Ricky Hatton has announced he’ll return to the boxing ring, a decade after his retirement from the sport.
The Hitman, 43, has agreed to an exhibition bout against boxing legend Marco Antonio Barrera.
The Stockport-born former world champion will be back in front of his home crowd at the AO Arena this summer.
Taking place on 2 July, Hatton said the fight – his first since 2012 – is a ‘dream’.
It will be in support of mental health charity Andy’s Man Club, and the sportsman hopes it will lift spirits after the pressures of lockdown.
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Ricky Hatton has announced his return to the ring. Credit: Twitter, HitmanHatton
Hatton said: “It’s been a tough time for all of us and I’ve lost friends through mental health due to COVID.
“Now we’ve almost come out the other end it’s going to be a nice thing to do for the fans – and more like a festival than a boxing show.
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“Hopefully it can also show people what they can achieve if they just get off their sofas and put themselves out there.”
He added: “I know my days are numbered but it doesn’t matter how old you are, you still have to keep setting yourself targets to get out of bed at four in the morning and train – and that’s what I’ve been doing.”
He posted on Twitter: “I can confirm my return to the ring. Join me for a huge party night – with top music acts – in Manchester on July 2. #HitmanRises.
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“It’s not how you fall, it’s how you rise…”
48-year-old Barrera will fly into the UK for a news conference on Sunday ahead of the eight-round exhibition fight.
Hatton said: “He’s a great friend and neither of us will be taking liberties – but Marco will definitely be coming over here to try to give me a boxing lesson – and that’s where the competitiveness will kick in.
“We’ll both be putting on a show for everyone.”
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MMA stars Dan Hardy, Diego Sanchez will also feature on a celebrity-packed bill which will also feature music from Tion Wayne and Bad Boy Chiller Crew.
Tickets for The Hitman Rises, Hatton vs Barrera at the AO Arena Manchester go on sale from 10am on Wednesday 27 April.
Featured image: Twitter, HitmanHatton
Sport
Alex Sanderson summons Rudyard Kipling as Sale Sharks scrape into the semi-finals
Danny Jones
Director of Rugby Alex Sanderson referenced the famous Rudyard Kipling after Sale Sharks managed to book their place in the playoffs of this year’s Gallagher Premiership following a nail-biter of a fixture against Exeter Chiefs.
The Sharks sealed their spot in the semi-finals with a 30-26 win over the Chiefs on Saturday night, with a trio of tries, a singular pen and calmness when it came to conversions proving just enough to make it to full time.
Speaking on the narrow score at Sandy Park, Sanderson himself applauded that same composure during his post-match duties, casually quoting Kipling ahead of the next big game.
Writing on social media after nerves had just about settled, the club simply said: “Apologies for raising the heart rate, Sharks Family… but Saturday we go again.”
Beginning with an expression of that same defiant spirit that has seen them across the line on so many occasions, the 45-year-old told TNT Sports, “We got another Monday in us.”
The Sale Sharks coach went on to add: “So if you can keep your head, when everybody else is losing theirs – I think that’s the old Rudyard Kipling poem – you’re in such a better place on the back of that, knowing what we can fix from the Leicester game and what we can do better from today.”
It’s not every day you hear sportsmen calling up the poetic words of the beloved British-India writer, but it certainly impressed plenty of supporters, though Sanderson has always been popular among fans for his candour and charisma in interviews.
Ultimately, it was Rekeiti Ma’asi-White, Bevan Rodd, Luke Cowan-Dickie and George Ford that the Greater Manchester outfit had to thank for the electrifying finish
You can see how much it meant, clear as day…
Not done yet…
Thank you for your support Sharks Family, it’s truly appreciated!
Sale Sharks will now take on Leicester Tigers (who the local side finished just behind in third place following the result against the Chiefs) in the Premiership semis as they look to get revenge for previous painful meetings
Are you feeling hopeful, Sharks Family?
You can see the full highlights from Sale Sharks’ tense victory over the Exeter Chiefs down below.
Alex Sanderson channelled Rudyard Kipling and Sale scrapped like true Sharks.
Luxury Manchester gym Blok confirms permanent closure after weeks of uncertainty
Daisy Jackson
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure, weeks after the doors to the premium fitness facility mysteriously closed.
Around a fortnight ago, members began to arrive to their classes to find the gym on Ducie Street locked up and a forfeiture notice on the door – but at the time, Blok said that it was fighting to reopen.
Sadly, in an email sent to members today, its founder has confirmed that the studio is now permanently closed.
Blok – which has several very successful sites down in London – said that its relationship with its landlord has ‘broken down to a point where trust has been lost’.
The gym wrote that it’s been left with ‘no workable way forward’.
They said: “BLOK Manchester was a space built by our loyal and dedicated community. Whether you joined us for one class or one hundred, we are deeply grateful. You helped create something genuinely special in an incredible city.”
In the immediate future, they said they’ll be supporting the team of fantastic trainers who worked here, as well as looking after members.
Members will be contacted within a few hours with options and refunds owed.
Blok Manchester has announced its permanent closure. Credit: The Manc Group
CEO and founder Ed Stanbury said: “While this marks the end of a chapter, we don’t see it as the end of our story in Manchester. We’re already speaking with developers about potential future sites and remain committed to returning to the city when the time is right.
“Thank you for being part of our story so far. Let’s shape the future of wellness. The mission continues.”
Commenting on Blok’s Instagram post – its first in almost a fortnight – people have been sharing their sadness at the closure of its Manchester site.
One person wrote: “beautiful space, beautiful staff and beautiful community.”
Another said: “Sending love to all the instructors !! :(((( gutted”
Someone else commented: “THE BEST CLASSES. I’m gutted.”
Daisy Jackson -
21st April 2022 
