BRITISH GREAT Kell Brook’s emotional return to the ring in honour of Ricky Hatton has been given a new date.
The former IBF welterweight world champion will now face Eisa Al Dah on July 16 at Manchester Arena.
Kell Brook is regarded as a British boxing greatCredit: The Times
Brook stopped Amir Khan in the sixth round in his last fight in 2022Credit: Reuters
Brook’s comeback was originally scheduled for April 11 in Dubai.
But the event has been postponed and relocated due to.
Organisers confirmed the decision was made amid travel disruption and safety concerns affecting the region.
Instead, the bout will now take place in Manchester — the city synonymous with Hatton’s legacy.
The fight carries deep emotional significance.
The card was initially set to be headlined by Hatton himself before .
Brook stepped in to take his place in tribute to the British icon.
All proceeds from the event are set to support the Foundation, which helps those struggling with mental health.
It will mark Brook’s first appearance in the ring since his victory over in February 2022.
The Sheffield star, now 39, is returning not for titles — but for something far more meaningful.
Brook has also been linked with a fight with after appearing to be in incredible shape for his upcoming bout.
And the Manchester setting adds even more weight to the occasion.
Hatton’s son Campbell is also set to feature on the card.
The 25-year-old will come out of retirement for a special exhibition bout.
Hatton’s nephew Jack will also be involved as part of a family-led tribute.
The event, originally titled “Destiny in the Desert”, will now take on a different feel in the UK.
But its purpose remains unchanged.
Brook’s return is about honour, remembrance and legacy.
And in Manchester, it will be staged in the place Ricky Hatton called home.
Ricky Hatton and son CampbellCredit: Getty The Home of Boxing in 2026
There's a massive year of boxing ahead!
It’s shaping up to be a blockbuster year of action inside the boxing ring.
will make his return in April against Arslanbek Makhmudov while Oleksandr Usyk takes on the king of kickboxing Rico Verhoeven.
features for the first time since making the switch to Zuffa Boxing and Fabio Wardley will defend his newly won heavyweight crown.
Canelo Alvarez will be hoping to return after his defeat to Terence Crawford and heavyweight king Oleksandr Usyk will also defend his straps.
Derek Chisora will fight for the 50th and (perhaps) final time against Deontay Wilder while Daniel Dubois is also on the comeback trail.
A whole bunch of British stars could also take a leap into superstardom, with the likes of , Hamzah Sheeraz and Adam Azim ready to join the very top of the sport.
March
- Sat 28 – Moses Itauma vs Jermaine Franklin – DAZN
- Sat 28 – Sebastian Fundora vs Keith Thurman – Amazon Prime PPV
April
- Sat 4 – Deontay Wilder vs Derek Chisora – DAZN PPV
- Sun 5 – Caroline Dubois vs Terri Harper – Sky Sports
- Sat 11 – Tyson Fury vs Arslanbek Makhmudov – Netflix
- Sat 11 – Conor Benn vs Regis Prograis – Netflix
- Sat 18 – Callum Smith vs David Morrell – DAZN
- Sat 18 – Manny Pacquiao vs Ruslan Provodnikov
- Sat 25 – Lawrence Okolie vs Tony Yoka – DAZN
May
- Sat 2 – Naoya Inoue vs Junto Nakatani – Undisputed super-bantamweight title – TBC
- Sat 2 – Zurdo Ramirez vs David Benavidez – WBA & WBO Cruiserweight titles – Prime Video
- Sat 9 – Fabio Wardley vs Daniel Dubois – WBO title – DAZN
- Sat 23 – Oleksandr Usyk vs Rico Verhoeven – WBC title – DAZN
June
- Sat 6 – Dalton Smith vs Alberto Puello – WBC super lightweight title – DAZN
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Eze Chidiebere Paul
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