Ricky Hatton looking phenomenal after losing 40lbs in two months ahead of return

Dropping excess weight was never a concern for Ricky Hatton during a career as one of the best boxers of his generation, and the 43-year-old hasn't lost the knack in retirement.

In fact, the man formerly known as 'Ricky Fatton' may have even improved over time. Ten years on from his last professional boxing bout, the Mancunian will take on fellow retiree Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition even on July 2.

A little more than one month has passed since the match-up, which will take place at the AO Arena Manchester, was announced. But just as he was able to shed the pounds to make weight when it matters most, Hatton has undertaken his biggest challenge yet and succeed with flying colours.

"When I told people I'm doing the exhibition bout in July, which came about as an idea after I saw Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr fight in a similar bout in lockdown, they said 'absolutely no chance, you’re never out of the pub, look at the size of you, you’ll never do that,'" he told The Telegraph.

"If you tell Ricky Hatton I can’t do something I'll do it. I'm already seeing this as a complete life change. It's about exercise and diet, knowing to eat the right things, when to eat the right things. I used to be in the pub a few nights a week. Now I’m not drinking, I’ve had a couple of glasses of wine over the last couple of weeks in the house."

'The Hitman' once held multiple world titles at light-welterweight and stepped up to beat Luiz Collazo for the WBA welterweight crown in 2006. Barrera, 48, held world championships in three different weight classes and once lost to Amir Khan in Manchester due to a head clash.

Who do you think will win in Hatton's exhibition return? Let us know in the comments section.

The Mexican will be desperate for a more positive conclusion when he faces 'The Pride of Hyde' in his return to English shores.

Unlike his upcoming opponent, Barrera has experience in exhibition bouts and fought two unscored events in 2021.

It's Hatton's wish that his exhibition with Barrera will inspire some spectators.

The British boxing legend hinted it wasn't long ago that he was "depressed, wanting to kill himself, drinking, drugs, the whole lot," but he hopes his return to the ring will help serve as a reminder of what people are capable of.

"If one person turns around and we save a life and one person goes look at Ricky Hatton now what he’s done, I'm happy," he continued.

"You’re still going to get the people saying 'what’s he doing the exhibition for,' but I think it’s pretty obvious, us fighters, we’re champions."

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