Hatton announces 'homecoming' fight

Updated 12.38 Wed Mar 12 2008

Keywords: juan lazcano, city of manchester stadium, manchester city, ricky hatton, boxing, sport

Ricky Hatton has confirmed he will fight at the home of his favourite football club, Manchester City.

Hatton is hoping to defend his IBO light-welterweight title against the Mexican boxer Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24, but the boxers have not yet signed a contract to confirm the bout.

"One of the goals I wanted to tick off was fighting at the City of Manchester Stadium" - Ricky Hatton

Hatton said: "It was always a goal of mine to fight at the home of my beloved Manchester City.

"I'm down the home straight with everything that I have done in my career so far.

"One of the goals I wanted to tick off was fighting at the City of Manchester Stadium as a big Manchester City fan."

Hatton revealed the bout will be held at a time to suit a British audience, even though he could have earned more money by boxing in the early hours of the morning to suit the demands of American television.

Hatton added: "Not everyone can afford to fly over to Las Vegas every time I fight so it's my way of saying thank you.

"I haven't fought in England for three years. It will be nice to have it in Manchester where the whole of Britain can come and enjoy a good fight."

Hatton confirmed he held talks with Wembley about the possibility of staging the bout and he has not ruled out fighting in London before he retires.