Ricky Hatton confirms he is open to sensational boxing return to take on Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera in exhibition bout

Ricky Hatton has confirmed he is open to a sensational return to boxing at 43 following reports he could fight fellow great Marco Antonio Barrera later this year.

Hatton, a two-weight world champion and one of the most popular fighters of his era, retired from the sport in 2012 having provided British boxing fans with countless memorable nights over the years.

A decade on, The Sun report there have been talks for an exhibition showdown with 48-year-old Barrera.

Barrera is himself a three-weight world champion and a legend of Mexican boxing having hung his gloves up in 2011.

While Hatton says no deal has been agreed, he admits he is open to offers to return to the ring after watching Mike Tyson and Roy Jones Jr impress and come through unscathed in their exhibition bout in November 2020.

‘Since the Tyson vs Jones Jr fight came off, I’ve been saying if anyone approaches me, I would always look at it,’ Hatton told Metro.co.uk.

‘At least everyone knows what it is, it is an exhibition and nothing more. A competitive move-around. If anyone wants to approach me then I would be up for it.

‘People have asked me the question and I wouldn’t be adverse to it if one of my heroes comes forward.

‘We haven’t heard anything yet, I don’t know if anyone is in the planning of approaching me. But I would have no problem doing it.

‘It is straight forward answer – I would of course consider having a little move around with a Marco Barrera or a Juan Manuel Marquez or someone like that.

‘But up to now nothing has been forthcoming – but I’m not saying I’m not up for it.’

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