By Dallan O’ Donnell: Rumours have been rife this week, that former two weight world champion Ricky Hatton would be making a shock return to the ring. Hatton has not fought since being knocked out by Manny Pacquaio in 2 rounds in 2009, but at 33, the Manchester brawler still has lots to offer the sport.

Many fans would prefer to see Hatton stay retired, as he doesn’t need the money with a successful promotional company on the run which saw him name European Promoter of the year last year. But I, for one would love to see a Ricky Hatton comeback, and here is why:

(1) To avenge his defeat
Perhaps not against Manny Pacquiao, but no boxer likes to leave the sport against their own will and with a loss, so make a comeback, get some victories under your belt and then just maybe chase the Pacman, who as we all have seen recently, is fading. Let’s not forget, Hatton only lost to 2 men and those 2 men are arguably the best boxers to have stepped into any boxing ring ever.

(2) The Fans
Ricky Hatton had the beset support this great sport has ever witnessed. What Boxer can generate that much love that 30-40 thousand travel across the Atlantic to see you fight?
Hatton had 15,000 fans watch a weigh-in in Vegas. Numbers like that have never been seen since, only about 8.000 fans watched Cotto-Mayweather weight-in and about the same number watched the Pacquiao-Bradley weigh-in.
Ricky owes the fans nothing, I know that. He is a great after dinner speaker and does give a lot back to his public who adore him. But what Ricky Hatton fan would turn down a chance to see the Hitman back at Manchester City Stadium or who wouldn’t travel to Vegas to see their hero in one last epic battle.

And my third and final reason is:
(3) So many fights!
If Hatton does come back, he won’t have to look too far for a mega fight. Ricky fought at 140 to 147 pounds and those divisions are still red hot now.
If it’s a British mega fight Hatton wants then Boo-Boy of British boxing Amir Khan would be available for a 140 pound clash. Khan recently lost in 4 rounds to Danny Garcia but still claims that he is the best. So who wouldn’t love to see the Hitman put Khan in his place?
Another British fight you say? Look no further than Sheffield and unbeaten Kell Brook. Brook beat Carson Jones recently but looked flawed and very hittable. Although Brook is at 147 Hatton would still beat Brook with relative ease.
Paulie Malignaggi has said that he wants Hatton and that he is top priority. Hatton beat Malignaggi at 140 pounds but Paulie has since moved to 147 and claimed the WBA title. Hatton could be a world champion again if he fought Malignaggi. Although I like the brash American, Hatton is too classy for Malignaggi.
And finally, why not chase Khan slayer Danny Garcia? The now IBF, WBA and WBC light welterweight champion has never fought anyone with Hatton’s intensity. Garcia has actually never really fought any top level guys. He beat a faded Erik Morales and now beat an over-rated glass jaw Amir Khan to be an undisputed champion. Hatton would tear Danny Garcia to shreds. Although the Philly fighter is tough and has a wicked left hook, he would not be able to sustain a body assault like no other, a rampant Vegas atmosphere with “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” being screamed by thousands of British fans and of course, forward pressure fighter that is Ricky Hatton.

Hatton can still achieve a lot, with minimal risk. So why not for one last time, comeback and rightfully claim his throne at the top of the 140 pound division once more.

I hope Hatton does come back. Boxing needs the Hitman.

What do you think Hatton should do? Comment or follow me on Twitter @dallan09