Ricky Hatton is returning to the ring this December.
Hatton is a legendary Manchester fighter who is now 46-years-old and still closely involved in the sport as a manager, trainer and analyst.
He last fought back in 2012 when he lost by knockout to Vyacheslav Senchenko, having previously retired in 2009 after a brutal 2nd round stoppage to Manny Pacquiao, with his only other loss coming against Floyd Mayweather in December 2007.
Hatton’s most famous night came in 2005 when he beat Kostya Tszyu at home in Manchester to win The Ring Magazine and IBF world title.
Back in 2020, Hatton and Marco Antonio Barrera boxed for eight two-minute rounds as part of an exhibition, and now he his returning once more against 46-year-old Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2, with the exact rules to be announced.
Speaking on Instagram, Hatton outlined his motivation for this latest return to the ring, citing mental health as a driving factor behind the return.
“No matter how old we get in life we still have goals, ambitions, targets to set yourself. We still have to have a reason to get up in the morning. Nobody more than me for my mindset and mental health. [This is] a very good reason to give me focus and keep me healthy, not the opposite.”
Hatton then pointed to the trend of comebacks, most significantly Pacquiao, who challenges for the welterweight world title at 46 this month.
“Why did Mike Tyson fight again? Why is Manny Pacquiao fighting again? Why is Paulie Malignaggi fighting again? Why is Shane Mosley fighting again? We’re fighters, it’s what we do.
The fight is still some way off still but can’t wait to get back in training camp again, train hard and feel good. As I have all my life I look forward putting a show on again for everyone. I appreciate people’s concerns, but please trust me, I feel great and it will be nothing but great for me. Love Ricky. X”
Al Dah last fought in 2021 when he was beaten by Mexican journeyman Pedro Delgado in the first round.
