Ricky Hatton confirms return to ring with fight to take place in Manchester

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Ricky Hatton is making a ring return for an exhibition bout with Marco Antonio Barrera.

The British boxing legend is set to take on the Mexican icon on July 2 at Manchester Arena. Hatton, 43, insists it is not the start of a real comeback and that the non-decision bout is just to give fans a boost after the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Manchester hero is also looking to inspire people who are suffering from mental health problems. Hatton has spoken about his own battles in the past and hopes anyone struggling seeing him in the ring will help them overcome their problems.

The exhibition bout with three-weight world champion Barrera will have no decision and will be part of a party night in Manchester that Hatton has described as a ‘concert-like night’ and neither fighter will ‘go for the kill’. He said: “I am doing this for fans who struggled being locked up with Covid.

“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.”

This will be the first time Hatton will enter the ring since he lost to Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012. That was his real comeback but he has insisted this is no comeback and an exhibition only, rather than a real fight and he won’t be looking to get a British Boxing Board of Control licence.

Meanwhile, Hatton has told old pal Tyson Fury to revert to his box and move style to break down Dillian Whyte this weekend. The Manchester boxing hero became good friends with Fury and was part of his training team for his comeback in 2018.

Will you be getting tickets to see Hatton back in action again? Let us know in the comments section.

But in his last two fights with Deontay Wilder, the WBC heavyweight champion has gone on the front foot and become an aggressive power puncher. He had been previously known as a fleet-footed move who fought behind his jab. But former world champion Hatton reckons unbeaten Fury should return to that style this weekend when he faces Whyte at Wembley Stadium.

He said: “I am delighted Dillian got his shot, he has been waiting a long time but he's got his shot now. But I do think Tyson is better in every department, he has the speed and ability.

“Tyson has been entertaining and turned into a 6ft10 Rocky Marciano in his recent fights. But I think Tyson should resort back to the old Tyson a bit and break down Whyte. If he goes at him he gives Whyte a chance.”

Tickets available from www.HattonBarrera.com.

• Boxing
• Ricky Hatton
• Tyson Fury
• Dillian Whyte

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