Ricky Hatton admits he has reversed his retirement for the sake of his mental health.
The 46-year-old stunned the boxing world over the weekend by announcing that he will return to the ring on December 2 in a professional boxing bout against 8-3 pro Eisa Al Dah, 46, in Dubai.
Simon JonesHatton is making a comeback following a 13 year hiatus[/caption]Hatton hung up his gloves in 2012 after falling to a knockout defeat against Ukraine’s Vyacheslav Senchenko.
It marked his second consecutive stoppage loss following a two-round blowout at the hands of Manny Pacquiao three years prior.
In retirement, the former two-weight world champion battled with suicidal thoughts, and turned to drink and drugs.
But Hatton says that his upcoming clash with Al Dah has provided him with added purpose and drive.
Explaining his decision to make a comeback, Hatton wrote on social media: “Just a quick statement at how excited I am to be putting the gloves on again on December 2nd in Dubai.
“I always said after my exhibition a couple of years ago against Marco, if another opportunity came up, I’d always look at it and weigh up the pros and cons.
“I have done, and this is a good and sensible fight for me.
“I’m 47 years old, not unlike my opponent, I’m not 58 years old.
“I’m not going into world level or straight into a world title fight.
“I know I’m no longer at world level these days. But I have the good sense to know what fights are good for me and what fights are beyond me.
Hatton last fought professionally in 2012 in losing effort to SenchenkoGetty“No matter how old we get in life, we still have goals, ambitions, targets to set yourself.
“We still have to have a reason to get up in the morning. Nobody more than me for my mindset and mental health.
“There’s a very good reason to give me focus and keep me healthy, not the opposite.
“Why did Mike Tyson fight again? Why is Manny Pacquiao fighting again?”
“Why is Paulie Mallanagi fighting again? (Bare knuckle) Why is Shane Mosley fighting again?
“We’re fighters, it’s what we do. The fights still some way off still but can’t wait to get back in training camp again, train hard and feel good.
Instagram - Ricky HattonHarron will fight Al Dah on December 2[/caption]“As I have all my life I look forward putting a show on again for everyone.
“I appreciate people’s concerns, but please trust me, I feel great and it will be nothing but great for me. Love Ricky. X”
It’s certainly not Hatton’s first comeback, having chosen to return in the past.
He famously fought in an exhibition in 2022 against Marco Antonio Barrera, to get a perfect send-off in Manchester.
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