Kell Brook will fight Eisa Al Dah in Dubai in February – a tribute to the late boxing legend Ricky Hatton.
Boxing icon Hatton was set to make a full comeback to the ring in November of this year against UAE native Al Dah.
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Brook will return in honour of Hatton, in a fantastic gesture
But ‘The Hitman’ tragically passed away last month, with the legend’s body discovered by long-term manager Paul Speak at his home in Hyde.
Although fellow British boxing icon Brook has stepped in and will himself now face Al Dah.
The ‘Special One’ will take on the ‘Arabian Warrior’ on February 13 at the 15,000 capacity venue Dubai Media City.
It will be an event entirely dedicated to honouring Hatton.
And it has been confirmed all proceeds will go to The Ricky Hatton Foundation – a charity set up to give support to athletes with mental health issues.
A statement from promoter Agenda Dubai read: “The UAE’s first professional boxer, Eisa Al Dah will face the UK’s former World Champion Kell Brook for the WBC World Title, The Union Belt.
“Featuring a full undercard of UAE Residents v Manchester UK fighters, plus celebrity guests.
“The evening will feature tributes and honour the legendary Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton and support the newly formed Ricky Hatton Foundation.
“This is a night of boxing not to be missed brought to you by The Agenda, the home of boxing in the UAE.”
Kell Brook’s career, retirement and comeback
It will be Brook’s first appearance in the boxing ring since 2022, when he retired on an all-time high after beating bitter rival Amir Khan.
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Brook hasn’t fought since beating Khan, going out on the highest of highsCredit: Lawrence Lustig/BOXXER
In his prime, the Sheffield native reigned as a welterweight world champion, and became one of the sport’s most popular fighters on domestic shores.
He fought the likes of Gennady Golovkin, Terence Crawford and other elite operators before calling his time on the sport.
After a demolition of Khan, Brook took time away from the ring and has been focused on the birth of his child with fellow world champion Ebanie Bridges.
But for the past three years, Brook has been heavily linked with comeback fights including against the likes of Chris Eubank Jr and Conor Benn.
Now Brook has decided, in a brave and bold decision, that he will lace up his gloves again in pure dedication to Hatton.
Ricky Hatton’s death
The boxing world was in a state of mourning after Hatton’s death, with thousands of high-profile tributes pouring in.
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Hatton’s death has been a shock for the boxing world, who have come out in their droves to pay their tributesCredit: Getty
And his legacy was honoured in an incredible funeral procession and service, where thousands lined the streets of Manchester to pay their respects.
talkSPORT’s Spencer Oliver and Adam Smith then joined many leading boxing figures inside Manchester Cathedral for a full service.
Smith gave an incredible eulogy paying tribute to the fan-favourite, who changed the landscape of British boxing forever.
Hatton at his heights achieved it all, winning world titles, as well as fighting in the biggest of nights against Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
And Brook’s latest bout in the ring, will prove as another timely reminder of his great career.