Ricky ‘The Hitman’ Hatton is a much-loved icon of British boxing.

In his 48-fight career, spanning 15 years, his popularity with the British fans was always high and this affection for Hatton has remained in his post-fight career.

Even now, nearly ten years after his retirement, he is still beloved as their Manchester hero.

Whether it was his all-action fighting style, his constant battle to cut weight before each fight or his general 'everyman' persona, the fans have always flocked to Hatton.

He boasts an impressive record of 45-3 while winning multiple belts at light-welterweight as well as the WBA title at welterweight.

His impressive victories against the likes of Kostya Tszyu have him rightly placed in the upper echelons of British boxing history.

LAS VEGAS - DECEMBER 08: Referee Joe Cortez separates Ricky Hatton and Floyd Mayweather Jr. at the end of the sixth round of their WBC world welterweight championship fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on December 8, 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather knocked Hatton out in the 10th round. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

For all the success he enjoyed in his career, however, he is probably remembered most for his two comprehensive defeats against Floyd Mayweather Jr and Manny Pacquiao.

They effectively ended his career and showed him to be a top fighter, but just not quite at that very highest level.

Since his fighting career ended Hatton has maintained a fairly low profile, doing some boxing promotion as well as training some of Britain’s up and coming boxers such as Tommy Fury the brother of world heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

The fighting bug never leaves you though, and Hatton has now announced a charity exhibition fight against Marco Antonio Barrera on the 2nd July in Manchester.

This eight-round fight will have no scores kept or winner announced but as you can see from this Instagram post Hatton has undergone a remarkable body transformation and is giving the fight his full attention.

Hatton has endured some well documented struggles with his mental health and his Instagram post references this. The training camp and bout have given him something to focus on.

The fans will be out in force on the 2nd July to see local hero Ricky Hatton, and he is sure to entertain.