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Junior Witter says Ricky Hatton return will prove nothing

Phil D. Jay 
WBN Editor
British champion dismisses ‘Hitman’ comeback

Former Ricky Hatton rival Junior Witter has suggested that a return to boxing for the former two-weight world champion won’t accomplish anything and that the Mancunian’s lifestyle outside of the ring could hamper his efforts to make an impact.

Witter, who is himself a one-time WBC title holder, was flying on Hatton’s coat-tails for most of his career and was never given the opportunity to face the ‘Hitman’ despite several call-outs and insults during their time as champions.

The 38 year-old, who is now the Lonsdale belt holder at 147lbs, is not impressed at Hatton’s planned announcement for tomorrow and believes the boxer-turned trainer and promoter may be wasting his time.

"I don't see what is in it for him. You have to come back for a reason and I just don't see what that reason is,” Witter told The Daliy Express.

"Ricky achieved what he did in a brilliant career, but he is not the type of kid who likes to stay fit and in shape.

"There is a difference between someone like Johnny Nelson and Ricky Hatton. Johnny loves to keep himself fit even when he is not boxing, but Ricky just likes to go out for a beer. His lifestyle is just not suited to be a professional boxer and it is a mistake for him to come back.

"It is a big ask to expect him to return and be anything like as outstanding as he used to be and beating someone like Paulie Malignaggi, who has been suggested as an opponent, will prove nothing at all.

"I've got no problem with his age - after all, I am five years older - but it is how you look after yourself outside the ring that matters and Ricky Hatton has not done that over many years.

"He is a celebrity and he has got plenty of money, so what is it? If I was him I wouldn't bother. He has the right to come back, don't get me wrong. But unless I had a goal I wanted to achieve I wouldn't be fighting - and I can't see what Ricky's goal is."

Hatton, 33, is expected make his comeback official at a press conference in Manchester tomorrow and has pencilled his return to the MEN Arena on November 24, with a host of his own fighters set to appear on the bill.

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