By Mark Vester
During a recent interview, former two division champion Ricky Hatton said that he would likely return to the ring. The options for Hatton are running thin but the comeback plan is already there on paper. The scenario most expect to take place would a return against a fighter that Ricky could beat and ultimately look good against. The most recent name brought into the picture is former lightweight champion Juan Diaz. They share the same promoter, Golden Boy Promotions. Golden Boy wants to make that fight and Diaz has been calling Hatton out.
Diaz has a decent chin and will take the fight to Hatton but doesn't hit hard enough make a decent dent at 135 and will have even less power at 140. Unless Hatton is totally spent at this point, he should be able to use his size to bully Diaz around. Diaz looked small against the Paulie Malignaggi. Diaz has also taken some punishment in last couple of fights and appeared worn down against Malignaggi.
Should he get past Diaz, the next fight would be a major task against several available names at the weight. All of the tasks are dangerous and all of them stand a very good chance of beating Hatton.
1. Devon Alexander - Undefeated WBC champion who just beat Hatton's rival Junior Witter. Alexander may be too dangerous for Hatton to face at this point and doesn't bring the money to the table.
2. Timothy Bradley - Undefeated WBO champion. Fast hands, a decent punch and a good chin could be a bad combination for Hatton.
3. Amir Khan - Once beaten WBA champion. A huge fight on British soil. Already hinted by both Hatton and Khan. The younger Khan has fast hands but lacks a good chin. THe huge obstacle to get past would be Khan's promoter Frank Warren. Hatton said that he would never fight Khan if Warren was involved in the promotion. Warren and Hatton had a bad falling out years ago and wounds have not healed any.
4. Juan Urango - Twice beaten IBF champion. Hatton already schooled Urango several years ago. This time around Urango is a much better fighter and more solid.
