Ricky Hatton makes an emotional return to the ring on Saturday night, more than three years on from his brutal destruction at the hands of Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas.
The 'Hitman' has battled his fair share of demons during a prolonged spell away from the sport but bids to bounce back in style against former world champion Vyacheslav Senchenko this weekend.
The former WBA king has lost just once in a 33-fight career and will not come to Manchester to make up the numbers in what promises to be an intriguing bout at the MEN Arena.
Hatton has spent much of the past few weeks trying to reassure his legions of adoring fans that he is mentally and physically prepared to undertake the considerable challenge of returning to the hurt business.
He has insisted this week that he feels fit and raring to go thanks to the help of trainer Bob Shannon.
"It's the meanest, most ferocious Ricky Hatton you've ever seen. I'm here to right the wrongs of what I've done," he claimed.
"The last time I fought in the City of Manchester Stadium, 58,000 turned up. The Kosta Tszyu fight sold out in three days. People have supported me massively in this fight as well.
"They must have looked at me in disbelief, thinking, 'That's the man we used to admire'. I turned into a sorry, sorry state. I feel I've already won by being at this table. You'd have laughed five months ago if I'd talked about a comeback."
Before Hatton can pat himself on the back for a job well done and look forward to a world-title tilt against Paulie Malignaggi he must eliminate a live danger in Senchenko.
The Ukrainian is a rangy operator with a stiff left jab and will look to pick Hatton off as he darts inside to build a lead on the scorecards.
Malignaggi gave his former foe the perfect blueprint to take Senchenko apart in his last fight, working wonderfully inside to bust up the European before stopping him in nine rounds.
Hatton will need to keep his emotions in check when what promises to be a raucous home crowd come into play.
An on-song, disciplined 'Hitman' should be a level above the Ukrainian but factor in the three-year absence and question marks over the Manchester Idol's punch resistance and this fight becomes interesting.
Sticking to a carefully-arranged gameplan should be second nature to a fighter of Hatton's experience but he has always had a tendency to steam in and look for the kill too quickly, particularly in some of his final fights.
Look for Ricky to spend the first few rounds finding a way past Senchenko's long left-hand before punishing his opponent with the savage selection of body shots for which he has become revered.
Expect Senchenko to lose heart in the second half of the fight as Hatton comes on strong looking for the stoppage. If Hatton has his preparation and tactics spot on this clash of styles may well be over inside the scheduled 10 rounds.
Sports Mole says: Hatton overcomes a slow start to roar towards a late stoppage victory and send Manchester into raptures.
Liam Power
