RICKY HATTON has undergone a serious operation on his hand after the British boxing legend contracted a rare disease.
Hatton, who has been away in Thailand, posted a picture of his right hand all stitched up and covered in cuts and bruises.
And the two-weight world champion has revealed the gruesome result of his surgery having suffered from Dupuytren's disease.
Hatton, 44, posted: "Had a great time away but can’t wait to get back in the gym with me boxers.
"Had a serious operation when I got Dupuytrens disease. I’ve not been able to punch or do pads for about 3 months.
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"At least my boxers all had finished their fights for the year before I had the operation.
"Having said that it’s been a frustrating & worrying time for me as you can see from my first photo.
"The amount of work it is in such a small & complicated area in your hand & around your fingers.
"But ready to start back now which has been a relief. Baby steps though."
Dupuytren contracture is described as "a painless condition that causes one or more fingers to bend toward the palm of the hand."
The affected fingers are not able to straighten completely and form knots of tissue under the skin.
They eventually create a thick cord that pulls the fingers into a bent position.
The disease is not that rare in itself - but is uncommon for someone of Hatton's age
Hatton began training boxers in his Manchester gym after retiring professionally in 2012.
But last November he made a shock comeback to face Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera, 49, in an exhibition bout in Manchester.
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Hatton has opened the door to another spectacle fight for fun and even called out Floyd Mayweather, 45, to a rematch following his 2007 loss.
