Ricky Hatton wanted to return to boxing "for the thrill"
The 46-year-old boxer - who was found dead at home earlier this month - hung up his gloves in 2012 but was preparing to fight Eisa Al-Dah in December at the time of his passing, and his long-term manager Paul Speak explained Ricky wasn't looking for a full career comeback.
3 October 2025
He told Boxing News magazine: "He always said if the right offer came along he'd do it.
"He was asked if he'd want to fight Eisa Al-Dah and the WBC said they'd find a belt for it as they wanted to raise the profile of boxing in the Middle East.
"We looked at his record and saw he's a similar age. It would just be a one-off.
"He wasn't doing it for the money. It would be good for his health and he wanted to do it for the excitement and thrill and to end his career with a win."
Paul - who tragically found Ricky's body - has been touched by the number of people who have been in touch since his friend's death.
He said: "I spent a great deal or time with him and got to know him better than a lot of people.
"He would always confide in me if something was troubling him.
"He always used to say, if you have a problem, talk to someone.
"In the last few weeks, there was nothing major of concern.
"So many people have got in touch. It's so humbling to think so many people cared about him.
"I'm still finding out about all the good things he did and the people he helped."
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