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.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Not enough snap from Dicaire as Jonas covers up nicely.
Dicaire bleeding and bruised up around the nose and mouth.
A big left lands on Jonas, Dicaire keeps coming.
“Get yourself together, you’re coming down to her level,” says Gallagher in the corner.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
The ponderous Dicaire lumbers forward with Jonas aiming to deter her with flashy combinations.
But she’s tough and keeps marching forward.
The quality and accuracy is all on Jonas though as we log an eighth round in this world title fight.
A left hook lands on Dicaire as the round ends, blood pouring from her nose, is it broken?
Liam Smith remains coy over Chris Eubank Jr rumours
“She’s ahead, but it’s a tough fight. I think Jonas is pulling away.
“Hopefully we can announce something in the next couple of days.
“Hopefully we can get that across the line. I can’t keep a lot of secrets, but it should be done and announced soon.”
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Jonas still on top, but the size is having an effect on the flow of the fight, as the momentum moves towards the Canadian.
Jonas then lands a left off the ropes in the seventh.
Now Jonas attacks the body, Dicaire doesn’t seem to be able to read her opponent, too slow.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Dicaire with some joy finally, she unloads on Jonas, who is trapped on the road momentarily.
It’s scrappy at times with some inside work to finish up the round.
But a sign that Dicaire can impose her physicality and as the fight heads to the later rounds, that could prove crucial.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Jonas being given a telling off by Gallagher in the corner.
He says she let the round slip away.
But there was a good straight right that rocked Dicaire. To the fifth...
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Jonas jabbing well and blocking the combinations coming her way from Dicaire.
Dicaire is looking to throw plenty of feints as she comes in.
But her reflexes are poor, Jonas able to land cleanly when she wants.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Jonas the quicker fighter here and coping fine with the size disadvantage so far.
The Briton whips in a power combination to get the crowd on her side at the end of the second.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
A big first round for Jonas!
Speed is her friend tonight, a few lightning lefts find a home early.
Dicaire aiming to load up and get close, with her greater size the key to victory.
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