Pacquiao, known as 'Pac Man', has had 72 fights and won 62 of them. He last fought in 2021, losing to Yordenis Ugas. After trying to get into the Paris Olympics 2024, he's now set for a big fight. On July 19, he'll face Mario Barrios for the WBC Welterweight Championship at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Hatton, nicknamed 'The Hitman', is taking a different route. He'll fight Eisa Al Dah on December 2 in Dubai. This comeback is more about getting fit and feeling good. Hatton last fought as a pro in 2012, losing to Vyacheslav Senchenko. He's recently had an exhibition match with Marco Antonio Barrera.
Pacquiao had some kind words for his old rival. He told Covers:
"It's good for Ricky Hatton [that he's making a comeback] because when I saw him he gained a lot of weight. He gained a lot."
These two have a history. Back in 2009, they fought in Las Vegas. Pacquiao was the big favorite and showed why. He knocked Hatton down twice in the first round and stopped him in the second. Hatton was the IBO light welterweight champ at the time. The win made Pacquiao one of only two men to win world titles in six different weight classes. He went on to win titles in two more.
Now, years later, both men are lacing up the gloves again. Pacquiao's going for another world title, while Hatton's taking a gentler path back to the ring. It's an unexpected turn for these boxing legends, but they're not done yet.