Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton hinted at returning to the ring to face future boxer Rio Ferdinand.

Hatton is one of Britain's most loved boxers and also ranked by BoxRec as the best British light-welterweight of all time.

He retired from the sport in 2012 after an impressive career, which saw him become multiple world champion at light-welterweight and welterweight. Hatton is currently working as a boxing promoter and trainer, but he admits that returning to the ring to face Ferdinand is of interest for him.

The former England and Manchester United defender is currently in training under former world champion Richie Woodhall with the hope of obtaining a boxing licence and make his bow in the ring.

Known for being a Manchester City fan, 39-year-old Hatton admits that he could be tempted back into the ring to face the former Manchester United defender.

Speaking about Rio Ferdinand at the the Nordoff Robbins Boxing Dinner at the Hilton Hotel in London, he told The Sun:

“Rio’s a great lad and a boxing fan.

“He wouldn’t have taken it up if he wasn’t going to give it a go and do it justice.”

Hatton then made it clear that he would like to make a comeback and face coeval England ex-international footballer.

“I’ll make a comeback and fight him!”

Former Red Devil Ferdinand celebrated his 39th birthday in Dubai one week ago, but did not have too much of a party, as he continued to work the pads in preparation for his debut.

His trainer Richie Woodall is impressed that Ferdinand was "a totally different boxer" after just a few sessions. And it seems that hard work pays off for Rio.

"There's loads to take on, I've got homework, man," Ferdinand noted.

"This is memory and that's why the mirror is so important, where I'm looking at my stance, looking at my technique and just got to keep drilling that home."

Although Ferdinand still has a lot of work to do before he can make his boxing debut, the ex-footballer already has a long list of potential opponents to choose form.