MANCHESTER, United Kingdom — Britain's Ricky Hatton announced Friday he would return to the ring against Vyacheslav Senchenko of Ukraine at the Manchester Evening News Arena on Nov. 24. The welterweight clash in Hatton's home city will be his first fight in three-and-a-half years. Senchenko, like Hatton, is a former world welterweight champion. The 35-year-old lost his title in his last bout — his first defeat in 33 professional fights — to American Paulie Malignaggi. Hatton himself beat Malignaggi in his penultimate fight before retirement but was then brutally defeated by Manny Pacquiao, a loss that sparked a decline brought on by drug and addiction problems. The 33-year-old Englishman, following a lengthy absence from the ring, confirmed his retirement last year only to reverse his decision a fortnight ago and Hatton, speaking at a news conference Friday, said: “I can't wait to get in the ring now. “I'm sure that Vyacheslav will give me a good fight, but it's one I am confident I can win. I believe this was as good an opponent as I could have had. “Senchenko lost the last time he fought but he has a good pedigree. But I'm in great shape, I'm feeling good and I know I can put on a performance for those watching.” An emotional Hatton was proud his first fight at the MEN since his win over Australia's Kosta Tszyu in 2005 had sold out. “I cannot thank the people of Manchester enough,” he said. Rahman targets heavyweight title again Hasim Rahman, who famously relieved Lennox Lewis of his heavyweight titles in 2001, bids to become world champion once again Saturday when he tackles Russia's WBA belt-holder Alexander Povetkin in Hamburg. Despite his 40th birthday fast approaching, the American believes his record of 50 victories in his 60 fights — 41 inside the distance — can stand up to examination. “When I am on top, nobody can absorb the power of my punches,” said Rahman. The likes of Lewis can testify to that. The Briton lost his WBC and IBF crowns in 2001 in a stunning fifth round knockout in South Africa before he regained them in a fourth-round knock-out seven months later. The Baltimore fighter, nicknamed “The Rock”, then lost to Wladimir Klitschko in 2008 in Mannheim when the IBF, WBO and IBO titles were up for grabs. – Agencies
