Ricky Hatton reveals stance boxing return and sheds light on weight loss after Dancing on Ice stint

Ricky Hatton reveals stance boxing return and sheds light on weight loss after Dancing on Ice stint

WATCH NOW: Sports round-up as Ricky Hatton explains stance on boxing return

Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 31/01/2024

- 14:11

The 45-year-old was the first contestant to leave the ITV show

Ricky Hatton has admitted he's open to taking part in boxing exhibitions in the future - and is glad he's managed to keep the weight off.

The 45-year-old retired from the sport in 2012 after a knockout loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko.


Hatton has had to battle his demons in the years since, with the former boxing star openly admitting he's struggled with drink and drugs.

His weight ballooned as a result but he's since slimmed down and looked in great shape during his recent stint on Dancing on Ice.

Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton is open to returning to boxing for an exhibition in the future

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And Hatton has now revealed he's open to taking part in boxing fights in the future, admitting he'd be a 'fool' to not consider the idea.

"If someone did come forward for an exhibition, I'd be a fool not to consider it because of what the last one with Marco did for me, and what it did for other people," he told Instant Casino.

"It was pretty inspiring. I inspired myself and others I think, getting into that sort of condition after being overweight, depressed and suicidal.

"I've put a few pounds on since the exhibition but I haven't gone back to the old big, big, big Ricky.

"The exhibition helped me mentally and physically. I've made a conscious effort to keep the weight off, it's about doing things that are positive now and looking after myself.

“If someone turned around and said do you want an exhibition and move around with a Marcos Maidana, Miguel Cotto, Floyd [Mayweather] or Manny [Pacquiao], if something got put to me and it tickled my fancy and I thought I could benefit from it then, yes, because I don't have many exhibitions left in me, sooner or later the party ends and you've got to hang them up; boxing, fighting, exhibitions, the lot, so while we're still in the position to do it, I'd certainly be a fool not to look at opportunities.”

Over the past few months, there's been talk of a rematch involving Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

Hatton lost to both men during his boxing career.

Yet the Briton would love to see the two icons of the sport meet again, admitting he'd be intrigued by an exhibition showdown.

“I think Manny and Floyd could do an exhibition," he added.

"Their first fight was a chess match and I don't think in the rematch either would take any liberties.

"I think it would be very, very entertaining watching two of the greatest fighters ever sharing the ring and showcasing their skills one last time without seeing either of them getting hurt.

"I think people would pay to see it and I think their motivation to fight is simple case of - not being greedy for money or anything like that - but because you hold on for as long as you can, you don't want to let go of boxing because it's been such a big part of your life, it's a better drug than anything you can think of, to have that crowd roar and that adrenaline buzz that makes you feel like you're going to fall of the edge of the world as you walk towards the edge of the ring for a fight.

"I think Mayweather and Pacquiao don't want to let go of that.”

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Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton feels great with boxing star happy with his weight following Dancing on Ice stint

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Hatton was also asked about Tyson Fury's upcoming bout with Oleksandr Usyk.

The duo will do battle on February 17 with millions set to tune in to watch the action unfold.

And Hatton thinks Fury will win, insisting his size and stature will be too much for Usyk to cope with.

“I think Tyson will come through against Usyk. When you look at the speed and boxing ability of Usyk, Tyson has that too, but he's bigger, stronger, he's got the reach and size," he said.

"The only thing that might work in Usyk's favour is his size.

Floyd Mayweather Manny Pacquiao

Ricky Hatton would love to see a rematch between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao

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"Tyson's faced big lumps, big heavyweights like Wilder, Whyte and Ngannou, whereas Usyk is smaller and it's not a style Fury's had to deal with for a number of years now, so he will cause Tyson problems.

"But Tyson's shown he has heart, he can body punch - which has been a vulnerable spot for Usyk - and he can go southpaw, he's got a great defence and he can go to war with you and he’s much bigger, I think he'll pull it out down the home straight.”

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