Ricky Hatton 'sharp as f***' as boxing great rolls back years with Marco Barrera

Ricky Hatton 'sharp as f***' as boxing great rolls back years with Marco Barrera,Ricky Hatton and Antonio Barrera put on an incredible contest in front of an excited, jubilant, and maybe even emotional boxing crowd at the AO Arena in Manchester

Ricky Hatton ‘sharp as f***’ as boxing great rolls back years with Marco Barrera

Ricky Hatton turned back the clocks with a classy display in his first boxing bout in 10 years against Marco Antonio Barrera.

After ditching a zimmer frame and the help of two nurses in a classic comedy moment, the Hitman swaggered his way to the ring to the tune of Manchester City’s iconic anthem ‘Blue Moon’. He then put on a boxing masterclass against the Mexican – lacing his boots for the first time in a decade after his brutal loss to Yvacheslav Senchenko in 2012.

A raucous Manchester crowd came together to salute their hometown hero, who shed four stone in preparation to face the Mexican legend. In boxing terms, there were no winners or losers, due to the rules of an exhibition fight – yet, Hatton was the real winner, overcoming mental health and weight struggles to deliver an unforgettable night for his fans.

Read More: Ricky Hatton uses zimmer frame with nurses' help for Marco Antonio Barrera ring walk

The bout was only an exhibition by name as both fighters exchanged some fierce blows. Barrera constantly switched from an orthodox to a southpaw to keep the Hitman guessing.

However, it didn't stop Hatton from landing some huge blows in the opening rounds and showing quick feet. The Hitman was particularly dangerous when he stepped forward, particularly with his uppercut and stiff right jabs.

If there was any ring rust, it was from the Mexican who appeared to realise a shift in intensity was needed after the first four rounds. However, that did not stop Barrera from landing some huge blows on the Mancunian as well.

What did you make of Hatton's performance? Let us know in the comments section below

Ricky Hatton certainly went out on his own terms (Image: PA)

While there was no blood, Hatton’s nose became very red after the last four rounds, after taking some firm blows from Barrera, who certainly made good use of his significantly longer reach.

Incredibly, despite their ages and the fact that both fighters have not fought since 2011 and 2012, both fighters did not seem to lose any sharpness throughout the bout. In the 7th round, Hatton asserted himself with the same terrifying speed that saw him become the unified light-welterweight champion.

Barrera quickly looked to lock onto Hatton in a bit to stop the onslaught of punches coming his way. The disruption of Hatton’s rhythm served Barrera well as he was able to keep Hatton at bay with his reach and direct hits.

Ricky Hatton exchanged some huge blows (Image: PA)

Both fighters fought out a ferocious final round, exchanging some huge punches and constantly looking to smother their spaces. However, such was the intensity and the passion of the contest, it’s almost fitting that neither fighter departed the Manchester Arena as the loser.

Boxing fans certainly thought so online, with one posting "Hatton looks sharp as f***," and another adding: "What super human stuff is Hatton on? 4 stone in 14 weeks & look at him in the ring, sharp, quick!" Considering their respective journeys and endeavours to recover their fitness, both Hatton and Barrera were both winners in Manchester.