Boxing: Green light for Hatton to fight again – once he passes medical

The former two-weight world champion retired three years ago but is set to relaunch his career at a press conference in Manchester today (AP)

Ricky Hatton will be granted a new boxing licence provided he successfully completes all parts of a medical, the British Boxing Board of Control has confirmed.

The former two-weight world champion, who turns 34 next month, retired three years ago but is set to relaunch his career at a press conference in Manchester today.

Hatton, who has been both light-welterweight and welterweight champion in the past, attended a BBBoC meeting yesterday after shedding almost three stones in training this year.

The BBBoC general secretary, Robert Smith, said: "He [Hatton] came before the board yesterday. I'm not a doctor but once we get the medicals in our doctors will look at them. If they are fine they will be signed off." Promoter Frank Warren believes Hatton's planned comeback is likely to end in defeat. Warren said: "I'd prefer [Hatton] not to box again. He ain't going to get any better at 34, that's for sure. I don't think he should fight, but that's his choice."

Meanwhile, Manny Pacquiao, who lost to Timothy Bradley in June, is expected to return to the ring on 8 December for a fourth fight against long-time rival Juan Manuel Marquez, of Mexico.