Former world champion Ricky Hatton is poised for a significant return to professional boxing, announcing a fight scheduled for December 2nd in Dubai. The Manchester native, set to turn 47 in October, confirmed he will face Eisa Al Dah, marking a return to the ring over a decade after his official retirement from professional competition.
A Return After More Than a Decade
Hatton last competed professionally in November 2012, ending his career at that time with a record of 45 wins and 3 losses following a defeat. While he did participate in an exhibition bout against fellow legend Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, the upcoming Dubai event is billed as a professional fight, reigniting speculation about the motivations behind such a long-awaited comeback.
The Opponent: Eisa Al Dah
His opponent, Eisa Al Dah, also brings a narrative of reduced activity. The UAE fighter, who is just two months younger than Hatton, holds a professional record of 8 wins and 3 losses. Intriguingly, Al Dah has also fought only once professionally since 2012, a loss in 2021. This matchup features two veteran competitors stepping back into the professional fray after extended periods away, creating a unique dynamic.
Minor Setback Ahead of the Fight
During a recent livestream where the fight was confirmed, Hatton explained his absence from the initial announcement event was due to a minor eye injury. He clarified that the issue, caused accidentally by his sunglasses, was superficial and not a cause for long-term concern, expressing confidence that it would not hinder his preparation for the December date. He described it simply as “one of them freakish things,” a minor inconvenience on the road back to the ring.
Reflecting on a Storied Career
Hatton`s prime saw him capture world titles in two weight divisions, becoming known for his relentless pressure and popular, aggressive style. He secured memorable victories against formidable opponents such as Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, solidifying his place as one of Britain`s most celebrated boxers. His career also included high-profile bouts against all-time greats Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, encounters that cemented his status in the sport`s modern history.
The Veteran Comeback Trend?
This announcement places Hatton among a small group of high-profile boxing veterans considering or executing returns to the sport years after initially retiring. Manny Pacquiao, another former opponent of Hatton, recently announced his own comeback plans for a fight in July, suggesting a potential, albeit niche, trend of experienced fighters returning to the spotlight years after stepping away. Whether this represents a genuine shift or merely individual decisions remains to be seen, but it certainly adds intrigue to the boxing landscape.
Anticipation Builds for Dubai
The December 2nd event in Dubai is set to be a focal point for boxing fans curious to see how Ricky Hatton performs after such a prolonged absence from professional competition. The fight against Al Dah, a similarly inactive veteran, raises questions about ring rust, conditioning, and the sheer will to compete at an advanced age in a demanding sport. It represents another chapter in the unpredictable world of boxing comebacks, offering a blend of nostalgia and curiosity about what these seasoned athletes have left to offer in the squared circle.
Murray Blackwood