Lazcano may be Hatton's last home fight

4:31pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

Ricky Hatton has revealed there is "a strong possibility" this month's fight against Juan Lazcano in Manchester will be his last ever in Britain.

The 29-year-old Mancunian will defend his reputation as the world's finest light-welterweight when he takes on Mexican Lazcano at the City of Manchester Stadium on May 24, in what will be his 'homecoming' fight after losing to pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather in December.

Therefore the popular former two-weight world champion admits the 55,000 who turn up this month could be witnessing his final bow on home soil, saying: "There is a strong possibility. You can never say never but I've just signed a deal with HBO (American television giant) and Golden Boy Promotions that I have put on hold until after this fight."

Hatton, who has always maintained he will not fight well into his thirties, will take on American IBF champion Paulie Malignaggi in America should he overcome Lazcano before hoping to bow out with another shot at Mayweather.

A Mayweather rematch remains unlikely but should it eventually happen, the likelihood is that it would again be in Las Vegas.

He added: "But I think HBO and Golden Boy would like me to fight in the States to be honest, though there's nothing set in stone that says I have to. But it could be my last fight in England, yes."

Hatton has always been in the sport primarily for the glory and concedes he has few goals left to achieve before calling it a day.

He added: "Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden would be ideal should I beat Lazcano. Then I'd like another crack at Floyd.

"I'm not going to put a time limit on it but then I've got to start to look for any more goals and ask 'are there any more goals that I want to achieve?'"

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