Ricky Hatton announces professional comeback fight in Dubai

In the United Kingdom, British boxing legend Ricky Hatton is set to return to the ring for the first time in over a decade. After retiring in 2012 following a loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko, the former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion has confirmed that he will face Gulf fighter Eisa Al Dah on December 2 in Dubai. The matchup is notable as Hatton will not only be competing in a fully sanctioned professional bout, but also marks the 49th fight of his illustrious career which includes a stellar record of 45 wins and 3 losses. Since his retirement, Hatton has dealt with personal challenges including struggles with alcohol and mental health, which followed his high-profile losses to renowned boxers such as Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. In a recent exhibition match in 2022, he went up against Marco Antonio Barrera. Now, at 46 years old, Hatton expresses excitement about his comeback, emphasizing his mental well-being and readiness to enter the ring again. Al Dah, who is also 46 years old and has a record of 8 wins in 11 fights, expressed confidence that the bout will be an action-packed event, denouncing it as mere spectacle. The fight will be conducted over eight three-minute rounds, and a press conference was held to promote this event, with Hatton joining virtually due to a recent eye injury. His comeback has sparked a sense of anticipation among fans, as many remember his past glories and follow his journey back into competitive boxing.