Kell Brook has confirmed that he will return to the boxing ring on February 13 in Dubai, dedicating his comeback fight to the late Ricky Hatton.
The former world champion announced that his bout against Eisa Al Dah will take place at the 15,000-seat Dubai Media City, with the event held in tribute to the British boxing legend, who was found dead at his home in September at the age of 46.
Hatton had been due to face Al Dah in a charity exhibition bout in December, marking his own return to the ring, before his sudden passing shocked the sporting world.
Brook, a long-time admirer of Hatton, will now step in to honour his memory.
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The Sheffield-born fighter, a former IBF welterweight champion, retired in 2022 after defeating long-time rival Amir Khan in their highly anticipated grudge match.
Brook stopped Khan in the sixth round in Manchester, closing out his career on a high before walking away from the sport.
His return to action will end a near three-year absence from competition.
Kell Brook has confirmed that he will return to the boxing ring on February 13 in Dubai, dedicating his comeback fight to the late Ricky Hatton
|PA
Brook, now 38, said the decision to fight again was motivated by respect and affection for Hatton, whose career and struggles he said he deeply related to.
Following Hatton’s death, Brook wrote a heartfelt tribute on social media: “I’ve needed a day to digest the heartbreaking news of the passing of British boxing icon and legend Ricky Hatton, who inspired me and many others in and outside of the ring.
“This hits me hard because I felt a real connection and understanding of Ricky.
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Kell Brook paid an emotional tribute to Ricky Hatton following his tragic death
| PA“I could relate deeply with his struggles with addiction and depression.
“Both of us, just kids coming from a council estate who found boxing and were fortunate enough to be successful in it.
“However with that success and the highest of highs can come the lowest of lows, only a handful of people can truly understand.
“The struggles outside of the ring and when the bright lights are no more are the battles no one sees.
“We have lost not only a legend in boxing but also a legend in life who would do anything for anyone. My condolences to all of his loved ones. There is only one Ricky Hatton. If anyone is struggling, talk to someone. You are not alone.”
Brook’s opponent, Al Dah, a Dubai-based boxer with a record of eight wins and three defeats, last fought four years ago.
Ricky Hatton's funeral took place earlier this month
|PA
He also paid tribute to Hatton following his death, saying: “My deepest condolences go out to his family, friends, fans, his fighters, and to the boxing world as a whole.”
Brook’s decision to return has put to rest months of speculation linking him with various opponents, including potential high-profile fights against Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn.
There had even been reports that he might cross over into bare-knuckle boxing, following in the footsteps of James DeGale and Paulie Malignaggi, but those rumours have now been dismissed.
The former champion has spent much of his time since retirement focusing on family life. Earlier this year, he welcomed a son, Ezerra Ray, with Australian former world champion Ebanie Bridges.
His comeback, however, marks a deeply personal moment rather than a pursuit of titles or fame.
Hatton, remembered as one of Britain’s most beloved fighters, left behind his son Campbell, daughters Fearne and Millie, and granddaughter Lyla. An inquest later confirmed that he was found hanged at his home in Hyde.
Anyone who is in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of suicide can call the Samaritans anonymously for free from a UK phone on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.