Ricky Hatton 'set for boxing comeback' against Mexican legend Marco Antonio Barrera

Ricky Hatton is set to make a make a shocking return to boxing after reports have emerged that he's in 'advanced talks' to fight the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera.

Hatton, 43, has not fought since 2012, which even then he had come back from his original 2009 retirement after being knocked out by Manny Pacquiao.

The Manchester fighter is now set to don his boxing gloves once again though, as he's prepared to agree a deal to fight the legendary Mexican boxer Barrera.

Barrera himself retired 2011 - with his final loss of his career coming two years earlier in Manchester when he was defeated by Amir Khan.

But now, according to a report from The Sun, Hatton and Barrera will box in an exhibition bout.

Reports suggest that negotiations are yet to be completed but have progressed to an 'advanced stage'.

Over the past few months, Hatton had been seen boxing training, and appearing in the ring alongside his son, the promising young boxer Campbell Hatton.

Hatton had been a fans' favourite during the peak years of his memorable career - with standout victories over Kostya Tszyu, Jose Luis Castillo and Juan Urango, whilst also giving Floyd Mayweather Jr a tough fight.

Barrera meanwhile, previously fought Manny Pacquiao, Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales - winning 67 of his 75 fights.

Fighters returning to the ring has become somewhat of a trend over the past few years, with Barrera contesting two exhibitions bouts in the last year.

Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield and Roy Jones Jr have also fought in exhibition bouts.

Hatton has previously spoken fondly of making an exhibition return and believes that it gives former fighters a chance to showcase their skills for new fans.

Hatton said in the Metro: "I am all for these dream