Ricky Hatton has explained how he cut out alcohol and ate sensible meals to lose 40lb for his ring return.
The British star will return to the sport after a 10-year hiatus following his retirement after defeat by Vyacheslav Senchenko. Hatton used to pile on weight in between fights during his professional career but has now lost 40lb since his exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera was announced.
Several people in the boxing world even confused Hatton for his son, Campbell, as the pair sparred to prepare for his meeting with Barerra. And the boxing legend has now revealed he has continued to push through his workouts even when he is struggling to maintain his weight loss progress.
"I like pints of beer, it has been well known, but you can't do that. I think that is the main thing with the weight," Hatton told British Boxing TV. "If you go out and have pints seven days a week you won't be walking around with a six pack. I think it is just sensible, eating the right things small and often and regular workouts. Some days I have thought 'can I have a rest day?' and then I have thought I will take my foot down on the pace and go for a run to keep a sweat on.
"I do two workouts a day so my metabolism is always racing. Cut it down on treats, I have 12 cups of tea a day normally but it has to just be a one-off. I think the best thing is the willpower, and a nutritionist is only good as the lad that advises him and I think it is all down to your own personal discipline."
Hatton had a sensational career at world-level, sharing the ring with the likes of Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao, and was followed around the globe by his loyal supporters. He will no doubt be backed by a raucous crowd when he challenges Barrera in his hometown Manchester Arena.
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Despite the prospect of fighting in several exhibitions looming, Hatton has insisted his re-appearance will be a one-off to inspire others to step in the ring. "I am doing this for fans who struggled being locked up with Covid," Hatton said. "I got a call and was asked if I would come back to do this for the fans who have been locked up for ages after Covid.
"Covid has been tough for me, for everyone. I want to inspire people who have had mental health problems, too. They can look at me and say, ‘He struggled and now look at where he is’, so they can do it too. We all know what a great fighter Marco was, no one needs to tell me, but to actually go in there and share the ring with him and find out first-hand just how good he is it's going to be a dream come true."
