Ricky Hatton: Former world champion in talks over comeback fight against Marco Antonio Barrera at the age of 43 | Boxing News

Ricky Hatton is in talks to make an incredible return to the ring at the age of 43, a decade on from his last professional bout. 

Sky Sports understands the former two-weight world champion is discussing the possibility of an exhibition clash against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Hatton was last seen in action in November 2012 when he suffered a ninth-round knockout against Vyacheslav Senchenko, while the 48-year-old Barrera stepped away from the sport after being stopped in the second round by Jose Arias in February 2011.

The British fan favourite has stated publicly in the past he would consider a return to the ring, having seen the likes of Mike Tyson, Roy Jones Jr and Floyd Mayweather come out of retirement to fight in high-profile events.

Hatton has been training at his gym in Hyde, where he now also oversees a number of young fighters including featherweight Ibby Nadim, who will feature on the undercard of Amir Khan and Kell Brook’s grudge match at Manchester Arena.

The Hitman finished his career 45-3 with 32 knockout victories, famously taking Mayweather 10 rounds in December 2007 as well as taking on Manny Pacquiao in 2009. He was knocked out in the second round against the latter in what would mark his penultimate fight before retiring.

Barrera is well known in the boxing world having strung together an impressive career that saw him clinch multiple world titles in three-weight classes.

He was twice beaten by Pacquiao, the first an 11th-round stoppage in 2003 and the second by unanimous decision in 2007.

Sky Sports Boxing schedule

Saturday February 19 – BOXXER in Manchester
Amir Khan vs Kell Brook
Frazer Clarke’s pro debut

Saturday February 26 – BOXXER and Top Rank in Glasgow
Josh Taylor vs Jack Catterall – undisputed super-lightweight titles
Nick Campbell vs Jay McFarlane – Scottish heavyweight title

Saturday March 5 – Top Rank in Fresno
Jose Ramirez vs Jose Pedraza