By Shaun Mcnally: Tuesday night reports emerged from Britain that arguably one of the most popular boxers of this generation, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton will make a sensational return to the boxing ring sometime in 2010. It was also revealed that he is in deep talks with Juan Manuel Marquez. The fight looks set to happen in Manchester. These reports have surfaced before to Ricky later denying any truth in them, but in recent week he says he’s got the passion for boxing back.

Hatton has revealed to his fans that he will get back in shape to get back in the ring. Making the light-welterweight limit has never been a struggle for the Hitman, but after being dramatically knocked-out against pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao, some people are questioning if his punch resistance is still there.

Gareth Williams (partner of Hatton Promotions) has stated it would be the perfect fight for Hatton. Whether it would be his last fight is still not certain, but in previous years fighters have come out and said no matter what the result, this is there last one. Hatton must also consider who his trainer will be. The obvious option is Lee Beard who was Mayweather snr’s assistant for the two fights he trained him. Beard however did say after the Pacquiao bout that he saw no reason why Ricky and Floyd couldn’t work together again.

Hatton vs Marquez would prove to be something special. Both fighters coming close to the end of their careers, looking to go out with a bang. Marquez’s punch resistance has also been questioned in recent years, and since losing to Floyd Mayweather, the inevitable calls for him to retire have been echoing. It is also thought that Hatton would be too big for Marquez. In boxing size does matter, with the exception of the stunning Manny Pacquiao. The box office would love it if the fight would happen, with the fight likely to be big in both America, and Britain. It would also add another impressive name to the records of either fighter.

The likely weight is probably 140 pounds with Manuel Marquez looking to step up from lightweight. It was clear he was not a welterweight when he fought Mayweather as he looked a little fleshy. It was surprising to see that he had put the weight on through adding fat, not muscle. But 140 pounds may suit him much better. Ricky Hatton however is a natural light-welterweight. The discussion are still early in development, but it looks very likely that this fight will happen, but Ricky Hatton will be back.