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Hatton sets homecoming against Lazcano for May 24th

12/03/2008

British boxer Ricky Hatton has announced he will defend his IBO light-welterweight title against Juan Lazcano in Manchester on May 24th.

Hatton, nicknamed the Hitman, has scheduled his long-awaited return to fight in this country to take place at the City of Manchester Stadium - the home ground of the football team he supports, Manchester City.

It will be Hatton's first bout since he lost to American Floyd Mayweather in a WBC welterweight title fight in Las Vegas last December.

And the scheduled fight against Mexican Lazcano represents a step back down to his preferred weight after he stepped up a grade to meet the undefeated Mayweather.

"There's nothing like fighting at home," Hatton told Sky Sports, who will screen the fight.

"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 [for the Mayweather fight].

"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 and those watching on TV."

He added: "I can't wait to fight in front of my home crowd again - it's going to be a great night."

The last time Hatton fought in his home town was nearly three years ago when he inflicted a shock defeat on world light-welterweight champion Kostya Tszyu at the MEN Arena.

Lazcano, 32, who is the former WBF lightweight title holder, has won 37 of his 42 professional fights.