Kell Brook comeback fight in tribute to Ricky Hatton delayed amid ongoing conflict in Dubai

Kell Brook’s return to the ring has been delayed once again.

The former IBF welterweight champion was set to square off against Eisa Al Dah on April 11 in Dubai in tribute of the late, great Ricky Hatton.

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However, promoters Agenda Dubai have now confirmed that the fight will be pushed back to late summer and will instead take place in Manchester due to the ongoing conflict in Dubai.

A press release from the promotional outfit stated that the decision was made due to the temporary operational and travel restrictions in the United Arab Emirates.

Flights to Dubai were suspended on Monday after an Iranian drone attack ignited a fuel tank at the city’s airport.

On the same day, Agenda Dubai founder, Martin P. Gravestock, released the following statement: “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.”

The event, billed as ‘Destiny In the Desert’, was originally set to be headlined by Hatton and 8-3 UAE boxer Al Dah, before the two-weight world champion tragically passed away in September.

Brook subsequently stepped in to box Al Dah in memory of the British boxing legend.

Brook-Al Dah was originally pencilled in for February 13, but was postponed until April, before once again being pushed back.

All proceeds from the event are set to go towards the Ricky Hatton Foundation, a charity providing support for those battling mental illness.

A special WBC belt will be placed on the line for the winner of the main event, while the undercard is set to showcase a plethora of rising stars from Hatton’s home city.

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Among those on the bill is the next generation of the Hatton boxing dynasty.

Ricky’s son Campbell will compete in an exhibition bout alongside ‘The Hitman’s’ nephew and niece Jack and Lola.

Jack and his sister Lola are both promising amateurs who train at their dad Matthew’s gym.

Campbell stepped way from professional boxing in 2024 with a 14-2 record after suffering back-to-back defeats to James Flint.

Speaking to talkSPORT shortly after announcing his inclusion on the undercard, Campbell said: “I’m going in there to carry the fight out in his memory and to do him proud.

“There has been a lot of stuff that has happened over the last 12 months while I was going to down a bad path that he wouldn’t be proud of.

“So I want to put things right with him and raise awareness for mental health at the same time.”