Ricky Hatton attempted to turn back the clock tonight with his first fight in over three years against former WBA champion Vyacheslav Senchenko.
The 'Hitman' made a strong start, building a lead on the scorecards roared on by a passionate home crowd.
Senchenko came alive in the second half of the fight, landing consistent shots on his tired opponent.
Hatton continued to pour forward and was punished in the ninth round by a sickening body shot. The 'Hitman' fell to one knee and failed to find his feet as his comeback came to a dramatic conclusion.
Review all the action from an emotional night at the MEN Arena with Sports Mole's live text commentary below.
Hello fight fans, we are just an hour away from Ricky Hatton's hotly-anticipated comeback fight at the MEN Arena.
Hatton has talked about finding redemption in returning to the ring but that salvation will not come easily, with former WBA champion Vyacheslav Senchenko standing in his way.
'The' Hitman is supported tonight by a stellar undercard which has delivered so far this evening.
Earlier tonight Scott Quigg took apart Rendall Munroe with a clinical display in all-British bantamweight showdown.
Quigg showed why he is so highly rated, proving too good for his more experienced foe thanks to a concerted attack to the body. Munroe was dropped twice in the sixth round by sickening body shots before the referee called a halt to proceedings.
Martin Murray is currently in middleweight action against unbeaten south American Jorge Navarro.
Murray has dominated form the outset, dropping Navarro in the first and staying in complete control ever since.
Sergey Rabchenko and Gary Buckland were also victorious earlier this evening, with Rabchenko winning a contentious split decision.
The atmosphere is building nicely at the MEN, expect it to reach fever pitch at around 10.15pm!
Murray has his foot back on the accelerator in the sixth and Navarro's corner have thrown the towel in.
A composed, clinical performance from Murray against an opponent who was woefully out of his depth.
Murray landed the right hand at will and finished the job with a series of shots to the body to put himself in the shop window for a world-title tilt in 2013.
Sergio Martinez looks the most likely opponent for Murray in the new year, with the Argentine's promoters looking for a British opponent for a show in Buenos Aires early next year.
The middleweight division is an exciting prospect in the country right now with a whole of exciting fights there to be made. Matthew Macklin, Darren Barker and Andy Lee are all fighters looking to produce their best form in the next 12 months.
Murray is ready to mix it at world level and his defining nights will come in the near future.
The unbeaten St. Helens man is being interviewed at ringside: "Onwards and upwards, its been a frustrating year but I'm looking forward to a big year ahead."
Murray: "I want to be in big world title fights. We're in the gym every day working hard and I've got great backing. I'm in a good place and next year is going to big for us."
"As I've shown before I'll go anywhere to fight the best. I want to fight to Martinez, my team have spoken to him and it's a possibility."
Primetime are showing us footage of Hatton's last fight. You hardly need reminding that the 'Hitman' was decimated by Manny Pacquiao in just two rounds.
That was more than three years ago but it feels like a lifetime away. Fast forward to tonight and Hatton is back in shape and is telling everyone he is in the shape of his life.
Hatton chose to make his comeback under the tutelage of Bob Shannon, a man with a remarkable back story of his own.
Shannon and Hatton have decided to take up together on a road to redemption and its hard not to root for the duo tonight.
Standing in his way is durable Ukrainian Vyacheslav Senchenko, who is a former WBA champion.
Senchenko lost his crown in April at the hands of Paulie Malignaggi, who took him apart over six rounds in his home country.
The 35-year-old has only lost once in his career and will represent a threat to Hatton tonight, boxing at range and working behind a stiff left jab.
Senchenko is a fighter used to his home comforts, having last boxed outside of the Ukraine in 2006. It will be interesting to see how he reacts to the intense atmosphere of a partisan MEN crowd tonight.
The crowd will surely have an effect on Hatton, who will need to keep his emotions under control to get the job done.
As if to serve as a reminder of what could be on offer next year reigning WBA champ Paulie Malignaggi is in attendance tonight. The self proclaimed 'Twitter King' has admitted that he will likely defend his belts against Hatton in a rematch if he comes through victorious tonight.
The MEN is just about full now, with the familiar cries of 'Hatton Wonderland' in full flow. Not long to wait now.
A superb picture has just emerged on Twitter of Hatton receiving some last-minute advice from Roberto Duran. Now there's a man that knows a thing or two about a comebacks. A genuine legend.
The bookies are convinced that Hatton will make a successful return tonight, with the 'Hitman' backed as short as 1/3 on.
As we edge ever closer to fight time here's one final plug for an in-depth preview of the bout, with a comprehensive look at both men in action in tonight's main event.
As if this one needed any more build-up, the world's most renowned master of ceremonies is in attendance. Michael Buffer is in position to deliver his trademark introduction, which will come shortly.
'One, Ricky Hatton,' is reaching fever pitch at the MEN, with around 16,000 in their seats to roar on Manchester's favourite son.
Hatton has so many questions to answer tonight. Punch resistance, motivation, fitness and desire are all topics on the lips of fight fans across the country. A fascinating comeback is less than 20 minutes away.
A quick scan of ringside has thrown up the good, the bad and ugly of the celebrity circuit. We've got Nigel Benn, Gordon Ramsay and Dev from Coronation Street here to watch the fight. I'll let you decide which is which.
Quite how Hatton can keep a lid on his emotions in this electric atmosphere I'm not sure. Shannon has a big job on his hands to keep the 'Hitman' focused on the gameplan.
Hatton is going through his final preparations in the dressing room in his trademark light blue trunks.
Ricky looks in fantastic shape, he looks fit and ready to go for 10 rounds tonight but ring rust is a genuine factor to consider this evening.
Hatton has risen to the occasion in the MEN many times in a glittering career but tonight is whole different type of occasion.
A first glimpse into the dressing room of Senchenko, who looks relaxed as he prepares to begin his ring walk.
The Ukrainian may be a veteran but he won't have experienced an atmosphere like this before, particularly as the away fighter.
Ricky's brother Matthew Hatton is ringside and has just declared that this is the best atmosphere he has ever experienced at the MEN. Hard to disagree with him with the noise being generated.
Michael Buffer is in position. Fight time is upon us.
Senchenko begins his ring walk, to a power ballad taken which sounds like it has been taken straight from Rocky IV.
The former WBA king is taking his time to walk down the aisle, to a chorus of boos from a passionate home crowd.
Senchenko has only boxed outside of his native Ukraine 3 times in his career, this is a whole new experience for the veteran.
You have to admire Senchenko's cheek as he takes off his robe to reveal a Manchester United shirt. He looks relaxed and in confident mood.
An eerie hush descends over the MEN as Hatton stands to attention, all to the backdrop of his beloved Blue Moon anthem.
If Hatton's comeback didn't quite seem real before tonight, it certainly does at this moment. An incredible comeback greets the proud Mancunian, who looks relatively relaxed.
Buffer is in place, both fighters are in the ring and we are moments away from the first bell.
A reminder that this is a ten-round bout in the Welterweight division. Senchenko is proudly wearing his United shirt but the MEN faithful seem oblivious, they are far too busy saluting Hatton.
Senchenko is introduced to a round of jeers from the home crowd. He seems unfazed and takes the reception in his stride.
Hatton bobs on the spot as he is introduced to the 16,000 strong crowd.
Fight time is finally here guys as the two boxers receive their final instructions from the referee.
Hatton stands close to his opponent from the outset, trying to negate Senchenko's reach advantage.
Hatton wastes no time and is straight on the attack but is forced to eat a pair of neat jabs from the Ukrainian.
Senchenko is taken back by a straight shot down the middle from Hatton who tries to dig a trademark hook to the body while inside.
Hatton has started well, taking control with his usual aggressive style. Senchenko landed a pair of jabs but didn't threaten anything further. Hatton must use more head movement to create angles on the inside.
Hatton clubs a right hand over the top but his timing is slightly off and the punch misses. Senchenko looks uncomfortable fighting in close.
Senchenko gets wild and Hatton punishes with a shot to the body. The Ukrainian responds with a neat right cross.
Hatton takes his time but misses by some distance with a pair of right hands.
Another forceful round from the 'Hitman' who needs to keep up the pressure and work behind a jab to help him correct some flaws in his timing. Senchenko looks accurate but looks to have little in the way of power to force Hatton back.
Hatton lands a superb right hand for the first time in the fight before unloading with a left hook to the body.
Hatton lands again to the ribs but Senchenko throws his hands in the air to claim he is unhurt.
Senchenko takes advantage of Hatton inside to land cleanly but the 'Hitman' responds with a hook from close range. Hatton is warming to the task now.
Hatton's best round of the right so far, landing decisively on three occasions. Senchenko looks game and Ricky needs to use more head movement and footwork to avoid counters.
Senchenko lands a useful hook seconds into the fourth, a reminder he is far from out of this fight. Hatton sticks out a jab to reply, looking to load up behind the straight on the ropes.
A good shot to the body from Hatton earns an instant response form his foe. Senchenko is backed up against the ropes but recovers well.
Hatton hurts Senchenko with a strong hook but as he looks for the kill the Ukrainian throws up a defiant glare and uses his footwork to get out of danger.
Hatton is definitely ahead on the scorecards but must keep the pressure up. He misses wildly to start the fifth with a hook but makes up for that mistake with a punishing right to the body.
Senchenko has made Hattom miss regularly but has failed to establish his jab so far, the main arsenal in his attack.
Hatton missed a great deal more than he landed in that round. The 'Hitman' looked a little ragged and needs to tidy up his work and conserve some energy. Senchenko looks durable and ready to go the distance.
Halfway through the bout and Hatton needs to keep his tempo high. He starts the sixth by eating a right before falling off balance with a huge hook attempt.
Senchenko is warming to the task, sticking out his jab with more poise and presence. Hatton has definitely slowed down and isn't landing with the same authority he did in the opening three rounds.
The crowd have quietened and you can feel the tension in the MEN. Hatton ends the round with another miss and he still has it all to do in the second half of this fight.
"I've given Ricky every round but one. I just feel he is controlling the pace."
Hatton steams out to start the seventh and backs his opponent up against the ropes. A cut has opened up below the eye of Senchenko.
Senchenko lands with a nice cross before following up with a right hand. Hatton's head movement is non-existent and he can't find the target inside. Worrying times for the home crowd.
Definitely a round for Senchenko there with Hatton struggling to land consistent shots. After a brisk start Hatton has slowed down considerably. He needs to dig deep and finish the job in the final three rounds.
That's more like it from Hatton, pressuring on the inside and landing a short hook to the body.
Hatton misses wildly with a lead hook, a shot he has missed consistently with no jab to help him create the angle from close range.
Senchenko finishes the round with a superb three-punch combination to the head and body. The Ukrainian is alive and kicking in this one. Hatton is trying to hard to land the killer blow and getting outboxed as a result.
The penultimate round begins with Hatton darting inside to deliver a double jab, landing cleanly with the second shot.
Both fighters take a tumble to the floor after getting tangled up against the ropes.
Senchenko is landing the cleaner shots, particularly with a sharp left hand. Hatton is definitely feeling the pace.
Round nine ends with Senchenko landing to the body. Hatton is down and he fails to beat the count, it's all over in the ninth.
Hatton's dream has been cruelly ended by a superb shot to the body from Senchenko. He caught Hatton right to the ribs and forced him to one knee. He tried to get back to his feet but feel to to the canvas and his comeback ends with a disappointing defeat.
The replay shows Senchenko landed a sickening short shot to the body, a clever punch Hatton failed to see coming.
Hatton is back to his feet but is in tears, the MEN Arena is stunned and their favourite son is in clear distress.
Senchenko deserves all the credit for picking Hatton apart in the second half of that fight, establishing an impressive jab and landing at will in the last three rounds.
Hatton started brightly but could not maintain the head movement and tempo to required to operate at world level.
Michael Buffer delivers the verdict. Senchenko takes the victory with a ninth-round knockout.
Hatton applauds a raucous crowd with his pride dented on what in all probability will be the final time we see the 'Hitman' in the ring.
A sad end to Hatton's professional career, let's hear what he has to say.
"I thought I was four rounds up, I tried to sit down on my shots but I was miles away. I put my body through hell and I think I was winning, but I'm heartbroken."
"I was nearly there but he nailed me. I should've thought he was looking for that but that's what three years out does. I think I was doing alright but I'm just gutted."
Hatton: "I want to fight for world titles and I had to beat someone like that. There's a lot I need to think about. I was enjoying it but I was finding it heavy weather. I'll have a real serious think."
"I'll sit down with my team but I'm sick of losing. As proud a man as I am you don't know what that does to me."
Hatton looks inconsolable and that is really tough to see. A sad end to a night which promised so much.
Well there you have it, a sombre end to the night where Ricky Hatton threatened to roll back the years before crumbling to a brutal body shot in the ninth round.
Thanks for joining us here at Sports Mole and be sure to check in for live text commentary for all the big world title fights coming up in 2012.
