Ricky Hatton’s Return to the Ring
Ricky Hatton, the renowned British boxer, is poised to make a sensational ring return on December 2, 2025, when he faces Eisa AlDah, a prominent figure in UAE boxing. This electrifying match, dubbed “Destiny in the Desert,” is scheduled to take place at The Agenda in Dubai Media City and coincides with the celebration of the UAE National Day.
Significance of the Match
At 46 years old, Hatton is a beloved former world champion, known for his memorable bouts against boxing legends like Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Eisa AlDah, hailed as the first professional boxer from the UAE, has played a significant role in advancing Arab representation in the sport.
Event organizers have highlighted the significance of this match, which is touted as a continuation of boxing history against the vibrant backdrop of Dubai’s National Day festivities. Hatton made the announcement via an Instagram post, showcasing his Manchester heritage with the phrase,
“Hitman, Blue Moon and Get Up There Boy.”
Statements from Eisa AlDah
AlDah expressed enthusiasm for hosting the event, emphasizing its national importance, stating,
“We are proud to host this amazing battle on the UAE’s 54th National Day, bringing together Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton and Eisa ‘The Arabian Warrior’ AlDah for a memorable clash.”
Concerns About Hatton’s Comeback
Despite the excitement surrounding this comeback, some are wary, considering that Hatton has not fought officially since his 2012 defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko. His last appearance in the ring was in 2022, during a non-sanctioned match with Marco Antonio Barrera, which garnered positive reception due to both fighters’ impressive condition for their age. With Hatton’s former rival Manny Pacquiao also planning a return, questions about the Briton’s intentions in the sport are beginning to arise.
Updates from World Boxing News
World Boxing News is currently working to ensure clarity on whether the upcoming bout will be recognized as an official match or an exhibition event, providing updates as new information becomes available.
Phil Jay, a seasoned boxing journalist with over 15 years of experience, continues to lead coverage of significant events in the sport as the Editor-in-Chief of World Boxing News.
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