Ricky Hatton is putting his gloves up once more this weekend in an exhibition bout with Mexican legend, Marco Antonio Barrera. Should he get a taste for it, there’s another fighter he would consider stepping through the ropes for.
Hatton, who retired as a professional with a record of 45 winds from 48 fights, has cited weight loss and mental wellbeing as two reasons behind his return to the ring, as well as the desire to hear a home crowd once more. Former three-weight world champion, Barrera, seems like the perfect dance partner. The two were friends throughout their careers, even walking one another to the ring on some occasions.
Whilst Hatton’s runaround with the 75 fight veteran will please the Manchester crowd, there’s another name floating around that he would consider facing in the future. ‘The Hitman’ spoke to Sky Sports about reigniting his rivalry with Floyd Mayweather.
“I think I’d have to look at it, absolutely. To share the ring with Floyd Mayweather again would be something else. But people say to me ‘would you be interested in doing another one?’ And I’m thinking hang on a minute – let’s get the first one out of the way before I start making a decision.”
“But if the phone call came for someone like a Mayweather then I’d definitely look at it. What it’s done for my own well being, what it’s done to inspire others well being; I can’t say it’s been a bad thing.”
“I’m going to get to hear the crowd one more time in the Manchester Arena, share the ring with Marco Antonio Barrera – it’s going to be exciting.”
Hatton’s outing against Barrera in Manchester will be broadcast on Sky Sports, whilst Mayweather will also be stepping through the ropes just a day after in Dubai. The American great will face YouTuber, Deji, in his latest exhibition.