Ricky Hatton to Fight Eisa Al Dah in Dubai

Former world champion Ricky Hatton, age 46, is set to return to professional boxing after 13 years, facing UAE's Eisa Al Dah in a fully sanctioned, eight-round middleweight contest in Dubai on December 2. Hatton confirmed the fight via livestream after sustaining a minor eye injury at an Oasis reunion concert. Al Dah, also 46, has an 8-3 professional record and is known as the UAE's first pro boxer and a local promoter. Both fighters emphasized the bout's authenticity, distancing it from recent high-profile exhibition matches like Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson. Hatton's career highlights include world titles at welterweight and light-welterweight, as well as notable bouts against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and a brief exhibition return in 2022. The event is expected to draw significant global attention and reflects the growing prominence of boxing in the Gulf region.