Ricky Hatton’s agent, Paul Speak, is playing down fresh newspaper reports in the UK suggesting the former two-weight holder from Manchester, England, plans to make a comeback with a title shot at old rival and WBA welterweight holder Paulie Malignaggi.

The Daily Star stated on Wednesday that 33-year-old Hatton will come of out retirement in November to face American Malignaggi, whom he defeated at junior welterweight in 2008.

But Hatton Promotions spokesman Speak insists there is no substance to the latest stories surrounding the Hitman’s possible return to the ring, even if he did not rule out the idea completely.

“People are speculating but Ricky is just keeping fit and has not made any decision on a comeback. There’s no story,” Speak told Sky Sports News.

Hatton (45-2, 32 knockouts) officially hung up the gloves just over a year ago, while confessing he had become suicidal and turned to alcohol and drugs in the wake of the crushing final chapter in his career – a second-round KO at the hands of Manny Pacquiao in May 2009 .

Having conquered those personal demons following a spell in rehab, it seemed the ever-popular former RING 140-pound champion, whose only other loss came against Floyd Mayweather Jr., would be content to focus on training and promoting fighters with Hatton Promotions.

Yet in recent weeks rumors that Hatton feels he has unfinished business in the ring and is back in full training have surfaced — and refused to go away.