Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera LIVE: Kaisee Benjamin challenges Dalton Smith after Frazer Clarke beats Kamil Sokołowski
Ricky Hatton #RickyHatton
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.
Hatton vs Barrera
The Hitman has used the exhibition to transform his lifestyle, enabling him to spar with son Campbell
Ricky Hatton’s ring walk before exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera
Hatton reacts after exhibition bout against Marco Antonio Barrera
Natasha Jonas defeats Marie-Eve Dicaire to become WBC, WBO and IBF super-welterweight champion
Frazer Clarke reacts to points win (60-54) over Kamil Sokolowski
Tyler Denny defeats Bradley Rea to retain English middleweight title
Dalton Smith defends British lightweight title on points over Kaisee Benjamin
Ricky Hatton reacts after exhibition bout against Marco Antonio Barrera
00:05 , Jack Rathborn
Story continues
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.”
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:58 , Jack Rathborn
Hatton with a gorgeous right in the final round.
Another chopping right, Barrera back with an impressive combination.
Both men let their hands go as the bell sounds, they hug, a moment of class and sportsmanship after that exhibition.
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Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:54 , Jack Rathborn
Into the seventh round then…
A flick of a jab and then Hatton goes through his full arsenal of shots.
Straight right now as Barrera ducks away. Hatton’s body is vulnerable to those straight counters from the Mexican.
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Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:53 , Jack Rathborn
Hatton and Barrera wrestling a touch in the sixth.
Impressive stamina from both men.
Hatton jogs in from range, high guard, bobbing and weaving, the left to the body, then whipping another around Barrera’s whiskers.
Barrera’s angles still mightily impressive though, timing Hatton well and unloads at the bell. They had some venom on them.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:51 , Jack Rathborn
(Action Images via Reuters)
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Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:48 , Jack Rathborn
Hatton left with some swelling by his right eye.
Another embrace at the start of the fifth…
Huge right from Hatton lands, Barrera takes it well!
Barrera suddenly not enjoying the pace, goes for a wander. The Mexican needs to dish out some punishment to deter the Hitman.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:47 , Jack Rathborn
Good hand speed from Hatton, but Barrera’s counter skills are still on display.
Some sneaky shots catching Hatton as he comes in.
Now the pair tie up and Hatton goes downstairs.
Barrera with a heavy straight right just as the fighters look to take a break.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:44 , Jack Rathborn
The heads almost coming together again.
(Action Images via Reuters)
(Action Images via Reuters)
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:41 , Jack Rathborn
Campbell Hatton is ringside taking in the contest.
His father with a big right chopping down and landing square on Barrera, who was shaken momentarily.
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:39 , Jack Rathborn
A veteran move from Hatton as he almost holds with the lead and then whips in the uppercuts.
The heads almost coming together, Barrera holding his ground and looking to deliver a classic one-two combination.
Hatton moving his head well, excellent reactions too.
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Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:37 , Jack Rathborn
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’s ring walk before exhibition fight
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:36 , Jack Rathborn
Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:34 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:32 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:23 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:18 , Jack Rathborn
Ricky Hatton is back and he’s up next!
Natasha Jonas reacts to win over Marie-Eve Dicaire
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:17 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:14 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:10 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:07 , Jack Rathborn
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.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:05 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 23:02 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:59 , Jack Rathborn
“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
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:57 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:53 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:50 , Jack Rathborn
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…
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(Action Images via Reuters)
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Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:46 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:43 , Jack Rathborn
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
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:41 , Jack Rathborn
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.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:35 , Jack Rathborn
Natasha Jonas enters to a big ovation in Manchester.
A huge opportunity for her here.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:31 , Jack Rathborn
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire is coming up next, here are the ring walks…
The IBF, WBC and WBO titles at 154 lbs are on the line here.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:23 , Jack Rathborn
Smith: “I’ll take a big fight at a time, I’ve had a busy year, I felt a bit flat, respect to Kaisee, he’s a very good fighter.
“You can’t stick it on people all the time, I had to use my boxing ability.”
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:23 , Jack Rathborn
Smith: “I couldn’t push the pace, I had a chest infection last week, my Dad nearly pulled me out.
“These are the fights that make you world champions, you can’t always have it all in your favour.
“I didn’t train all week. I will show how good I can box.”
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:20 , Jack Rathborn
115-114, 117-112, 116-113 all in favour of Dalton Smith.
The Sheffield man retains his British title.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:18 , Jack Rathborn
That’s it, Smith lifted up by his corner as if they know they have the win.
A big straight right in the 12th and Benjamin skipped back and only just rolled with the left hook that followed.
A good win but a fight that never really opened up fully.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:14 , Jack Rathborn
It’s the end of the 11th and Smith looks like he’s done enough to take this.
Benjamin being urged to go for the stoppage now by his corner.
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Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:08 , Jack Rathborn
Do Benjamin’s legs buckle there?
He beats his chest after taking a lovely combination in the 10th.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 22:03 , Jack Rathborn
Left to the body and then a big right upstairs, Benjamin capturing momentum and on top again in the ninth.
Smith trapped on the ropes again, that’s a Benjamin round.
Natasha Jonas vs Marie-Eve Dicaire is next of course…
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:59 , Jack Rathborn
A telling off for Dalton Smith and Kaisee Benjamin, a clash of heads upsetting the referee.
Benjamin with some good inside work, beating Smith to the punch in the eighth.
Another lead right from Benjamin, this could be his round after so many close ones that many seem to be leaning towards Smith.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:58 , Jack Rathborn
Anthony Crolla: “It’s a tight fight, I have Dalton pulling away, there’s not much in it. The extra volume and cleaner work from Dalton.
“But Kaisee is a very good fighter. I feel like Kaisee has to land something big.
“It’s got to be educated pressure.”
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:55 , Jack Rathborn
Big lead right hand from Benjamin to start the seventh!
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:54 , Jack Rathborn
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Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:52 , Jack Rathborn
Smith poised to counter Benjamin still, but this is decent pressure from the challenger.
A few right hands exchanged in the sixth, Benjamin more urgent after being told after the fifth by his corner that he “gave the round away”.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:48 , Jack Rathborn
Dalton Smith now leading off against Kaisee Benjamin, still though, we have a lot of intense waiting before the lead-off shots are thrown.
Nice jab snaps Benjamin’s head back. Smith pivots well off the jab in the fifth but then rides a nice lead left hook from Benjamin.
Still a jab contest, but Benjamin right in this fight and likely defying the 10/1 in-play odds currently attached to his name.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:44 , Jack Rathborn
This one has caught fire in the fourth!
Benjamin pouring on the pressure as Smith finds himself trapped on the ropes.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:38 , Jack Rathborn
We’ve got a close fight entering the third.
Nice competitive action as both men look to set traps with their sudden lead-off movement.
Not a lot happening, but both men using up plenty of energy as they feint and aim to counter any slight delays.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:30 , Jack Rathborn
Kaisee Benjamin with the songs and noise from the crowd.
Smith backed up immediately, nice and explosive with the low lead hand.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:28 , Jack Rathborn
Here we go then, Dalton Smith bobbing on his way to the ring to the sound of Arctic Monkeys’ When the Sun Goes Down.
Benjamin, a big Birmingham City fan, looks cool and calm, he’s done it the hard way, stepping up from area level and forcing Smith to take him on as the mandatory challenger.
But Smith is a special fighter in the making…
Frazer Clarke reacts to win over Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:19 , Jack Rathborn
“I got to show everybody a bit more repertoire, I didn’t want the six rounds, but I needed them.
“I need to go back to the gym, work harder, it’s great experience. If I was watching, there’s so much to build on.
“Keep progressing, I’m 4-0 and still learning the game.”
Tyler Denny defeats Bradley Rea to retain English middleweight title
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:19 , Jack Rathborn
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Frazer Clarke vs Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:17 , Jack Rathborn
Frazer Clarke moves to 4-0 after beating Kamil Sokolowski on points (60-54)
Frazer Clarke vs Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:14 , Jack Rathborn
Good work from Clarke, six competitive rounds to add to a resume badly lacking experience after pull-outs and injuries to opponents.
Frazer Clarke vs Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:07 , Jack Rathborn
Big swelling under Sokolowski’s eyes. There is a cut under his right eye too.
Attritional impact from Clarke, but he only has a round and a half to put away the hardened Sokolowski.
Frazer Clarke vs Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:06 , Jack Rathborn
Not many openings for Clarke and time running out to make that statement.
Sokolowski is very experienced, 11-26-3, Clarke now pivoting off the back foot and moving clockwise.
Remember we have Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin for the British lightweight title next.
Round 5 coming up…
Frazer Clarke vs Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 21:00 , Jack Rathborn
Liam Smith and Ben Whittaker taking in the action at ringside.
Into the third, can Clarke start to chip away at Sokolowski’s hardened shell.
The Pole punches out a jab or three, he dips to his right and throw it from a low angle.
Clarke now looking to vary his power and speed, still light on his feet in the third.
Frazer Clarke vs Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 20:56 , Jack Rathborn
A decent opener from the former Olympian, Clarke boxing nicely with plenty of pop in those shots.
A crisp left hook looks like the biggest threat to Sokolowski.
Now leading off with the left uppercut, Clarke faced with a puzzle here as Sokolowski covers up and gets low in round two.
Frazer Clarke vs Kamil Sokolowski
Saturday 12 November 2022 20:51 , Jack Rathborn
We’re underway!
Frazer Clarke with a mini step-up here against an experienced campaigner.
Tyler Denny beats Bradley Rea on points, defends English middleweight title
Saturday 12 November 2022 20:47 , Jack Rathborn
It’s been a cracking night of boxing in Manchester so far.
We’ve seen a brilliant domestic-level fight for the English middleweight title.
Tyler Denny defended his title on points against Bradley Rea, it’s the kind of fight we need more of, closely-matched, up-and-comers risking their ‘0’.
Extraordinary Natasha Jonas resumes ‘crazy journey’ with big-money fights on horizon
Saturday 12 November 2022 20:43 , Jack Rathborn
Natasha Jonas is possibly the most extraordinary boxer in Britain at the moment.
This Saturday in Manchester, she will fight for her third version of the world light-middleweight title in a consecutive sequence of fights that is remarkable. Some in the boxing game call it super-welter, by the way.
Jonas jumped up in weight over 20 pounds, leaping over three full divisions to win the WBO version of the title in February; seven months later she added the WBC version and on Saturday she fights Marie Eve Dicaire for the IBF version.
Back in 2012, Jonas lost at the London Olympics to Katie Taylor and, four years later, she watched the Rio Olympics from her home in Liverpool; she had retired and had a child. Her boxing days and nights were over.
Extraordinary Natasha Jonas resumes ‘crazy journey’ with big-money fights on horizon
The Independent’s pound-for-pound boxing rankings
Saturday 12 November 2022 20:36 , Jack Rathborn
The boxing landscape is arguably as intriguing as it has ever been.
The past few years have seen heavyweight epics for the ages between Tyson Fury and Deontay Wilder, they have seen Saul “Canelo” Alvarez establish himself as the face of the sport in the eyes of many fans, and they have seen frequent displays of technical brilliance from champions in lighter weight classes.
There have been upsets, title unifications, and there has been no shortage of drama – Anthony Joshua’s defeats by Andy Ruiz Jr and Oleksandr Usyk standing out as prime examples.
Ricky Hatton: ‘Sparring my son Campbell has replaced lifting the world title’
Friday 11 November 2022 16:37 , Jack Rathborn
When Ricky Hatton looked in the mirror ahead of this year’s Pride of Manchester Awards, an intense realisation dawned on him. The former world champion looked back at a man “drowning” in his suit after recently shedding almost four stone. Thoughts of returning to the man that once tipped the scales at 15 stone “scared” him, pushing him to further commit to a new lifestyle. It is one that has seen him, at 44 years of age, fall back in love with boxing and embrace the challenge of a four-round exhibition bout on Saturday against another legendary fighter: Marco Antonio Barrera.
Hatton, like many, struggled throughout the Covid pandemic and lost his cousin during lockdown.
“It never bothered me while I was fighting, because in six or seven weeks I’d be back training and it would come off anyway. I can’t keep dragging some f***er out of retirement every time I want to get some weight off,” Hatton tells The Independent. “I’ve enjoyed the compliments, people coming up to me with problems with their mental health and saying, ‘F***ing hell, Rick, I’ve been struggling with my weight and seeing you shift all that weight has made me want to.’
Ricky Hatton: ‘Sparring my son has replaced lifting the world title’