Ricky Hatton reveals exact reason why he is making boxing comeback

Ricky Hatton has revealed the exact reason why he has decided to come out of retirement and make a stunning return to the ring.

The British boxing legend is set to take on Dubai's first-ever professional boxer Eisa Al Dah on December 2. Hatton, 46, has not fought professionally since suffering a devastating knockout defeat to Vyacheslav Senchenko back in 2012 - three years after he was knocked out by Manny Pacquiao. Following his loss to Senchenko, the Brit said: "I needed one more fight to see if I had still got it – and I haven't. I found out tonight it isn't there no more."

However, Hatton did participate in an exhibition match against Marco Antonio Barrera three years ago, which was a non-scored bout. In response to fans questioning his decision to return to the ring, Hatton took to Instagram to explain his motivations, reports All Out Fighting.

He said: "Just a quick statement at how excited I am to be putting the gloves on again on December 2nd in Dubai. I always said after my exhibition a couple of years ago against Marco if another opportunity came up I'd always look at it and weigh up the pros and cons. I have done and this is a good and sensible fight for me.

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"I'm 47 years old, not unlike my opponent, I'm not 58 years old. I'm not going into world level or straight into a world title fight. I know I'm no longer at world level these days. But I have the good sense to know what fights are good for me and what fights are beyond me. No matter how old we get in life we still have goals, ambitions, targets to set yourself.

"We still have to have a reason to get up in the morning. Nobody more than me for my mindset and mental health. There's a very good reason to give me focus and keep me healthy, not the opposite. Why did Mike Tyson fight again? Why is Manny Pacquiao fighting again?"

"Why is Paulie Mallanagi fighting again? (Bare knuckle) Why is Shane Mosley fighting again? We're fighters, it's what we do. The fights still some way off still but can't wait to get back in training camp again, train hard and feel good. As I have all my life I look forward putting a show on again for everyone. I appreciate people's concerns, but please trust me, I feel great and it will be nothing but great for me. Love Ricky. X"

Hatton was reportedly set to jet off to Dubai this week to announce the fight at a press conference, but an eye injury sustained at an Oasis concert in Cardiff put a spanner in the works. With a professional record of 45-3, Hatton is widely considered one of the greatest British boxing legends in the sport's history.

The Brit boasted an impeccable 43-0 record before he faced Floyd Mayweather at the MGM Grand in 2007, a fight hailed as one of the most significant in boxing history. However, he was ultimately defeated in the 10th round by the pound-for-pound champion. At the height of his career, the 46-year-old - who will turn 47 on the night of his comeback - triumphed over opponents such as Paulie Malignaggi, Juan Lazcano, Jose Luis Castillo and Juan Urango.