Oscar de la Hoya's promotion company, Golden Boy, are desperately trying to talk the Hitman out of hanging up his gloves - but they are facing a losing battle.
Hatton is determined to walk away from the sport and plans to make an official announcement soon.
But Golden Boy are still hoping the 31-year-old - who has been out of action since his brutal second round knockout by Manny Pacquiao last May - can be persuaded to shelve his retirement plans.
They are trying to tempt him with a fight with Erik Morales in July before a farewell clash with Juan Marquez in Manchester at the end of the year.
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Golden Boy's chief matchmaker, Robert Diaz, met with Hatton last week while in England for David Haye's WBA title defence against John Ruiz.
He has been in regular contact with Hatton's camp for the past year, trying to set out a timetable for his comeback.
And after the Hitman announced in January that he planned at least one more "big fight," Diaz set about arranging a clash with lightweight king Marquez.
The 36-year-old Mexican, who has twice taken Pacquiao the distance and last September lost on points to Floyd Mayweather, is desperate to get it on with Hatton.
Golden Boy have picked Hatton's potential opponents carefully.
They have no interest in putting him in against Amir Khan, who with Haye, are their next big ticket sellers.
Instead they see Morales as the perfect opponent to ease the Hitman back into the ring on the undercard of Marquez' July clash with Juan Diaz in Las Vegas.
Should Hatton step back into the ring? Have your say.
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This is becoming really embarassing: he's retiring, he's not retiring, think he's retiring now even though he's got two potentially decent fights lined up that will allow him to retire with his pride ion tact (as I think Ricky sees it)
Golden Boy are only interested in making money. The right thing for Ricky is to retire and Golden Boy know this, but they see Ricky as a cash cow.
As for fighting Morales, can't see the appeal, he has lost 4 of his last 5 fights and only fought one in the last 2 and a half years.
Don't let these blood suckers tempt you back Ricky, they are only sertving their own interests.....Enjoy your retirement
ricky i know you are a smart boxer dont be lured by golden boy promotion they know that you can bring lots of brits fans if you fight and that's the golden boy wants even you will lose or win they will have a big slice on the cake and you will just add damage to your self, common men enjoy your retirement, you don't need money anymore you already rich....
ricky dont be stupid you know that golden boy used you only coz they know that you can bring brits fans if you really want to come back why dont you use your own promotion?... I a big fan of you ricky, and Im a filipino so PLEASE, don't accept the offer...
Oscar Romagos
Dubai, UAE
Agree with the other comments on this too: it is glaringly obvious that the only reason this is being engineered is because of what Ricky wll bring with him - the cynic in me also suspects that David Hayes success is not purely down to ability in that division.
That is what is refreshing about the ABA's, ie: winner of that region fights winner of the other region etc...Just wish the 'traveller' (stock) boys would get looked upon a bit molre favourably or just evenly would be a start.
Off the topic, how deluded is Audley Harrison?
i think its about time people got off audley harrison back now. The came through a very hard scrap with one hand and was still booed at the end .
sugar ray,
Its not about gettin on his case,im saying deluded because the guy genually thinks he can beat Haye,or either of the ruski bros, unless you agree? Harrison has never fulfilled his potention since winning gold and never will.
stoney
totally agree he hasnt reached his full potential . he was getting well beat on friday night and stayed could easily have pulled out but waited for his chance to land that beaut of a hook . i think your right them klitchko bro have far too much for him at this stage , but think hes stands more of a chance against haye who fight with ruiz threw up more questions than answers (stamina and chin).
sugar ray.
Harrison just dosnt throw enough leather, hes not the only heavyweight tho. Its wrong to boo the kid, but punters pay their money and wanna be entertained.That why theres all this hype with Haye both sides of the water. Agreed Haye has yet to be tested, but offers something differant than the dross this division has given us in recent years. My concern with Haye, is his left arm offers no cover, but a hitter and a mover will always be in with a shout. IF he stands square on to klichko he"ll get jabbed to death. Haye will need to get inside the jab and work the body, but risk takin some heavy shots. Haye will need a cuban jaw, but can win imho.
stoney
couldnt have put it better myself , think haye has generated alot of publicity and has done well putting himself up there . his defence was terrible but he also brings alot of excitment which is what the fans pay for. just read hes out for another 4 months audley which isnt great as he aint got a great deal of time . wouldnt be surprised if he fights haye next with the state of the heavyweight division .