RICKY Hatton made a triumphant return to the ring with a points victory against Juan Lazcano to retain his IBO light welterweight title.
Making his first appearance since losing to Floyd Mayweather last December, the Hitman admitted he had never been so nervous before a fight.
But he did not disappoint the 57,000 adoring fans at the City of Manchester Stadium, putting on a typically all-action performance, even if he failed to knock his opponent out.
Hatton said: “Coming back from a defeat, I was so nervous. But the hardest one is out of the way now.”
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AngryMcNasty, Manchester (25/05/2008 at 14:18)
The referee discounted a clear knockdown that Ricky suffered and Ricky was rocked on a number of occasions and his own work was sloppy and of poor quality, reverting to hit and hold at every chance.
Lazcano was hand picked to give Ricky an easy return to the ring because he is old, washed up, inactive and a natural lightweight - however Rocky laboured to his win.
Stick a fork in Ricky because I reckon he's done!
Weasel (not McKay), The Bubble (25/05/2008 at 21:14)
Lazcano was one tough cookie. Hard Mexican who wouldn't go down. Hatton wasn't knocked down from my vantage point but i havent seen a replay to confirm my first impression (Hattons left foot slipped as he threw a left from my seat).
Danny (26/05/2008 at 11:47)