Ricky Hatton had a return to the ring scheduled in Dubai for December 2 before he died in mid-October and a tribute to the legend will now take place instead
Kell Brook is due to replace the late Ricky Hatton and fight Eisa Al Dah on a boxing card in Dubai next year. Hatton was set to fight the ‘Arabian Warrior’ on December 2 – Eid Al Etihad, when the United Arab Emirates celebrate their unification – before his death in mid-October.
‘Destiny In The Desert’ was cancelled after the Manchester favourite died. However, it will now take place on 13 February, headlined by Brook ‘s first fight in four years.
The event’s promoter The Agenda now says it will be an evening honouring and featuring tributes to Hatton. It is also said that the event will support The Ricky Hatton Foundation, formed in the aftermath of his death to support people with mental health conditions.
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Fighters from Manchester are also due to feature on the undercard up against UAE residents. Celebrity guests are also said to make up the card, while further details will presumably emerge at a press conference scheduled for 29 October.
Brook last fought in February 2022, finally facing Amir Khan and in turn beating his long-time rival at Manchester Arena by TKO in the sixth-round. The former IBF welterweight champion retired two months later in an interview with the Telegraph, claiming: “I’ll never box again.”
Asked about a future comeback at the time, Brook said: “I just don’t see it. It’s not there any more,” having also revealed: “My heart’s no longer in it, I’ve got nothing left to prove.”
However, in September, his long-term trainer Dominic Ingle claimed the Sheffield man had been approached about making a comeback. Ingle told Boxing King Media: “He’s been offered money to be in the bare-knuckle boxing [Bare Knuckle Fighting Championship, BKFC].”
Brook is now set to return as part of a tribute to Hatton. He shared an emotional statement on social media after the 46-year-old’s death.
“I’ve needed a day to digest the heart-breaking news of the passing of British boxing icon and legend Ricky Hatton who inspired me and many others in and outside of the ring,” it began. “This hits me hard because I felt a real connection and understanding of Ricky, 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.
“I mourn this loss with the rest of the world. My condolences to all his loved ones. There is only one Ricky Hatton. If anyone is struggling, talk to someone. You’re not alone.”
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, saving members £192 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games next season, an increase of up to 100 more.
