Exclusive - Bellew: Hatton could still do 'serious damage' on world stage

Tony Bellew insists Ricky Hatton still has a future at world level.

The Hitman is expected to announce he is making a ring return at a press conference on Friday, and his comeback fight is pencilled in for Manchester’s MEN Arena on November 24.

And Bellew believes the 32-year-old will still be a contender for major belts.

The Liverpool light-heavyweight star told the Alan Brazil Sports Breakfast: “He’s been a great fighter and was a fantastic champion. And if he’s living the right lifestyle and he really does it in the gym, then why not come back?

“And I’ll tell you something, a fully fit Ricky Hatton would do some serious damage on the world stage.”

A potential match between Hatton and Amir Khan is being talked about, and Bellew admits it’s a fight that could be made.

“Anything is possible in boxing,” he added. “They can say they’re friends, but when the pound signs are shown [to fighters] and they start talking, it happens.

“If it makes financial sense, it would make sense in a boxing ring.”