By Chris Cella
When former champion Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton (45-2, 32 KO) steps between the ropes tonight in his highly anticipated return against former WBA world welterweight champion Vyacheslav Senchenko (35-1, 21 KO), he will, as usual, be a favorite to win the fight.
Despite his nearly three-and-a-half year layoff from the squared circle, Hatton is coming into this fight a 3-1 favorite on Betfair against his foe who has only suffered one loss through his career.
At 34-years-old Hatton will be making his reemergence into the gloves sport in front of his hometown fans within the MEN Arena in Manchester as he looks to begin his quest to fight for a world title in 2013.
Through his career Hatton has exchanged leather with some of the best fighters in the world, and with a win over Senchenko tonight can easily line himself up for a possible rematch against current WBA world welterweight champion Paul Malignaggi, whom Hatton defeated via 11th-round TKO in 2008. Earlier this year Malignaggi defeated Senchenko via a rare Malignaggi ninth round stoppage, stripping him of his belt.
Regarding the posted odds, Alex Bake of Betfair commented, “It’s going to be an emotional night in Manchester on Saturday. Ricky’s battled his demons and looks as though he’s come back stronger than before. Senchenko won’t know what’s hit him when he sees the level of support for Ricky. Our customers can’t see past a Hatton win this weekend.”
The odds for Ricky Hatton’s return are as follows:
Hatton v Senchenko – Betfair bet: 1-3 Hatton, 100-30 Senchenko, 39-1 the draw
Method of victory – Betfair bet: 10-11 Hatton KO, 3-1 Hatton decision, 5-1 Senchenko KO, 10-1 Senchenko decision
The scheduled 10-round welterweight fight will be a special, afternoon edition of Showtime Championship Boxing followed by a replay that night on Showtime Extreme®.