Ricky Hatton Vs. Juan Lazcano

Ricky Hatton Vs. Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24.

Hatton confirmed that he will make his comeback - following his first defeat by Floyd May weather in Las Vegas - against Mexican Juan Lazcano, defending his IBO light welter weight title at the home of his beloved Manchester City on May 24, 2008. Hatton will defend his IBO light-welterweight title in what will be his return to the ring following December's maiden defeat by American welterweight champion Floyd Mayweather.

Hatton moved up to welterweight for his non-title fight with Mayweather in Las Vegas, a bout where both boxers entered the ring unbeaten.However, it proved a step too far for the 29-year-old, who was knocked out in the 10th round, his first defeat in 44 fights.

Now Hatton, has announced that this fight is one for his UK fans. Hatton turned down a series of big money offers, like 1 million Pound from US TV networks to schedule the fight for the morning to suit American viewers or an extra 20,000 seats from Wembley Stadium to move the fight to London.

Hatton reiterated that he was relishing the opportunity to fight again in front of his home-town fans and prove to his doubters that he has plenty left to offer.

Hatton had always stated his first post-Mayweather fight would take place back on home soil and he will take a pay cut to keep his word with no live pay-per-view broadcast planned for the United States.

But having recently signed up with Oscar De La Hoya's Golden Boy organisation, the US remains very much on Hatton's agenda and he will expect to return if all goes to plan against Lazcano.

Lazcano, who turns 33 later this month, is a former WBF and IBA lightweight title holder and has won 37 of his 42 fights, with four defeats.

Lazcano has a record of 37-4-1. The only major world body who currently ranks him is the IBF, at 13.

While also scheduled to box on the same bill is Paulie Malignaggi, the man who currently holds Ricky's old IBF light-welterweight title. Malignaggi, 24-1(5) is likely to face Lovemore Ndou, 46-9-1(31) in a second fight (Malignaggi won the first encounter with a clear points win). This addition to the card will not only give the paying fans more value for their money, it will also wet the appetite for a possible Hatton-Malignaggi bout later this year. For should both men do as expected and win on May 24th, a clash between the two is in the works for the end of 2008 - possibly in Madison Square Garden, New York.

Ricky Hatton Vs. Juan Lazcano Results

Ricky Hatton wins comeback bout

Ricky Hatton overcame a couple of nervous moments to prevail with a unanimous 12-round decision over Juan Lazcano Saturday in front of about 55,000 enthusiastic supporters at the City of Manchester Stadium. Hatton (44-1, 30 KOs) was returning to the ring after his first career defeat, a 10th-round stoppage loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. last December. Hatton's speed and greater punch output made the difference in the 140-pound junior welterweight bout against Mexican Juan Lazcano (37-5-1, 27 KOs).

But the Briton committed defensive errors similar to those he made against Mayweather, on occasion leaping into counter shots.

Hatton was shaken by Lazcano's left hooks in the eighth and 10th rounds. He caught a break when referee Howard Foster separated a reeling Hatton from Lazcano to warn the Mexican for a foul and then attend to Hatton's unlaced shoe.

All told, about one minute passed and Hatton rebounded to hurt Lazcano to the body in the 11th round, cruising in the final stanza.

Promoters of the bout were hoping to match Hatton next with flashy Brooklynite Paulie Malignaggi later in the year, possibly in Madison Square Garden.

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