Ricky Hatton is back in the shape of the 'Hitman' who enjoyed such a sensational boxing career as he prepares for his comeback fight.
Hatton, 44, has had an incredible body transformation ahead of his return after a decade out of the ring. The former unified light-welterweight world champion is now ready to do battle in an exhibition bout with Marco Antonio Barrera In his first fight since his retirement following defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko in 2012.
Popular Mancunian Hatton will no doubt have the backing of his army of fans in his hometown as he returns against Barrera on the BOXXER fight card at the AO Manchester Arena.
His fight against the Mexican great Barrera had been rescheduled after it was originally due to take place in July. And he has had time to further build his fitness after a remarkable weight loss journey as he prepares for his last-ever bout.
Hatton was nicknamed 'Fatton' during his pro fighting career as he piled on weight between fights. But the Hitman has taken his return to the ring extremely seriously and trimmed down completely after overcoming the demons that caused him to put on weight after his retirement.
He lost 40lb in just two months before the first bout against Barrera was postponed in the summer, and explained how he cut out alcohol and bad food habits in order to shed weight so quickly. "I like pints of beer, it has been well known, but you can't do that," Hatton told British Boxing TV.
"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 return to the ring has prompted some concerns over his health in boxing circles, but the former world champion insists that the mental benefits he has enjoyed have outweighed such risks ahead of his comeback this weekend.
"It's gonna be a winner," he told ITV. It's given me so much for my own wellbeing and other peoples' wellbeing to say 'look where he's come from'. And - only you can do it."
