24 January 2023 , 11:02
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Ricky Hatton had to undergo a serious operation after contracting a rare disease which affects the movement of the fingers.
Boxing legend Hatton, 44, has been unable to train for the past few months after battling Dupuytren's disease. The rare condition, which is painless, form knots of tissue under the skin and restricts one or more finger from straightening properly. The knots later form a thick cord that causes the fingers to bend inwards towards the palm of the hand.
The former two-weight world champion needed multiple stitches on his hand after undergoing surgery and showed off his battle scars in a graphic picture. "Had a great time away but can’t wait to get back in the gym with me boxers. Had a serious operation when I got Dupuytrens disease. I’ve not been able to punch or do pads for about 3 month," Hatton wrote.
"At least my boxers all had finished their fights for the year before I had the operation. Having said that it’s been a frustrating & worrying time for me as you can see from my first photo. The amount of work it is in such a small and complicated area in your hand & around your fingers. But ready to start back now which has been a relief. Baby steps though."
Hatton fought for the first time in over a decade when he faced fellow legend Marco Antonio Barrera in an eight-round exhibition fight last November. No winner was announced on the night but Hatton looked the better of the two as fans at the AO Arena in Manchester were treated to one last hurrah from their hometown hero.
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'The Hitman' said after the fight: "I wondered how it was going to go, we're proud men and there's such a big crowd here. It was good, it was entertaining and everything we wanted. I've done loads of good things in boxing, this is up there with one of the best," with Barrera stating: "Congratulations to Ricky. It was a great celebration, thank you to the people that turned up and I'm glad we could make it happen."
Hatton is unlikely to compete in any other exhibition fights and will now return to coaching duties at his gym following his successful hand surgery. The Brit's 22-year-old son Campbell was last in action a week before his exhibition fight, winning by KO to extend his unbeaten run to nine fights.