The undercard of Ricky Hatton's return to the ring will feature a fight between UFC legends Dan Hardy and Diego Sanchez with live performances from award-winning rap artists.
Former world champion Hatton will climb through the ropes for the first time since 2012 when he faces Marco Antonio Barrera on July 2. The exhibition bout, which is for charity, will not be scored and no winner will be announced. Hatton has dedicated the exhibition to those who suffered during Covid-19 lockdowns.
Featuring on the undercard of Hatton's exhibition is a bout between Hardy and Sanchez, a pair of UFC veterans, neither of whom have boxed professionally. Hardy was forced to retire from fighting in 2013 due to a cardiac ablation, but five years later received medical clearance to compete again.
The Brit has teased a boxing comeback and was linked to a fight with ex-UFC champion Tyron Woodley. His opponent Sanchez was released from the UFC last year after spending 15 years with the promotion.
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Sanchez headlined an Eagle FC event, a promotion owned by now-retired UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, last month but lost a unanimous decision to Kevin Lee. The 40-year-old was fighting for the first time in eighteen months.
Also on the undercard is a fight between rappers Casper Walsh and Don Strapzy. Walsh is one half of the Irish group 'Versatile' who are known for their hit single 'Ketamine'. Walsh is no stranger to fighting and has competed in several muay thai fights before.
Walsh said of the fight: "Delighted to announce I’ll be boxing in the AO Arena Manchester on the undercard of the renowned Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton and his legendary opponent Marco Antonio Barrera this July 2.
"It’s going to be an absolute spectacle and I cannot wait to step back in the ring again. Don Strapzy, let’s rock baby we put on a serious show for the fans."
Strapzy is a British rapper and YouTube star who runs his own football club called 'South East Dons'. The 31-year-old makes his ring debut against Walsh and has been training with professional boxer Shaquille Day ahead of the fight.
Award-winning grime artist Tion Wayne and Bradford-based garage group Bad Boy Chiller Crew will also be performing live at the event in Manchester. More fights will later be announced for the July 2 card.
Tickets for Hatton v Barrera are available from HattonBarrera.com
