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Our friends at Aus-boxing.com are reporting that the rumored Ricky Hatton comeback fight against Michael Katsidis won't be happening, which is probably a disappointment for at least a few boxing fans out there.
Katsidis (28-6, 23 KO) would have been coming up likely to welterweight for the first time in his career, and there's no argument that he's past his best. But what made Hatton vs Katsidis seem like a solid idea is the fact that even in his last fight -- a loss to Albert Mensah on ESPN Friday Night Fights -- Katsidis brought a gargantuan effort to the table, throwing a ton of punches and fighting hard for 10 full rounds.
In other words, Katsidis, even small and fading, would have been able to give us a look at Hatton's true desire level, and what he has left as far as being willing to fight hard goes. Hatton (45-2, 32 KO) hasn't been in the ring since May 2009, when he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao, and it's a question of whether or not the mental fortitude will be there as much as it is what he has left physically.
Hatton, who will turn 34 on October 6, is expected to announce his opponent shortly, with the fight night just two months away. No matter who it is, ticket sales won't be impacted -- the Manchester Arena was at last notice virtually sold out already.