British boxing legend Ricky \"The Hitman\" Hatton is poised to make a highly anticipated return to the squared circle, stepping out of a 13-year retirement to face Eisa Al Dah in Dubai on December 2. This announcement, made at a recent promotional showcase in the UAE, has sent ripples through the boxing community, marking a significant moment for the former IBF junior welterweight and WBA welterweight champion. Hatton, a 2024 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, expressed immense excitement for the upcoming bout, viewing it as a catalyst for future boxing events in Dubai.
The eagerly awaited comeback was officially unveiled at an event organized by Al Dah in Dubai. Unfortunately, a minor eye injury sustained by the 46-year-old Hatton while attending an Oasis reunion concert in Cardiff, Wales, necessitated a virtual interaction between the two fighters. Despite this setback, Hatton remains optimistic about an in-person meeting in the near future, emphasizing his commitment to the fight and its potential impact on the local boxing scene. His record of 45 wins, 3 losses, and 32 knockouts speaks to a formidable career, and his return promises to be a spectacle.
Hatton's last professional contest dates back to 2012, where he suffered a ninth-round knockout defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko. This followed a prolonged absence from the sport after his second-round knockout loss to the formidable Manny Pacquiao over three years prior. His opponent, Eisa Al Dah, also 46, brings his own noteworthy history to the ring. As the first professional boxer from the United Arab Emirates, Al Dah, with a record of 8 wins, 3 losses, and 4 knockouts, embarked on his pro career in 2007. While he started strong with three consecutive victories, his performances outside of the UK and Dubai proved challenging, including two stoppage losses in Mexico and a split decision defeat in Florida in 2010.
Al Dah's most recent appearance in the ring was in 2021, ending in a first-round stoppage against Mexican journeyman Pedro Delgado. Since 2022, Al Dah has primarily focused on his role as a boxing promoter, successfully organizing 11 events, all held in Dubai. The upcoming clash with Hatton was announced at one of these very events, highlighting Al Dah's dual commitment as both a fighter and a promoter. He confidently stated that this fight would be a genuine display of skill and action, unlike exhibition bouts, vowing to give his utmost performance regardless of the outcome.
This impending showdown between two seasoned veterans, each with a unique narrative of their boxing journey, is poised to be more than just a fight; it’s an event that symbolizes resilience, passion, and the global growth of boxing. Hatton’s return from a long hiatus and Al Dah’s commitment to elevating the sport in his home country converge in a match that carries significant weight and anticipation for fans worldwide.