Ricky Hatton has secured a discount on tickets for his fans ahead of his exhibition return against Marco Antonio Barrera this weekend.
The boxing legend will return to the ring for the first time since retiring after losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko at the AO Arena in Manchester in 2012. The British star will appear at the same venue this weekend when he takes on Barrera in an exhibition clash, which will no doubt be watched by his army of fans in his hometown.
Hatton took droves of fans with him to every fight during his professional career including when he fought the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas. And now he has managed to lower ticket prices for his loyal fanbase after becoming concerned that many would be priced out from attending the event.
He said in a statement: "Fair play to the promoters. I was worried some of my true fans were being priced out and they’ve pulled off a sponsorship deal which makes them a lot more affordable. They've opened up a section aimed squarely at thousands of my biggest followers. It's going to be where the party's at - and they agreed to price them all at £25.
"It puts them on a par with a night out at the cinema – and we’re going to have a lot, lot more fun with one of the best value boxing cards you could find for a very long time. To be able to walk out in front of the fans again in Manchester is a dream for me. 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."
Hatton's clash with Barrera will be preceded by a full fight card presented by boxing promoter BOXXER which is topped by the unification clash between Natasha Jonas and Marie-Eve Dicaire. Also on the card YouTube star Viddal Riley will make his latest appearance in the ring, while heavyweight prospect Frazer Clarke will also be in action.
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The bill will be topped by Hatton's return against the Mexican veteran, and the Mancunian is delighted to be able to share the ring with his opponent who he considers a friend. "He's a great friend and neither of us will be taking liberties," Hatton continued when discussing what fans can expect on the night.
"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."
Tickets for the exhibition were posted on Hatton's social media channels at the new price and can be purchased here.
