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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

Jack Rathborn
Saturday 12 November 2022 19:16 EST
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Moment: Emotional Wilder in tears after discussing dangers of boxing

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!

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:55

Dalton Smith vs Kaisee Benjamin

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Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:54

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”.

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:52

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.

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:48

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.

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:44

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.

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:38

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.

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:30

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...

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:28

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.”

Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:19

Tyler Denny defeats Bradley Rea to retain English middleweight title

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Jack Rathborn12 November 2022 21:19

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