Ricky Hatton: In his illustrious boxing career, Ricky Hatton ranked his exhibition fight with Marco Antonio Barrera among the best moments.
After a 10-year layoff, the 44-year-old former super-lightweight and welterweight world champion entered the ring in his hometown of Manchester on Saturday night to take on Mexican legend Barrera in an eight-round match that had no winner or loser.
Hatton’s hometown fans gave him a rousing welcome and supported him throughout the fight as he and former three-weight world champion Barrera, 48, put on a great show for spectators in the arena and watching on television.
Hatton’s career highlights include sparring with legends Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., winning the IBF world title at the same stadium in 2005 against Kostya Tszyu, and he thinks his fight with Barrera on Saturday will rank similarly.
Hatton said to Sky Sports, “I’ve done so many things in boxing; Vegas, the Kostya Tszyu fight here all those years ago, Mayweather, Pacquiao – great times.
“However, doing that with my friend and hero Marco Antonio Barrera is up there with the rest of it, especially in light of what I’ve been through and the fact that I’m 44 years old. With what I’ve done here, I truly feel like I’ve accomplished something.
“He is a gentleman and a legend, and I feel honoured to have met him. All those years ago, I ran into him in the hotel lobby in Las Vegas and asked, “Will you walk me into the ring?” We remained in touch and remained friends after I helped him into the ring and after he handed me the boxing shorts he wore.
“Even if we don’t talk every week, I still consider him to be a true friend and a friend for life. What a fighter, and what a nice guy with a nice family.
Hatton underwent a rigorous training regimen to get in shape to take on Barrera, and the day before the exhibition, he weighed in at 11st 6lb.
Although he has struggled with mental health issues since retiring as well, preparing for this fight gave him fresh motivation, and he is overjoyed with how it turned out.
The build-up, entering the ring, hearing the cheers of the fans, seeing my parents and all of my friends and relatives, and everyone who has been there from the beginning, are all fantastic, Hatton said.
Even Sky employees have been filming and taking pictures of me since I made my professional debut at the age of 18 and until my last dance at the age of 44.
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