Ricky Hatton Is Back: 'Hitman' Officially Announces November 24 Return to Boxing

Ricky "Hitman" Hatton, the former junior welterweight world champion and welterweight titlist who hasn't fought in three years, has officially announced that he is coming back to professional boxing on November 24 in Manchester, which has been expected all week and rumored since July.

Hatton, who will turn 34 in a few weeks, last fought in May 2009, when he was viciously knocked out by Manny Pacquiao. After a long delay, he announced his official retirement from active boxing in July 2011, which came after some out of ring drug and alcohol issues.

He wants to erase both that final in-ring memory, and the thoughts of his press scandals.

"I want British boxing to be proud of me again," he said at the press conference.

Hatton (45-2, 32 KO) announced that Bob Shannon will be his trainer for the comeback. Shannon is the former trainer of Ricky's younger brother Matthew, and is a respected figure in British boxing, and obviously knows Ricky quite well.

No opponent has been named, but that should come shortly with fight night at the MEN Arena just over two months away.

I understand concerns. I really do. But I have to admit I'm truly excited for this comeback, and to see what he's got in the ring. I'm guessing his gym work has gone well, or he wouldn't even be trying this. He has been the generational icon of British boxing in so many ways, and he's still young enough to have one more good run. This could be a lot of fun.