Kell Brook to Come Out of Retirement to Fight in Honor of Ricky Hatton and Support The Ricky Hatton Foundation

LONDON — Former world champion Kell Brook is officially coming out of retirement for one final fight — and it’s for a cause that transcends the sport.

The Sheffield-born boxer announced he will step back into the ring on February 13, 2026, in Dubai, to face Eisa Al Dah, in a bout dedicated to the memory and legacy of his late friend and fellow boxing legend, Ricky Hatton. The event, titled “Fight for Ricky,” will serve as a tribute to the beloved Manchester icon while raising funds for The Ricky Hatton Foundation, a charity dedicated to supporting young fighters and mental health initiatives within the boxing community.

“It’s not about belts this time,” Brook said. “It’s about respect, love, and giving back. Ricky was one of the best — not just as a fighter, but as a human being. I want to honor him the way he lived — by fighting with heart.”

A Return with Purpose

Brook, 40, retired in 2022 after a career-defining win over longtime rival Amir Khan, closing the book on a two-decade journey that saw him hold the IBF Welterweight World Title and face some of the sport’s most dangerous names, including Gennadiy Golovkin and Errol Spence Jr.

But when the idea of a tribute event for Hatton surfaced earlier this year, Brook didn’t hesitate.

“Ricky was like a brother in this sport,” Brook shared. “We fought on the same cards, we trained in the same gyms, and we shared the same passion for the fans. When I heard about this event, something in me said, ‘You’ve got to do it.’”

The fight will mark Brook’s first time back under the lights in over four years, but this time, he insists, it’s not about making headlines — it’s about making a difference.

“This isn’t a comeback,” Brook clarified. “It’s a celebration — for Ricky, for boxing, and for everyone who loved him.”

Honoring a True Legend

Ricky Hatton, one of Britain’s most beloved boxers, tragically passed away in 2025. Known as “The Hitman,” Hatton’s ferocious fighting style, down-to-earth charm, and unwavering love for his fans made him a national hero.

Over his career, Hatton captured world titles in two weight classes and shared the ring with legends like Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao. But beyond the accolades, Hatton was admired for his generosity — mentoring young fighters, supporting charities, and using his platform to raise awareness for mental health.

Brook’s decision to fight in his honor has been met with overwhelming support from across the boxing world.

“Ricky gave everything to this sport,” said promoter Eddie Hearn, who helped organize the upcoming event. “He fought for the fans, he fought for pride, and he fought for joy. Kell stepping up to carry that spirit forward is a beautiful gesture — one that defines what boxing brotherhood is all about.”

A Fight for a Cause

The proceeds from the Dubai event will go directly to The Ricky Hatton Foundation, established by Hatton’s family after his passing. The foundation’s mission is to provide financial and emotional support to retired and struggling boxers while promoting mental wellness programs and youth training facilities in the UK.

“This fight isn’t just entertainment,” said Hatton’s son, Campbell Hatton, himself a rising star in the sport. “It’s about continuing Dad’s mission. He always said, ‘Boxing saved my life — now it’s my turn to help save others.’ This event will keep that promise alive.”

Kell Brook, who has spoken openly about his own mental health challenges post-retirement, said the cause hit close to home.

“After retirement, the quiet can be deafening,” Brook admitted. “Ricky knew that. He tried to help others deal with that same silence. That’s why this fight means everything — it’s personal.”

Eisa Al Dah — The Opponent and Ally

Brook’s opponent, Eisa Al Dah, known as “The Arabian Warrior,” is one of the Middle East’s pioneering boxers and a longtime advocate for boxing development in the region. A friend of both Hatton and Brook, Al Dah said he was honored to take part in such a meaningful event.

“Ricky was an inspiration to fighters everywhere — including here in Dubai,” Al Dah said. “This fight isn’t about rivalry. It’s about respect. I’ll bring my best, because that’s how Ricky would have wanted it.”

Al Dah, now 39, has been instrumental in promoting boxing across the UAE, helping introduce the sport to a new generation of fans and athletes.

“We want to show that boxing is a global family,” he added. “When one of us falls, the rest stand together. That’s what this night will represent.”

The Event: A Night of Tribute

The Fight for Ricky card will feature a lineup of current and former champions from around the world, each paying homage to the late Hatton. Organizers say the event will blend sport and celebration, including a musical performance, video tributes, and appearances by several of Hatton’s former opponents and friends.

“We’re not just putting on a fight,” promoter Eddie Hearn said. “We’re putting on a legacy. It’s about the love of the sport — and the love for one of its greatest sons.”

The undercard is expected to include young British prospects — a symbolic gesture representing the next generation Hatton so deeply believed in nurturing.

Boxing’s Brotherhood on Display

The announcement of Brook’s comeback drew emotional reactions from fellow fighters and fans alike.

“That’s what makes boxing special,” said Tyson Fury, who trained with Hatton early in his career. “We fight each other in the ring, but outside it, we’re a family. What Kell’s doing — that’s heart. That’s real boxing spirit.”

Social media flooded with tributes to both men, with fans praising the “class act” move and the sense of unity it brought to a sport often divided by rivalry and business.

“Ricky would be smiling right now,” one fan wrote. “Brook stepping up like this shows what true respect looks like.”

Kell Brook’s Final Round

For Kell Brook, this fight is not about reigniting a career — it’s about closing it on his own terms, with meaning and purpose.

“I’ve had my glory nights — Wembley, Las Vegas, Madison Square Garden,” Brook said. “This one’s different. This one’s for Ricky, for the fans, and for everyone who’s ever fought their way back up when life knocked them down.”

He confirmed that this would be his final appearance in the ring — a symbolic last round dedicated to his late friend.

“After Dubai, I’m done for good,” he said. “But what a way to go out — fighting for something that matters.”

A Legacy of Heart

As February 13 approaches, the excitement is building not just for the spectacle of the fight, but for what it represents — brotherhood, loyalty, and love for the sport.

In a world where headlines often focus on rivalry and controversy, Kell Brook’s return offers something refreshingly pure: a reminder that boxing isn’t just about punches and belts — it’s about people.

“Ricky gave his life to boxing,” Brook said softly. “Now it’s our turn to give something back.”