Ricky Hatton cancels tour dates but is no closer to boxing return

Ricky Hatton has had three dates cancelled by promoters of his An Evening with Ricky Hatton tour, and while their reasons are unclear it is understood the 31-year-old is still no closer to deciding whether he will make a return to boxing. Hatton, a former two-weight world champion, has not fought since being knocked out in two rounds by Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas in May 2009 but he is out of the country on holiday and when he returns plans to continue his varied work outside of the ring. This will include Hatton appearing at the Comedy Store in Manchester in October to perform stand-up and continuing his long-term commitment to Hatton Promotions, his fight-promotion arm. Hatton renewed his boxing licence in July, provoking speculation that he would end his hiatus. If he were to do so, a potential super-fight against Amir Khan, the WBA light-welterweight champion, has been mooted - an encounter that could prove the most lucrative in British fight history. Last Saturday Khan again stated he would like to fight Hatton. The Bolton boxer said: "I'm not sure if Ricky has retired but a fight would be huge." Before the tour dates were cancelled Hatton had been due to appear with Frank Bruno, the former world heavyweight champion, in Preston, Sheffield and Wolverhampton next month.