The fight between Kell Brook and Eisa Al Dah that had been scheduled for Dubai on April 11 will be given a new date in what the promoters have described as “late summer 2026” and, in a further tribute to the late Ricky Hatton, a venue in his home city of Manchester, England.
Hatton, perhaps Britain’s most-loved ever fighter, was found dead in September having committed suicide at the age of 46.
The former junior-welterweight and welterweight world champion had been preparing to fight Al Dah in Dubai at middleweight on December 2. The previously retired Brook, 39 – he will be 40 by fight night – agreed to replace him on a later date.
“Dubai remains an outstanding international host city,” said Martin P Gravestock, the promoter of what had previously been billed Destiny in the Desert. “However, if the fighters cannot come to Dubai, then we’ll bring the fight to Manchester – to Ricky’s home.”
“This fight means everything to me,” said Al Dah, 47. “After the sad loss of Ricky, and with Kell Brook stepping in to replace him, I will continue to fight to honour Ricky’s legacy. Now I have the opportunity to do that in his hometown – in his own backyard.”
Hatton’s son Campbell, his nephew Jack and his niece Lola were also scheduled to fight on April 11. The war between the US, Iran and Israel that has broken out since the fight date was announced has disrupted flights in and out of the popular tourist destination Dubai.
Brook, another former welterweight world champion, last fought in February 2022 when, in Manchester, he stopped his long-term rival Amir Khan. Al Dah lost to Pedro Alejandro Delgado in July 2021.
