Ricky Hatton to Make Long-Awaited Return to Boxing in Dubai This December
Former world champion Ricky Hatton, renowned for his fierce fighting style, is set to return to the boxing ring this December in Dubai, marking 13 years since his last professional fight. The Manchester icon, who will celebrate his 47th birthday in October, has confirmed that he will face Eisa Al Dah on December 2.
Hatton’s last official match was in November 2012, where he suffered a knockout loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko, leaving his professional record at 45 wins and 3 losses. However, he did return to the squared circle for an exhibition match against Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, reigniting interest in his boxing legacy.
During a recent livestream, which he was unable to attend due to an eye injury, Hatton expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming bout. He stated, “I wish I could be there, but I had a little injury to my eye. The crucial thing is the fight will go ahead, and I can’t wait—I’m really looking forward to it." He explained that he had a minor incident with his sunglasses, emphasizing the injury was not serious.
Historically, Hatton has secured notable victories against legends like Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo. However, his career also includes heavy defeats by the hands of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
Eisa Al Dah, who will also turn 47 in December, is less experienced in recent years, having only fought once since 2012; he faced a knockout loss to Pedro Alejandro Delgado in 2021, bringing his record to 8 wins and 3 losses.
Hatton’s announcement follows Manny Pacquiao’s declaration of his own comeback, as the 46-year-old Filipino prepares to challenge Mario Barrios for a welterweight title in Las Vegas on July 19, 2025.