Hatton to Return to the Ring in Beloved City Stadium

Ricky Hatton's first opponent since his December defeat to Floyd Mayweather has been confirmed as the former WBC world title challenger Juan Lazcano, with the fight to be held at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24.

In what will be the Briton's first fight in his home town since his epic victory over Kostya Tszyu three years ago, organizers are hoping for a crowd of 55,000 as Hatton, right, begins his professional rehabilitation against the Sacramento-based 32-year-old, who has not fought in more than a year. "There's nothing like fighting at home. I'm back in Manchester, in front of my fans and at a ground that I love," said the Manchester City-supporting Hatton."

Carl Froch's final eliminator for the WBC world super-middleweight title against the Russian Denis Inkin, that was to have been staged at the Nottingham Arena on March 29, will be rescheduled because Inkin is suffering from a virus.