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Taking time off

Gavin Browne
24/ 5/2006

RICKY Hatton's immediate future is 'up in the air' as the Hitman recuperates after beating Luis Collazo to win the WBA welterweight title.

Hatton is currently on holiday in America, after which he will jet back home for a few days before heading Stateside again to watch the fight between Jose Luis Castillo and Diego Corrales in Las Vegas on June 3.

Both men have been tipped as possible future opponents for Hatton who is thought to be considering a move back down to the light-welterweight division.

Hatton spokesman Paul Speak said: "There are no plans at the moment, but I spoke with his promoter the other day and we're looking to try and get him something in either October or November.

"Everyone's considering their options at the moment, so it's all up in the air - I'm not in a position to give anything more concrete than that.

"He'll be having a word with his dad and (trainer) Billy Graham and try to get his head around everything.

"At this moment, he's in a period of reflection before sitting down to discuss the way forward with his promoters.

"My guess is he'll go back down to light-welterweight but it's Ricky's decision."

All in all, the Boston experience seems to have been a win-win situation for the Hatton camp.

The main objective of stepping up a weight and winning a world title - his third in consecutive fights - was achieved, while Hatton's charm offensive on the American public put another tick in the right box.

Speak said: "He got a warm reception while he was out there, so there were a lot of positives to be taken from that.

"He was very popular with the public and a lot of people came up to him."

When he arrived back at Manchester Airport last week, Hatton had appeared to suggest that the 140lb division would be the way forward for him.

He said: "Unless it is worth my while, I would like to campaign at light-welterweight now. I felt stronger at welter, but because I am a natural light-welter I am giving the opponent a head-start."