In a move that has captured the attention of the boxing world, British fight legend Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton has announced his intention to return to the squared circle for a professional contest. At 46 years old, this decision adds Hatton`s name to a list of veteran fighters opting for late-career activity, notably following Manny Pacquiao, who also recently declared a comeback at the same age.
While Pacquiao`s planned return involves challenging for a world title against Mario Barrios, Hatton`s path appears distinctly different. His announced opponent is Eisa Al Dah, a fellow 46-year-old campaigner described as a limited middleweight. The bout is scheduled to take place on December 2nd at The Agenda venue in Dubai, a location previously known for hosting exhibitions.
The significance of this announcement lies in its classification: sources indicate the contest is expected to be sanctioned as a professional fight. This distinguishes it from Hatton`s previous return to action, which was an exhibition against fellow icon Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022.
Hatton officially retired from professional boxing in 2012 after suffering a knockout loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko. His storied career saw him capture world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight, earning immense popularity for his aggressive style and charismatic personality.
Eisa Al Dah, meanwhile, has an professional record that does not suggest a challenging opponent for a fighter of Hatton`s former caliber. His last recorded bout was in 2021, ending in a first-round defeat. Details regarding the official weight class and the number of rounds for the planned Dubai clash remain undisclosed, adding a layer of uncertainty to the event.
The decision for a decorated champion like Hatton to return for a professional fight against an opponent with an uninspiring recent history, particularly after a lengthy retirement and a prior exhibition, raises questions about motivations. While the passion for the sport undoubtedly burns bright for these legends, the context of such comebacks at this stage in their lives invites considerable discussion among fans and analysts alike.
As December 2nd approaches, the focus will be on the specifics of the event and the conditioning of “The Hitman.” Regardless of the opponent`s standing, a professional fight carries inherent risks that an exhibition does not, making Hatton`s latest venture a noteworthy, if perhaps peculiar, chapter in his post-retirement career.
Tristan Blackwood