The return of Ricky Hatton on May 24!

Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi rematching N'dou in the co-feature.
Hatton vs Malignaggi in the fall?

At the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England on May 24, Jr Welterweight Champion Ricky Hatton returns to the ring for the first time since losing to Floyd Mayweather on a 10th round TKO this past December in Las Vegas. Hatton will be defending against former lightweight title challenger Juan Lazcano.

On the undercard, IBF Jr Welterweight titlist Paulie Malignaggi makes the second defense of his title against the man he won the title from in convincing and dominating fashion last June, Lovemore N'dou. Prior to their first match, there was a rematch clause in the contract, but Malignaggi outclasses N'dou every minute of every round of that fight that it makes fans and media wonder why they would even want to see a rematch of that. What could possibly different in a return engagement?

This 140lb doubleheader is being shown on the free cable network, Versus, during the afternoon due to the fact that it's coming to you live from the United Kingdom. Therefore, think of this whole scenario as a treat for boxing fans to see two of best fighters in the jr welterweight division, or any class in boxing for that matter, fight in showcase matches on free television. Should both combatants emerge victorious, as they are favored to do, there is a possibility that we see a big showdown this fall between Hatton and Malignaggi for the legitimate jr welterweight championship of the world.

Hatton is still widely regarded as the champion as well as the man to beat at 140lbs, but Malignaggi has been calling him out for some time now. That's the fight that Malignaggi really wants. It's a great payday and opportunity to shine for Malignaggi, but also a chance for Hatton to redeem himself for the loss to Mayweather and score yet another career defining win at 140lbs. Career defining win at 140lbs - something Hatton hasn't really accomplished since dethroning Kostya Tszyu in June of 2005.

A win over Malignaggi would be a notable achievement that could give Hatton's career the boost it could seriously use at this time, as Malignaggi's only loss to this day is still the close and competitive one at the hands of Cotto from two years ago.