MANCHESTER, England — Ricky Hatton prevailed in a lopsided decision over Juan Lazcano tonight to retain his IBO light welterweight title and restart his career before a raucous home crowd.

Hatton won easily on all three judges scorecards at the Manchester City soccer ground: 120-110, 118-110, 120-108. It was his first fight since he lost a WBC welterweight bid against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in December. That was his first loss in 44 career fights.

"It was a difficult fight," Hatton said. "I've never been more nervous in boxing match in my life, all those demons were in my mind about not coming back so strong."

To the roars of the crowd of 55,000, Hatton emerged into the stadium in a fat suit — complete with "Fatton" adorning his shorts — as a self-mocking swipe at critics of his fluctuating weight between fights.

For Lazcano, it was the 33-year-old Mexican's first fight since losing a 12-round decision to Vivian Harris in February 2007 in a WBC light welterweight title elimination bout.

On the undercard, Paulie Malignaggi narrowly defended his IBF light-welterweight title with a split-decision victory over Lovemore N'Dou.

The New Yorker had his sights set on facing Hatton, but didn't establish himself as a credible challenger.

The judges scored the 12-round fight, which had no knockdowns, 114-115, 116-112, 116-113.

Mike Tyson's appearance at ringside at the end of the first round prompted a huge cheer inside the City of Manchester Stadium.