Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera LIVE: Fight reaction and undercard results after Natasha Jonas and Frazer Clarke wins
Ricky ‘The Hitman’ faced Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition in Manchester 10 years after retiring
Ricky Hatton added to his famous story with one final dance in Manchester as the legendary British fighter shared eight rounds with Mexican Marco Antonio Barrera. The Hitman maintains the bout enabled him to transform his lifestyle, lose weight and gain a better grasp of his mental health.
With no judges for the exhibition, the pair, friends away from the ring, embraced to much fanfare from those in attendance. The famous band and iconic songs immediately showered Hatton after his Blue Moon ring walk.
And Hatton displayed neat skills and a surprising amount of venom in his punches, while Barrera gave as good as he got, bruising up Hatton’s right cheek with both men retaining a degree of honesty despite an obvious lack of mean intentions compared to their spiteful days as professionals while competing for world titles.
Hatton was thrilled by the result: “Everything and more, I wondered how it would go, we're friends, but we're proud men. I thought it might be heated, it was good and entertaining, everything we wanted. When I won my world title here, my fights in Vegas, brilliant, I’ve done so many things, but this is up there with the best.”
Natasha Jonas won the world title earlier in the evening, edging out Marie Eve Dicaire on points to spark conversation over a super fight in 2023.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Hatton on the front foot, ‘one Ricky Hatton’ is loudly heard, the trumpets too...
Hatton coming in low, a trademark lunge as he looks to slice through Barrera.
A nice opener, both men looking to throw enough, while breaking down what is coming their way.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Now time for Hatton to be announced, rocking back on the ropes, wearing sky blue and white.
The Hitman looks emotional, gazing into the crowd, a little shuffle and shadow boxing.
He acknowledges the crowd with a glove raised.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Incredible to see the Hitman walk to the ring one last time as Blue Moon rings loud.
Barrera is first to be announced, the Mexican legend has barely stopped smiling.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
The fighters are preparing for the ring walks.
An electric atmosphere in the arena awaits, Manchester looks to celebrate ‘The Hitman’.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Ricky Hatton is back and he’s up next!
Natasha Jonas reacts to win over Marie-Eve Dicaire
Jonas: “I’ll go away and have a good holiday, watch my stablemate Paul in Japan.
“Then we’ll go into 2023 and see what happens, I’ve not had a break since last year. But I’ll come back and discuss my options.
“I knew I had to perform tonight, I had to perform, I did that, the options are still on the table.
“Claressa could be an option if she can come down to the weight again, there’s McCaskill too.”
Natasha Jonas defeats Marie-Eve Dicaire
Natasha Jonas: “You’re never happy with your performance, you go back and get better, but I won, it was quite clear.
“She was No 1 in the division but I’ve established myself as champion.
“I knew she was tough, I worked with some of the toughest southpaws in the game.”
Natasha Jonas defeats Marie-Eve Dicaire
Natasha Jonas defeats Marie-Eve Dicaire on points and becomes the WBC, WBO and IBF super-welterweight champion of the world!
The judges all sided heavily with Jonas: 100-90, 98-92, 97-93
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Jonas slowing in the last round and Dicaire looks to be comfortable at this pace.
Digging to the body as Jonas is caught on the ropes.
Dicaire swinging for the ropes as we close out the 10th round. We go to the scorecards, Jonas made it more difficult at the end, but should have done enough.
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