Australian Michael Katsidis hopes to fight Ricky Hatton in Manchester later this year, according to Katsidis's manager-trainer Brendon Smith.

Ricky Hatton has not announced his retirement and is rumoured to be keen on one more fight in his home city.

"I believe we can make it happen, but it's Ricky's call if he wants it," Brendon Smith said.

"There were discussions well before the Hatton-Pacquiao fight and we're still interested. We haven't thrown Michael's name up as a challenge to Ricky because of his loss to Pacquiao, we had talks with [Hatton's promoters] Golden Boy a long time before."

"We're still available if they want to do the fight in Manchester. So we're just waiting to hear the decision on Ricky's future. But we need to make a move soon because we want Michael to fight before the end of the year."

Hard-hitting Katsidis, 28, has two defeats from 27 fights, including 21 knockouts, although he has fought most of his career at lightweight.

He sparred with fellow Aussie Kostya Tszyu before Tszyu's defeat to Hatton in 2005, and has fought on British soil before, retiring former British lightweight champion Graham Earl in a brutal encounter at Wembley in February 2007.

The devastating nature of Hatton's defeat to Pacquiao has led many supporters to call for the hit-man's retirement.

Oscar de la Hoya, head of Golden Boy Promotions, said Hatton could "still have a bright future" in the sport.

"It doesn't have to be the end. Ricky's young and still has what it takes," added six-weight world champion De la Hoya, who retired after being beaten by Pacquiao last December