2026-03-18 11:26:50
Kell Brook’s boxing comeback has been delayed.
The former IBF welterweight world champion had been due to fight Eisa Al Dah on April 11 in Dubai as a tribute to the late Ricky Hatton but the fight has now been pushed back to late summer in Manchester because of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The event was originally billed as a bout between Al Dah and Hatton, who tragically died last September at the age of 46.
Brook then stepped in to replace the British boxing icon – with all proceeds from the event going towards the Ricky Hatton Foundation, a charity that provides support for those battling mental illness.
In a statement, Agenda Dubai founder Martin P. Gravestock said: “Dubai remains an outstanding international host city.
“However, if the fighters cannot come to Dubai, then we’ll bring the fight to Manchester- to Ricky’s home.”
A special WBC belt will be awarded to the winner of the big fight while the undercard will show off boxing talent from Manchester.
Brook previously reflected on the “godly moment” where he was approached by Al Dah to fight in Hatton’s memory.
He recalled: “Eisa reached out to me about a week after Ricky’s passing and asked me if I would take this fight. It was a godly moment for me. I thought of Ricky Hatton and what he’s done in this game, such a hero, done unbelievable things in this sport.”
Brook retired from boxing after his victory over long-time rival Amir Khan in 2022 and suggested that he could prolong his comeback as he had enjoyed training again.
He told Sky Sports News: “I’m enjoying my training again, it’s a one-off up until now. But us fighters, when we retire it never leaves us. It’s always around us.
“Let’s see what happens when we get to this fight. I think it could be the end. Or could it? We don’t know until we get there.”
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