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.