Ricky Hatton's return and the road to redemption – in pictures

Hatton returns to the ring on Saturday night aged 34 and having not fought since his heavy 2009 defeat to Manny Pacquiao Photograph: Christopher Thomond

His time out of the ring has been marred by depression, a feud with his family and a drug scandal. He has therefore labelled his return to boxing as a bid for redemption Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Hatton has won 45 of his previous 47 fights, despite often ballooning in weight between bouts. Once again, he has shed the pounds for his coming fight Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Circuit training is as punishing as ever, but Hatton says the fight has given him renewed purpose Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Senchenko is one year older than Hatton and has 32 wins from 33 fights Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Hatton will concede five inches in reach and 4 inches in height to his opponent Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Despite his troubles, Hatton remains a joker in training Photograph: Christopher Thomond

He's being trained for this bout by Bob Shannon at Shannon's gym in Openshaw, Manchester Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Saturday's fight will take place at the Manchester Arena in Hatton's home city Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Hatton is not just returning for one fight; he's hopeful he can eventually reclaim a world title Photograph: Christopher Thomond

His reputation as a fighter was damaged by comprehensive defeats in the biggest fights of his career, first to Floyd Mayweather Jnr in 2007 and then to Pacquiao Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Many have questioned Hatton's judgement in returning to the ring, especially against a fighter who will provide such stiff opposition Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Hatton and his trainer Shannon make a curious but fitting partnership. Shannon, whose son died nine years ago, spends his days working as a painter and decorator when not training boxers. Hatton has been estranged from his family in recent years and was assaulted by his father the day before he announced his return to the ring Photograph: Christopher Thomond

The two have worked vigorously in readiness for Saturday's fight Photograph: Christopher Thomond

At Hatton's own gym in Hyde, branded sparring equipment lies on the floor - the hard preparatory work having been done Photograph: Christopher Thomond

Hatton is all smiles ahead of his fight, but he knows only victory can provide the sense of redemption and fulfillment he craves. "I want to beat Senchenko and win a world title," he said. "That's what I need to do to give myself an ending I can accept." Photograph: Christopher Thomond