The question in the boxing world is will he be back in 2010? Ricky is possibly thinking to himself right now if the camp and the training had been better, then maybe he would have beaten Manny Pacquiao last time out, who knows?
His mum Carol has even joined the hot potato debate by telling a radio station her son is very much his own man - she says Ricky would fight if she asked him not to.
Ricky may well be wanting to exorcise the demons and come out guns blazing for one more fight. Does he need one more fight? Or maybe he wants to try and finish a fantastic career with yet another glorious high in Manchester.
This debate rages on and it's dominating chat rooms and forums across the world.
Respect
Everybody is talking about the prospect of Ricky's return. If he does come back, it will be interesting to see who trains him.
I'll always have the utmost respect for Ricky who was recently at the ringside watching his brother Matthew.
We're hearing conflicting reports what may happen but one thing is for sure - Ricky is undoubtedly the most decorated fighter to ever come out of Manchester.
The thing with any champion fighter, though, is the fact they never know when to quit.
If Ricky is to return, his family as ever will be totally supportive. I have a feeling there could be one last hurrah and one final farewell fight in the offing.
A final decision naturally rests with Ricky because he's still a massive crowd-puller and there could be one more last great night for Manchester fight fans to see their local hero.
Maybe it's a case of watch this space, but don't forget it's not the fight that takes its toll on a boxer, it's the training and the sparring.
Ricky, however, will do what he thinks is best when it comes to the question of his future.
Turning to the recent UFC event in Manchester, I was impressed and felt boxing could take note from the way the event was promoted.
I feel Frank Warren is still the country's best promoter and he invariably packs out the MEN Arena.
But all roads will be leading to Wigan's Robin Park Arena on Friday night when the legendary Michael Brodie takes on a new-look Anthony Crolla.
The "Million Dollar Crolla," as he is known, auditioned for the X-Factor but was advised by Simon Cowell not to give up his day job and stick to boxing.
Crolla, the new pup, now takes on the old master and is strongly tipped to secure victory.
Collyhurst's Thomas McDonagh will be taking on Anthony Spall in what may be his last chance to secure a British title.
Fight fans can also look out for Joe "The Genius" Murray, Manchester's former Olympian, who will be contending his fifth professional fight on what promises to be an action packed bill.
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Joe Gallagher (24/11/2009 at 20:23)
Only Ricky knows what he puts them close to him through and that will be in his thoughts but first and foremost Ricky is a fighter and will not want to end his career on the Pacman defeat a farewell fight in Manchester next year seems the more acceptable.
steven aldridge (25/11/2009 at 00:02)
eddie, halifax (25/11/2009 at 11:46)
In fairness though whatever his decision he has been brilliant for British boxing!
happy hammer, congleton (25/11/2009 at 12:25)
Hands of Stone, Southside (25/11/2009 at 21:19)
He's too far gone for me now, spoilt the memory and exposed himself by wearing other teams football shirts, 'promoting 'world title fights', hanging around with Oasis on tour (in bed for 10pm with an Ovaltine?), ballooning round town, using a strategy of fighting boxers in decline to get his big shots with Mayweather and Paquiao etc...A Marketeer and a bad role model - It all makes sense now, I can see it all clearly Ricky.
Hands of Stone, Southside (25/11/2009 at 21:21)
Throw John Murray in there with either of them for the 'Manchester Belt', make it a bit more interesting for those of us who aren't mug punters lapping up this meaningless dross.
Hands of Stone, Southside
23/11/2009 at 21:17
Hands of Stone, Southside (25/11/2009 at 21:23)
Cotto would hurt Hatton, he is technically and mechanically a superior fighter for me and the foundation/stance he adopts is beautiful: some would say a little too mechanical - but that is how he generates so much power. He is game and tuff, far too good for Ricky I'm afraid.
Sadly Ricky has built a lot of his career by taking big name scalps who are in decline and the more gullible (or enthusiatic if I'm being kind) punter just sees the fact that he's beat that name so he is 'The Man'.
Ricky you've been great for Manchester, England, Britain, City, etc, etc...but they've all been great for you mate - Don't exploit them anymore, unless you seriously beleive you are going somewhere with this (I would be worried if you thought you were), but please don't take the 'hit and miss' by going through the motions - the public deserve better.
Hands of Stone, Southside
23/11/2009 at 21:56
Free Ian Brown, Denton (26/11/2009 at 10:54)
Nonetheless, he's been a very good fighter, produced some fantastic displays and great nights in Manchester and abroad. And quite frankly I doubt boxing would have had the exposure its received over the past few years without Hatton's profile.
Without Hatton's media friendly outlook, boxing in the UK would suffer from worse media coverage than it receives even now. Its this, as well as his achievements in the ring, that fight fans should be thankful for, otherwise we'd be scrabbling around for coverage of boxing in this country I'm sad to say.
Hands of Stone, Southside (26/11/2009 at 11:53)
It's just the silly little stunts that he is pulling now: one or two on their own wold have been enough (stoke shirt, rooney, oasis, one more fight - why?, promoting 'world title fights'), but adding them all together - I've a feeling I've been had.
Free Ian Brown, Denton (26/11/2009 at 13:37)
AngryMcNasty, Manchester (26/11/2009 at 18:37)
I dont believe that Joe actually thinks that so why write it?
The irish scotsman, salford (29/11/2009 at 13:14)
I visited Rickys gym for the first time last week ,the staff,equipment,price structure where second to none the Hattons have delivered once more knocking out those poncy, mortgage me again,send me mrs out at night,rentboy me derrierre,stick balls on ya aunt call her your unc gyms ! well done.
Now can you build another nearer me ouse ...lol