Ricky Hatton has revealed how he managed to lose three stone in just eight weeks in preparation for his upcoming boxing bout with Marco Antonio Barrera. The Manchester boxing hero is confirming he will return to the ring for an exhibition fight with old rival Marco Antonio Barrera on July 2.
Hatton insists it is not the start of a real comeback and the fight at Manchester Arena will have no decision and neither man will ‘go for the kill’. It is set to be a “concert-like atmosphere” for the event.
Hatton has admitted that the his motivation to comeback was enhanced after seeing former fighters do the same in exhibition bouts over the last 18 months. Fighters returning to the ring has become somewhat of a trend over the past few years, with Mike Tyson fighting Roy Jones Jr in 2020.
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And he has even been mistaken for his own son, Campbell Hatton, during his training and weight loss transformation.
Hatton has now revealed how he lost just under three stone in just two months.
Speaking to British Boxing TV, Hatton said: "I like pints of beer, it has been well known, but you can't do that. I think that is the main thing with the weight. If you go out and have pints seven days a week you won't be walking around with a six pack.
"I think it is just sensible, eating the right things small and often and regular workouts. Some days I have thought 'can I have a rest day?' and then I have thought I will take my foot down on the pace and go for a run to keep a sweat on.
"I do two workouts a day so my metabolism is always racing. Cut it down on treats, I have 12 cups of tea a day normally but it has to just be a one-off. I think the best thing is the willpower, and a nutritionist is only good as the lad that advises him and I think it is all down to your own personal discipline."
Hatton's legendary career saw him lose only three times, with two of those defeats coming to the legendary Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather before he would come back for one more bout in 2012, but after losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko, he immediately retired from fighting. Ten years later though, Hatton, will be back in the ring once more.
When asked why he will make his return, Hatton spoke openly about his struggles with mental health issues.
Hatton's opponent, Barrera, himself retired 2011 - with his final loss of his career coming two years earlier in Manchester when he was defeated by Amir Khan.
Hatton's son, Campbell, remains undefeated in his seven professional fights - with Ricky's brother Matthew training him.
Tickets available from www.HattonBarrera.com.
