Former world champion Ricky Hatton will return to the ring for an exhibition fight against Marco Antonio Barrera on July 2 at the age of 43.

Hatton retired 10 years ago after he was beaten by Vyacheslav Senchenko at Manchester Arena.

The Brit, who won welterweight and light-welterweight world titles during an illustrious career, is to step into the ring one more time for eight rounds with 48-year-old Mexican Barrera.

Hatton says the event in his hometown of Manchester will be a one-off.

He posted on social media: "It's not how you fall, it's how you rise... This is why July 2 is going to be a party not to be missed..."

Hatton added: "I am doing this for fans who struggled being locked up with Covid.

"I got a call and was asked if I would come back to do this for the fans who have been locked up for ages during Covid. Covid has been tough for me, for everyone.

"I want to inspire people who have had mental health problems, too. They can look at me and say 'He struggled and now look at where he is’ so they can do it too."