Ricky Hatton has ruled out taking on Paulie Malignaggi unless he can prove himself in November's comeback fight. WBA welterweight champion Malignaggi, who lost to the Manchester-based boxer in 2008, is interested in a rematch. Hatton confirmed on Friday that he would be coming out of retirement for a welterweight fight against an as yet unnamed opponent at the Manchester Arena on November 24th.

Malignaggi, beaten by Hatton in Las Vegas four years ago, told BBC Radio 5 live: "I'd love to get the chance to set the record straight if it comes to that. If it doesn't, if Ricky doesn't look good in his comeback or things don't go that way, then all the respect to Ricky. He's earned the right to make any decision he wants. What he says and what he does should be respected, no matter what."

"I'm keen and interested in his comeback. I lost to him four years ago. I'm curious to see how he looks on November 24. Based on how he looks then, it will be a big measuring stick in terms of his name being mentioned with world championship fighters in 2013 and 2014."