The world of professional boxing, often a stage for unexpected turns and dramatic returns, is currently witnessing a peculiar trend: aging legends opting to step back into the competitive fray. As if the news of one iconic figure plotting a comeback wasn`t enough to stir the pot, another has now joined the list, albeit with a slightly different trajectory.
Earlier this year, the boxing community took note when Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao, a fighter synonymous with world titles and record-breaking achievements, declared his intention to not only return but target championship honors once more. Pacquiao is reportedly scheduled to face welterweight champion Mario Barrios on July 19th, a move that saw him controversially re-enter the WBC rankings, setting the stage for a high-stakes potential clash.
Now, adding another layer to this narrative of returning veterans, British boxing great Ricky Hatton has announced his own plan to compete again. Hatton, known affectionately as `The Hitman` during his decorated career, which notably included a challenging defeat against Manny Pacquiao himself in 2009, is preparing for a return after a significant hiatus from professional competition.
However, Hatton`s comeback takes a different shape than Pacquiao`s championship pursuit. The Mancunian fighter is scheduled to face Eisa Al Dah, a middleweight campaigner who also shares Hatton`s age of 46. The bout is slated to take place on December 2nd, 2024, at The Agenda venue in Dubai, which has a capacity of approximately 5,000 spectators.
This upcoming fight marks a return to the professional ranks for Hatton after a period of inactivity stretching back 13 years. His last official professional contest was in 2012, which concluded with a ninth-round stoppage loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko, prompting his retirement at the time. While he did participate in an exhibition bout against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in 2022, the newly announced contest against Al Dah is expected to be sanctioned as a professional fight.
Information surrounding Al Dah`s recent activity shows he last competed in 2021, suffering a first-round defeat. Despite his less prominent profile compared to Hatton`s former opponents, he is set to share the ring with the two-weight former world champion. Details regarding the official weight limit for the fight and the number of scheduled rounds are yet to be formally announced.
The juxtaposition of Pacquiao`s ambitious title challenge against a reigning champion and Hatton`s decision to return professionally against a lesser-known opponent after over a decade presents an intriguing scenario for boxing observers, highlighting the diverse motivations and paths taken by legends contemplating life back under the bright lights.
