Former world champion to face Al Dah in December middleweight contest
Ricky Hatton will make a surprise return to the boxing ring at age 46, taking on the United Arab Emirates’ Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on 2 December. The Manchester boxing icon confirmed his comeback on Sunday, marking his first professional contest in over a decade.
The fight was announced during a show promoted by Al Dah in Dubai, with Hatton joining via livestream. Organisers say the bout is being billed as professional, although details around sanctioning or any special conditions remain unclear. Similar recent high-profile comebacks—such as Mike Tyson v Jake Paul—have featured modified rules including shorter rounds and limits on the number of rounds.
“I wish I was there but I had a little bad injury on my eye. The main thing is the fight will take place and I can’t wait, I’m really looking forward to it,” Hatton said.
“It’s just one of them freakish things, I caught one of my sunglasses in my eyes and I’m very fortunate it’s not done any permanent damage. It’s just scraped the surface, so fingers crossed we’re good to go.”
A storied career resumes
Hatton, who turns 47 in October, is one of Britain’s most decorated boxers, having held world titles at light-welterweight and welterweight. Over a 15-year professional career, he won 45 of his 48 bouts, with memorable victories over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Mexico’s Jose Luis Castillo. His only defeats came against elite opponents including Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.
His last professional fight was a loss to Ukraine’s Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012. He did return for an exhibition in 2022 against Marco Antonio Barrera, but this Dubai contest is intended as a professional match.
Al Dah set for high-profile showdown
Eisa Al Dah, 46, has a record of eight wins from 11 fights. He last fought in 2021, losing to Mexico’s Pedro Alejandro Delgado. As one of the UAE’s most recognisable boxers, Al Dah’s meeting with Hatton will draw significant regional interest.
Hatton’s comeback also follows another veteran’s return to the ring: Manny Pacquiao, 46, is scheduled to challenge WBC welterweight champion Mario Barrios on 19 July.
Dubai has increasingly positioned itself as a hub for big-name boxing events, and Hatton’s return ensures another high-profile date on the city’s growing sporting calendar.
