By Mark Vester

British boxing superstar Ricky Hatton told reporters the "fire in the belly" is still missing when it comes to fighting again. Hatton will not return to the ring unless the fire in the belly is there. Hatton is putting all of his focus on his promotional company. The Manchester star has been busy in Sheffield with several signings of local talent to his Hatton Promotions stable. He signed 6'8 heavyweight Richard Towers (7-0, 5KOs) from South Yorkshire.

Hatton is going to place most of the Sheffield talent on the undercard of the Ryan Rhodes card at Ponds Forge on May 21. Rhodes faces Italian Luca Messi with the European light middleweight title on the line.

"I'm excited to be working in Sheffield, it's a city with a smashing sporting culture in football, ice hockey, rugby and, of course, boxing. I beat Carlos Maussa at Sheffield Arena and, one day, hope to promote some of the young Sheffield lads at the same place," Hatton told the Sheffield Star.

"But, for now, we're pressing ahead with the Ponds Forge show and that's going to be a big night for Ryan and for the lads on the undercard. Richard has got some good prospects, he is unbeaten and really looks the part. He is devoting his life to boxing and keeps knocking people over!"

Send News Tips and Comments To Mark Vester @ boxingvester@gmail.com