Former world champion Kell Brook will undertake his first boxing bout in four years when he makes an emotional return to in-ring action against Eisa Al Dah next year.
Unheralded UAE fighter Al Dah had previously agreed to face Ricky Hatton in December before the bout was cancelled as a consequence of the tragic passing of the British boxing great last month.
However, it's now been confirmed that 'Special K' will step in to fight the Middle Eastern star in honour of his close friend as part of a bumper bill to help raise money for the recently launched mental health charity, The Ricky Hatton Foundation.
Announcing details of the February 13 card on social media, promotional organisation 'The Agenda Dubai' said:
"The UAE’s first professional boxer, Eisa Al Dah will face the UK’s former world champion Kell Brook for the WBC world title, The Union Belt.
Featuring a full undercard of UAE Residents v Manchester UK fighters, plus celebrity guests, the evening will feature tributes and honour the legendary Ricky 'The Hitman' Hatton and support the newly-formed Ricky Hatton Foundation.
- The Agenda Dubai (Promotional Organisation)
"This is a night of boxing not to be missed brought to you by The Agenda, the home of boxing in the UAE."
Brook, who like Hatton established himself as a world champion during his stellar career, last fought in 2022, overcoming long-term rival Amir Khan in an absorbing catchweight contest at the AO Arena in Manchester.
A plethora of potential big names were mooted as opponents for the Sheffield star in the immediate aftermath of his victory, only for the former Matchroom man to subsequently announce his retirement from the sport.
Just last year he did however tease a potential return, responding to talk that he could be lined-up for a crossover bout as part of a forthcoming Misfits event.
"If the correct figures were mentioned I could be tempted to put the pipe and slippers away and get the gloves back on," he said at the time.
"Everywhere I go people are saying they want me out of retirement and that boxing’s dead without me. Apart from me fighting Amir Khan, what fights have really got people excited recently?"
More details surrounding the planned charity bill in February, which is scheduled to take place at the 15,000 capacity Dubai Media City, are expected to be announced in due course.
