Fans confuse Ricky Hatton with his son after “crazy” weight loss for ring return

Hatton, who was known for piling on the pounds in between fights, has impressed fans with his recent physique ahead of his return to the ring

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Ricky Hatton previews Marco Antonio Barrera exhibition bout

Fans have been left shocked at Ricky Hatton ‘s weight loss ahead of his return to the ring against Marco Antonio Barrera on July 2.

Hatton fights for the first time in almost a decade against fellow boxing veteran Barrera, who is best known for his rivalries with Manny Pacquiao and Prince Naseem Hamed. The exhibition bout, which is for charity, will not be scored and no winner will be announced.

The 43-year-old was nicknamed ‘Fatton’ during his career after he piled on lots of weight in between fights. Hatton has been trimming down since his fight with Barrera was announced and his weight loss has caught the attention of boxing fans. After posting several training videos on Instagram, one fan questioned the former world champion: “Where’s the belly gone?” with another commenting: “Definitely lost a lot of timber as well”

Another user mistook Hatton for his slender 21-year-old son Campbell, writing: “Wow at first glance thought you was Campbell, looking fire.” “Crazy transformation – still got it,” another wrote. ” Looking really sharp and well Ricky! There’s only one Ricky Hatton,” a fifth user commented.

Matchroom Boxing boss Eddie Hearn was also impressed with Hatton’s transformation, commenting: “Looking great Rick!” Hatton insists his return at the Manchester Arena against Barrera is a one-off, stating: “I am doing this for fans who struggled being locked up with Covid. I got a call and was asked if I would come back to do this for the fans who have been locked up for ages after Covid.

“Covid has been tough for me, for everyone. I want to inspire people who have had mental health problems, too. They can look at me and say ‘He struggled and now look at where he is’ so they can do it too.”

What are your thoughts on Ricky Hatton’s weight loss? Let us know in the comments section below

In the last two fights of his professional career, Hatton was knocked out by Pacquiao and Vyacheslav Senchenko. Barrera went out on a high winning two straight fights after his 2009 loss to Amir Khan. Featuring on the undercard of Hatton’s exhibition is a bout between UFC veterans Dan Hardy and Diego Sanchez, neither of whom have boxed professionally veterans, neither of whom have boxed professionally.

Rappers Casper Walsh and Don Strapzy will also face off. Walsh is no stranger to fighting and has competed in Muay Thai before, whilst Strapzy has never competed in any discipline.