Ricky Hatton announces boxing return against Marco Antonio Barrera at the age of 43

Former boxing world champion Ricky Hatton has announced that he will be returning to the boxing ring for an exhibition match against Marco Antonio Barrera.

As per a tweet sent out by his official account, ‘The Hitman’ will climb back into the squared circle for the first time in almost a decade on July 2. He’ll do so in his beloved hometown of Manchester at the AO Arena in front of what is expected to be a capacity crowd for the return of a true boxing great.

Hatton last fought professionally back in November 2012 when, in the same arena, he was knocked out by Vyacheslav Senchenko.

The 43-year-old finished his career with a record of 45-3, with his only other two defeats coming at the hands of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

According to the announcement, this will indeed be his last ride with the promo footage featuring the banner ‘one final assignment’.

“I can confirm my return to the ring. Join me for a huge party night – with top music acts – in Manchester on July 2. #HitmanRises. It’s not how you fall, it’s how you rise…”

I can confirm my return to the ring.Join me for a huge party night – with top music acts – in Manchester on July 2. #HitmanRisesTicket info: https://t.co/k2DKZfbSSlIt's not how you fall, it's how you rise… pic.twitter.com/8MUSHXivHE

Hatton captured a string of world championships in his career including the IBO and The Ring light-welterweight titles, whereas his opponent Marco Antonio Barrera was a three-weight world champion – most notably when he won the unified WBC and IBF super featherweight titles.

As per the official website, Dan Hardy will make his long-awaited combat sports return when he goes head to head with fellow MMA star Diego Sanchez. The latter of the two fought earlier this