Marco Antonio Barrera shared the ring with Ricky Hatton long after both men had retired.
Barrera held multiple world championships in three weight classes between 1995 and 2007, from super bantamweight up to super featherweight, before retiring from the sport in 2011.
Most famously, he beat Prince Naseem Hamed, but also Erik Morales twice. The Mexican star notably lost to Amir Khan, Manny Pacquiao, and Juan Manuel Marquez.
Back in November 2022, Hatton returned to the ring for the first time in 10 years to take on Barrera in an eight-round exhibition in his home city of Manchester, and though no winner was declared, both men got a huge reception.
Speaking to Boxing King Media at a recent celebration of Hatton’s life and career, Barrera spoke of the fun Hatton brought and remembered the calls they shared.
“He was a warrior, always very funny, always happy and always I remember when he was drinking, he called me in Mexico and played me [the song fans would sing to him, ‘Oh Ricky Hatton, and ‘Sweet Caroline.” OK. The next time I was drinking I called him and said hey come on, and played him Mexican music. Good friends.”
Hatton had his most famous night in the same venue where he fought Barrera in 2005, when he won his maiden world title by beating Kostya Tszyu to claim the IBF belt. Due to that performance, that same year he was recognised as Fighter of the Year by multiple organisations.
He sadly passed away in September 2025 following ongoing mental health battles. He was 46 with a record of 45 wins from 48 fights, and an army of one of the most devoted fanbases in boxing.
