07-07-2025
Ricky Hatton fan says 'wow wasn't expecting that' after boxer makes major announcement
Ricky Hatton has announced his return to the boxing ring thirteen years after retiring from the sport. Known as the 'Hitman', the boxer had a successful career winning multiple world championships at welterweight and light-welterweight.
He will fight in the UAE's Eisa Al Dah in a middleweight bout on December 2 in Dubai. The fight was announced during a show promoted by Al Dah in Dubai on Sunday, with Ricky confirming his return via livestream.
On Instagram yesterday, Ricky posted an old clip from his time as a professional. He captioned it: "Just come across this old video. Wow. This is a blast from the past."
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Hours later RingWalkMedia collaborated on a social media post with the boxer saying: "BREAKING NEWS @rickyhitmanhatton Will fight @eisaaldah in Dubai 2nd December for WBC Middleweight title!!"
There has been mixed opinions about the announcement. Dave wrote: "Don't do it Ricky, you've proven yourself in the ring, older and wiser" and Ronnie commented "Go on Ricky lad."
Ray posted "Ricky just why? Your a legend! Just leave it alone!!!" While John posted "Wow wasn't expecting that." Coronation Street's Claire Sweeney, who is the ex-partner of Ricky showed her support as she liked the post.
On livestream, Ricky explained that he was meant to be in Dubai to announce the comeback himself but was unable to make it. He said: "I wish I was there but I had a little bad injury on my eye. The main thing is the fight will take place and I can't wait, I'm really looking forward to it.
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A post shared by Ricky Hatton MBE (@rickyhitmanhatton)
"It's just one of them freakish things, I caught one of my sunglasses in my eyes and I'm very fortunate it's not done any permanent damage. It's just scraped the surface, so fingers crossed we're good to go."
Across his fifteen year career, Ricky won 45 of his 48 professional fights. He last fought professionally in 2012, suffering defeat by Ukraine's Vyacheslav Senchenko.
His next opponent Al Dah, 46, has won eight of his 11 bouts, last fought in 2021, suffering defeat by Mexico's Pedro Alejandro Delgado. Ricky was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024.
Outside the ring, Ricky is a passionate supporter of Manchester City. His entrance music was the club's song "Blue Moon" and his love the the band is one he shares with Oasis.
He was in attendance for the reunion of Noel and Liam Gallagher as they took to the stage together for the first time in over 16 years on Friday.
He posted a photo of Liam and Noel walking onto stage with their arms over the others shoulder. Ricky captioned it "You smashed it boys."
