up and take notice as he bids to win a fifth world title in his first bout at the venue since his defining win against Kostya Tszyu.
Hatton, 33, sees a win leading to a top ten position with the WBA and a possible challenge against current title holder and former opponent Paulie Malignaggi in the summer, possibly in Las Vegas or New York.
The ‘Hitman’ has not fought since his devastating 2009 knockout loss to Manny Pacquiao and is now ready to show the top welterweights in the UK and beyond what he still has left after a three-year absence.
“To the fighters out there holding the world title belts, my message is that I am after you because I want to get right back to the top,” stated Hatton at his press conference yesterday.
“I am glad (domestic fighters) Amir and Kell have mentioned me because I am coming for them. On November 24 I will show what I have got left.
“I am not going to disrespect Kell or Amir by calling them out now – let’s just wait and see how my first fight back goes.
“Let me just prove to people what I can do. Kell and Amir are for the future. I just want to get into the ring for this fight and show what I can do.”
Senchenko, 35, will be no easy task for the Mancunian as he dives straight back in a the top, although many see the former WBA belt holder as on the way down, rather than back up, and Hatton may look to improve on Malignaggi’s ninth round win in April.