Ricky Hatton set for return to the ring at the age of 43

Callum Boyle

Hatton is returning to the ring at the age of 43

Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has confirmed he will be making a sensational comeback to the ring at the age of 43. The Manchester-born boxer will face off against Mexican icon Marco Antonio Barrera in his home city in an eight-round exhibition bout in July.

Hatton confirmed the news in a Twitter post which said: “I can confirm my return to the ring.

“Join me for a huge party night – with top music acts – in Manchester on July 2. It’s not how you fall, it’s how you rise…”

Hatton retired from the sport in 2012 following his defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko and has been a trainer ever since, however he will now be donning the gloves one more time.

His previous fight before that was in 2009, when he faced off against Manny Pacquiao, after which he initially claimed that he was retiring from the sport.

I can confirm my return to the ring.
Join me for a huge party night – with top music acts – in Manchester on July 2. #HitmanRises
Ticket info: https://t.co/k2DKZfbSSl
It's not how you fall, it's how you rise… pic.twitter.com/8MUSHXivHE

— Ricky Hatton MBE (@HitmanHatton) April 21, 2022

Barrera last fought in 2011, and ended his 75-fight professional career with a stoppage victory against Jose Arias.

In recent years, a wave of retired boxers have made their return to the ring in one way or another. One of the most famous comebacks is Mike Tyson who returned to the ring in 2020, where he faced Roy Jones Jr, with the fight ultimately ending in a draw.

The likes of Amir Khan have also made comebacks while other fighters such as David Haye also seem keen on making one last appearance in the ring.

Hatton confirmed this wouldn’t be a permanent return to the ring

Despite his return to the ring for the charity exhibition, Hatton confirmed that this wouldn’t spark a full time return to the sport.

“I am doing this for fans who struggled being locked up with Covid,” he said of his comeback.

“I got a call and was asked if I would come back to do this for the fans who have been locked up for ages during Covid. Covid has been tough for me, for everyone.

“I want to inspire people who have had mental health problems, too.

“They can look at me and say ‘He struggled and now look at where he is’ so they can do it too.”

Hatton competed in the light-welterweight division during his time as a boxer and fought 48 times throughout his career – winning 45 and losing three times.

During his career, Ricky ‘Hitman’ Hatton was regarded as one of the best British boxers and had a huge following wherever he fought around the globe.

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