Ricky Hatton is set to return to the ring to fight Juan Manuel Marquez, according to reports and Sky Bet have installed the Hitman as slight underdog to beat the 36-year-old Mexican.

The bout is likely to take place next year at the City of Manchester Stadium and Sky Bet make the former two-weight champion 11/10 to emerge triumphant.

Marquez has won 50 of his 56 fights, including world titles at featherweight, super-featherweight and lightweight and is Sky Bet’s 8/11 favourite to outclass Hatton. A drawn fight can be backed at 25/1.

Sky Bet’s boxing betting expert Scott Springgay said: “If Hatton returns to the ring against Marquez he will have his work cut out. Marquez is getting on in years but is still in reasonable shape and even though he took something of a battering against Mayweather, he was still able to go the full distance, unlike Hatton who was stopped in round 10.”

Marquez has gone the distance twice against the amazing Manny Pacquiao, resulting in a draw and a close loss by split decision, while Hatton was beaten badly by a second round knockout in his fight against the Pac Man in May.

Springgay continued: “With such a long lay-off and questions over whether Ricky still has the heart to box on, added to the fact that he is terribly out of condition, it may not be a great return to the ring for him against such a seasoned pro.”

Sky Bet Odds: Hatton R v Marquez JM
Fight Outright
Note: Fight must take place before end of 2010 for bets to stand
Hatton R 11/10 Draw 25/1 Marquez JM 8/11

Round Betting
Hatton R Rnd 1 20/1 Marquez JM Rnd 1 25/1
Hatton R Rnd 2 20/1 Marquez JM Rnd 2 25/1
Hatton R Rnd 3 20/1 Marquez JM Rnd 3 25/1
Hatton R Rnd 4 20/1 Marquez JM Rnd 4 25/1
Hatton R Rnd 5 25/1 Marquez JM Rnd 5 25/1
Hatton R Rnd 6 25/1 Marquez JM Rnd 6 25/1
Hatton R Rnd 7 25/1 Marquez JM Rnd 7 25/1
Hatton R Rnd 8 25/1 Marquez JM Rnd 8 20/1
Hatton R Rnd 9 33/1 Marquez JM Rnd 9 20/1
Hatton R Rnd 10 33/1 Marquez JM Rnd 10 20/1
Hatton R Rnd 11 40/1 Marquez JM Rnd 11 20/1
Hatton R Rnd 12 40/1 Marquez JM Rnd 12 20/1
Hatton R Points (after 12 rnds) 4/1 Marquez JM Points (after 12 rnds) 7/2
Draw 25/1

Fight Outcome
Hatton R in Rnds 1-12 (any method) 7/4 Marquez JM in Rnds 1-12 (any method) 6/4
Hatton R on Pts (after 12 rnds) 4/1 Marquez JM on pts (after 12 rnds) 7/2
Draw 25/1

Exact Method of Victory
Refresh odds Add to Basket Bet now Note: KO=Knockout , TKO=Technical Knockout , RTD=Opponent Retired , UD=Unanimous Decision , SD = Split Decision , MD=Majority Decision , TD=Technical Decision , DQ=Opponent Disqualified
Hatton R wins by KO 11/2 Manuel Marquez J wins by KO 9/2
Hatton R wins by TKO 3/1 Manuel Marquez J wins by TKO 3/1
Hatton R wins by RTD 25/1 Manuel Marquez J wins by RTD 25/1
Hatton R wins by TD 50/1 Manuel Marquez J wins by TD 33/1
Hatton R wins by UD 7/1 Manuel Marquez J wins by UD 7/1
Hatton R wins by SD 10/1 Manuel Marquez J wins by SD 7/1
Hatton R wins by MD 50/1 Manuel Marquez J wins by MD 40/1
Hatton R wins by DISQ 40/1 Manuel Marquez J wins by DISQ 28/1
Draw 25/1

Visit Hyperion for the best jobs in iGaming