Michael Katsidis Hopes to Pull Ricky Hatton Out of Retirement

RingTV.com's Harry Pratt reports that Australian brawler Michael Katsidis is hoping that he can pull Ricky Hatton out of retirement should he defeat Ricky Burns in London on Saturday.

"...I want to bring England one of their own and one of the biggest fighter’s they have ever had - and that’s Ricky Hatton. We can meet halfway on the weight. I was talking to Graham Earl, who is a good friend of Ricky’s, the other night and he says this fight can happen. We’ve started talking already and this is a reality. "

Let's hope it's not a reality. Lots of fighters come back, but Ricky Hatton really shouldn't. He's not in anywhere near fighting shape, for one thing, and he's also been out of the game for almost two years now. He's struggled badly with being able to put his final fight -- a brutal, violent KO loss to Manny Pacquiao -- out of his mind, and to move on in life. Hatton is making his pro debut as a trainer soon. He's focused on his promotional company.

Ricky Hatton does not need a fight with Michael Katsidis to prove anything, and in cases like this, where a fighter has admitted to contemplating suicide and having serious drug problems trying to deal with the end of his career, all should be left alone. Hatton seems to have gotten himself righted personally. He finally officially announced his retirement. He just seems happier and healthier than before.

Hatton should keep himself in boxing, but as a trainer and promoter. Getting back in the ring is a physical and mental risk he just doesn't need.