By John F. McKenna (McJack): The popularity of former WBA/IBF/IBO and The Ring light welterweight champion and WBA welterweight champion Ricky Hatton (45-2, 32 KO’s) has not waned over the years. Even his dramatic stoppage at the hands of Manny Pacquiao did nothing to dissuade his fans of their loyalty to their hero. When Ricky fights his fans eagerly put down their money to watch him in action.

The question being asked by even some of his most ardent supporters is, can Hatton come back after his devastating loss to Pacquiao 3 ½ years ago? Granted, other fighters have come back after being away from the ring for long periods of time. Some have even come back after seemingly career ending injuries. Most notable is Vitali Klitschko who returned to the ring after a four year hiatus to reclaim his WBC heavyweight title belt.

In Hatton’s case however he suffered a devastating TKO loss that left many who were present at the MGM Grand Arena literally fearing for his life. It was the kind of loss that very few fighters are able to come back from. Making matters worse for Hatton was that afterwards his life rapidly spiraled out of control.

Hatton retired after the Pacquiao loss and soon entered into a severe depression enhanced by alleged alcohol and drug use. By his own admission the level of Hatton’s depression was so deep that he contemplated suicide. Compounding his other problems Hatton put on a ton of weight.

Ricky somehow summoned the strength and courage to climb out of that deep, dark place his life had taken him. He emerged with a new lease on life and as retired fighters almost always do started thinking about making a comeback.

Ultimately the memory of past glory and Ricky’s love for the ring superseded everything else, even sound reason. At first there were conflicting stories as to whether or not Hatton would make the rumored comeback. Once he made the decision to come back, there was no turning back. Many of Hatton’s adoring fans were overjoyed at the prospect of once again seeing their hero in the ring.

There were some however who reasoned that Hatton would have to overcome far more than just a 3 ½ year absence from the ring. The combination of alcohol and drug use coupled with severe depression in and of itself would make a successful comeback extremely difficult. Added to that is the reportedly seventy pounds of weight Hatton had to lose in preparation for his comeback.