Ricky Hatton vs Marco Antonio Barrera LIVE: Fight reaction and undercard results after Natasha Jonas and Frazer Clarke wins
Ricky ‘The Hitman’ faced Marco Antonio Barrera in an exhibition in Manchester 10 years after retiring
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.
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
Big lead right hand from Benjamin to start the seventh!
Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin
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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
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