Ricky Hatton Comeback Looking Likely For November 24

Though nothing is yet official, things are moving and coming together for Ricky Hatton to return to the boxing ring on November 24 in Manchester, England, at MEN Arena, with full card rumors building steam.

Hatton was reported in July to be seriously considering a comeback to boxing, having not fought since he was brutally knocked out by Manny Pacquiao in May 2009. Since then, the popular "Hitman" has had his troubles outside of the ring, including a drug scandal, and has also come back from that to work pretty successfully as a promoter and most recently, a trainer.

Hatton was shown a couple of weeks after that to have lost a significant amount of weight -- in the minds of many, he was clearly getting back into "fighting shape."

The Daily Mail reported on Sunday that Hatton would meet with British Boxing Board of Control officials to discuss being once again licensed to fight, and now there is talk of having Hatton Promotions fighters like Martin Murray, Scott Quigg, Rendall Munroe, and Anthony Crolla on the Manchester undercard.

Hatton will turn 34 on October 6, and it seems like this is just something that, for whatever reason, he's going to have to do. I've said I hope it doesn't happen, and honestly I'm not wild about it, but I also like Ricky Hatton, and if he's in shape, can pass his physicals -- then why not, really? He's 34, not 50, and if he's ready to do it mentally and physically, then I can't help but root for him.

If the card does happen, a rematch between Quigg and Munroe (their first fight went nowhere) is being discussed, as well as Martin Murray possibly getting a "world title" shot, which could just as well be the WBF or IBO for all I know.

And apart from the fact that I like Ricky Hatton and understand the thinking that a man sometimes has gotta do what a man sometimes has gotta do, I'll admit it: I miss these crazy bastards, too.

I say if Ricky's ready, then bring it on.