Doubts Raised Over Hatton Return

Ricky Hatton's grand homecoming against Juan Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24 was mired in confusion today when his handlers denied the fight is a done deal.

Although the date and venue remain secure, Hatton insists nothing has been finalized with any prospective 140lbs challenger - something which Texan Lazcano disputes.

Hatton's father Ray said: "Until you see their signature alongside your signature, it's never done. We're hoping the people concerned are going to sign them. It will probably be about another seven days to confirm it." However, Lazcano told his local El Paso Times last Thursday: "It's done - I signed the contract today."

Earlier in the day, Hatton had spoken of his excitement about the figh: "There's nothing like fighting at home," he said. "I'm back in Manchester, in front of my fans and at a ground that I love. Las Vegas has been a second home and it was amazing having so many Brits out there. But in Manchester even more can come to see me at a decent time of the night. This will not be a two o'clock in the morning fight - this will be timed for the fans in the stadium."

News of the fight comes just two weeks after Hatton vowed to return "stronger, wiser and better" from his defeat to Mayweather, which was the first loss of his professional career.

Lazcano, who turns 33 later this month, is a Mexican former WBF and IBA lightweight title holder and has won 37 of his 42 fights, with four defeats. Two of those defeats have come in his last six fights and he was beaten by Vivian Harris - the Guyanan who went on to lose to Junior Witter in a WBC light-welterweight title fight - on his last outing in February last year.