HATT’S THE WAY TO BOW OUT IN FRONT OF MY FANS
RICKY HATTON claims his final farewell to his adoring supporters was “everything and more” for him. Hatton (left) rolled back the years – a decade after retiring – as he enjoyed one last dance in the ring against the legendary Marco Antonio Barrera. Hatton, 44, had the most loyal following in British boxing at his old fortress of Manchester’s AO Arena. And he says his exhibition bout there with Barrera, 48, was a fitting way to say goodbye to his fans (the pair, right).
The fight, which was not officially scored, went the distance and the Hitman said: “I got everything and more out of tonight.
“I was wondering how it would go. Me and Marco are friends, but we’re proud men, with such a big crowd getting behind the event, I thought how would it go if it got a bit heated?
“But it was good, it was entertaining.
“I’ve done loads of good things in boxing, the Kostya Tszyu fight here, all my big fights in Vegas, when they all went to watch me.
“For where I am at this stage in my life, this is up there with all of that.
“It’s nice to do this exhibition and I thank all my fans for their support.”