Hitman set for ring return

Ricky Hatton could be on the verge of a return to boxing after calling a news conference in Manchester on Friday.

Hatton, 33, has not fought for more than three years and announced his retirement from the ring in July 2011. But the former WBA and IBF light welterweight champion and WBA welterweight champion could be fighting as soon as November after undergoing a tough training regime and losing three stones this year. A fight on November 24 at the MEN Arena in Manchester is being billed as Hatton's return date and many are tipping a clash against New Yorker Paulie Malignaggi, with the fight expected to be announced in Friday's press conference. Hatton beat Malignaggi in Las Vegas in 2008, one of his 45 wins in professional boxing since his career began in 1997. The Hitman lost just two matches in his 12-year career against boxing greats Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao, which marked his last appearance in the ring.