Boxing story by Gareth Bowman, Tue, 29 Nov 2005 12:16:00 GMT


Ricky Hatton will return to the boxing ring only after a period of six months. He will have to undergo a plastic surgery in a bid to set right the damage caused above his two eyes through plastic surgery. He suffered these two bruises while fighting against Carlos Maussa for the world light-welterweight title.

According to his plastic surgeon and trainer Billy Graham, “He is going to be out for six months but it probably wouldn't have been much less anyway.”

But, Hatton managed to knock out Maussa in Sheffield on Saturday to win the unified IBF (International Boxing Federation) and WBA (World Boxing Association) light-welterweight titles to pocket a sum of £1.5 million.

Hatton, who was hogging the limelight in the fight, however, found his best punches being evaded by Maussa. But, in the ninth round an astounding left hook brought his opponent to the canvas much to the delight of 12,000 home fans.

After his victory, Hatton said: “I want to beat the best in the world. I beat Kostya Tszyu and now I've beaten Maussa.” He has now set his sights on beating Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather.

The 27-year-old Ricky's father as well as manager Ray Hatton said: “Richard had the operation only an hour and a half after he left the ring. The worst cut was the one over his left eye, but the surgeon said he may as well have the same procedure on both cuts while he was there.”

He is expected to be ready by May to defend his titles in Las Vegas. Meanwhile Ray and his father have received invitations to be guests for HBO, the US cable station to watch the rematch of the world middleweight title which pits Bernard Hopkins and Jermain Taylor.

Hatton will now consider his options along with his new promoter, Dennis Hobson.

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