After his defeat to Floyd Mayweather, there has been much debate surrounding the future of Ricky Hatton. Since the only defeat of his career to date, he retained his IBO light-welterweight title against Juan Lazcano in front of 55,000 fans at the City of Manchester stadium.

Now, it seems that he has two more fights on his mind as he comes towards the end of his boxing career. The first of which has already been scheduled – Hatton will fight Paulie Malignaggi later this year in Las Vegas for the IBO and IBF light-welterweight title.

A quick on this bout would lead me to suggest that although I would bet on Ricky Hatton to win, it won’t be easy for the Manchester boxer. Malignaggi was unconvincing in defeating Lovemore N’Dou back in May on the Hatton v Lazcano undercard, with his absurd hair extensions producing more headlines than his boxing talent. However, he is a strong character and will want to prove to the world what he can do. Home advantage will play its part as well and Malignaggi will definitely test Hatton.

I would back Hatton to emerge victorious though. Presuming he does, he will only have one fight left if recent comments from the Hitman are to be believed. This fight is likely to be against either Manny Pacquiao or Oscar de la Hoya and will take place at Wembley in front of 100,000 fans. An occasion which Hatton believes would be fitting to end his career.

When this is given some thought, it does all make sense. Hatton will aim to prove his American doubters wrong by defeating Malignaggi in Las Vegas, the venue of his only career defeat. Then to finish off his boxing career, he wants to fight a big name in front of his adoring British fans to give them all a good send off as he bows out of the sport.

For me, it is just a shame that the Hatton – Mayweather rematch has never materialised. The American boxer has retired from boxing meaning this is almost certain not to happen. It would have been quite a spectacle.

It has to be said that with Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton eyeing retirement, British boxing is on the verge of entering a new era. With Calzaghe and Hatton supposedly having just three fights left between them, it will be left to Amir Khan, David Haye and Carl Froch to fly the flag for British boxing in the years to come.

Written by Thomas Rooney - A Freelance Sports Journalist