Ricky Hatton won.
Ricky “Fatton,” as some call him because of his tendency to gain weight between matches, returned to combat form while participating in his exhibition with Marco Antonio Barrera on Saturday in Manchester, England.
Hatton, 44, reportedly lost 40 pounds for her first time since last sanctioned in 2012.
The former 140-pound champion is said to have faced off against Barrera in July. However, the meeting was adjourned when underdog Hughie Fury withdrew due to injury.
“When I first took part in training the first one [in July] Obviously I look like a white whale again,” Hatton said. “Once I started working out and keeping the weights the same, I started getting a lot of feedback.
“They say, ‘If you can lose weight at 44…. I love inspiring people. I have enjoyed it for my own health. When the fight was adjourned, I continued training through the next training camp.
“I think everyone loves Ricky Fatton [but] I think Ricky Fatton is gone. It took me 44 years to get it. The days when I was flying are behind me now. “
Hatton said he gave up alcohol and junk food to lose weight.
“I love the pints, it’s well known, but you can’t do that,” Hatton said British Boxing Television. “I think that’s the main thing with the weight. If you go out and eat a few pints seven days a week, you won’t go around with a six pack.
“I think it makes sense to eat small and frequent things and exercise regularly. Some days I thought, ‘Can I have a day off?’ and then I thought I would put my feet down to speed and run to keep the sweat off.
“I train twice a day so my metabolism is racing. Cut down on junk food, normally I have 12 cups of tea a day but only once. “
Barrera, 48, was one of those who was impressed with Hatton’s weight loss.
“I’m so shocked at Ricky’s transformation and so proud of him, so happy,” said the Mexican Hall of Famer. “I am honored to have been a small part of his transition knowing that this exhibition has been a success and that he has begun to focus on himself.
“We met him three months ago during the Tyson Fury fight. He was a completely different person from what we see today. We are very happy for him. “
