Ricky Hatton to announce boxing return

Ricky Hatton may be heading back into the ring soon (Scott Heavey, Getty Images)

The Hitman is back in business. Ricky Hatton, the British boxer that fought for twelve years in the welterweight and light welterweight circuits before retiring last year, is expected to announce his return to the sport in a Friday press conference, according to a report from Sky Sports.

Hatton's career included WBA and IBF championships at Light Welterweight in addition to a WBA Welterweight championship. He amassed a 45-2 record over the course of his career, but is perhaps better known in the United States for the two fights he lost - to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

The 10th round knockout loss to Mayweather in 2007 served as the beginning of the end of "Hitman" Hatton's career in the ring. Hatton won two more fights in 2008, then was knocked out twice in the first round against Manny Pacquiao in 2009. Hatton has not fought since, and announced his retirement in July of 2011. Since then, he was worked primarily as a boxing promoter, though he has continued to train.