LONDON, Sept 12: Former light-welterweight champion Ricky Hatton is set to come out of retirement after three years, having called a news conference to make a ‘major announcement’ on Friday.

The 33-year-old Briton has not fought since a second-round knockout by Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

Hatton has previously described how he slipped into depression and considered suicide while trying to come to grips with the loss.

He established his own promotions company, but it ran into problems in May when he lost his television deal with British broadcaster BSkyB.

Now Hatton is being tipped to eventually fight Paulie Malignaggi if the comeback succeeds. Hatton beat Malignaggi in 2008.—AP