Ricky Hatton next fight: Hitman looks incredibly fit in brutal training footage

Ricky Hatton returns to the ring next month to take on Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition bout.

The former light-welterweight and welterweight world champion retired from boxing in 2012 after his defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko.

Prior to that the only two fighters to get the better of Hatton in the professional ranks had been Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao, two genuine all-time greats, giving the “Hitman” the deserved reputation as one of Europe’s greatest ever boxers.

Barrera is a former multiple world champion across three weight categories and despite the fight’s status as an exhibition Hatton is undergoing a punishing training regime to ensure he is ready for the clash.

During his peak years Hatton would often enjoy himself between fights in order to disconnect, in a similar style to current MMA star Paddy Pimblett.

However, once he had a target and got back in the gym, he was a dedicated trainer who pushed himself to the limit, and went into fights in great shape.

And it is clear that the 44-year-old still has his work ethic, judging by some videos and photos he has posted of himself in training on Instagram.

Hatton is seen working on the heavy bag, cycling on the airdyne bike, developing his explosive strength by jumping over a bar and completing weighted sled pushes.

The caption read: "Followed by my own session. Tough 8 x 3s. Going through the gears now, flat out but getting second winds/recovery rate improving rapid [sic] now."

A post shared by Ricky Hatton MBE (@rickyhitmanhatton)

Hatton's post was liked by almost to 2,500 of his followers. However, most impressively he has gained the approval of WBC heavyweight champion Tyson Fury, who shared the post with his 5.7 million followers.

Hatton's