Ricky “The Hit Man” Hatton makes his much vaunted return to the ring on Saturday night as he takes on durable Juan Lazcano in front of nearly 60,000 fervent Mancunians.

It’s Hatton’s first bout since he was floored by Floyd Mayweather in Las Vegas at the end of last year, but despite the long odds-on quotes he may not find things so easy against the tough Mexican.

Amusingly known as the “Hispanic Causing Panic”, Lazcano has beaten some solid fighters in the past like Ben Tackie and Wilfredo Vazquez.

If the Hit Man isn’t at his very best he could well end up in a real rough-house brawl. We are confident the man from Hyde will eventually prevail but we expect this one to go the distance. Accordingly, the odds on Hatton to win on points look a super bet.

The Mexican has only been stopped once – way back in 1998 by Golden Johnson – and has not even been dropped since then. That’s an impressive stat and we fancy him to maintain that record at the City of Manchester Stadium.

Hatton’s lack of power was excusably exposed at a higher weight against Mayweather but there is a feeling that he doesn´t possess the “big dig” that would make him an all-time great at light-welterweight.

Instead, expect to see a hard-working belt-and-braces effort from the tireless 29-year-old as he puts on a show for his raucous followers.

On the same bill is flashy Paulie Malignaggi who is well worth taking note of. The New York Italian is being touted as a possible opponent for Hatton and his fast hands and silky boxing skills make him a certainty to beat plodding opponent Lovermore N’Dou.

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