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Ricky Hatton
British professional boxer (1978–2025) From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Richard John Hatton (6 October 1978 – c. 14 September 2025), also known by nicknames such as "The Hitman", "The Pride of Hyde" and the "People's Champion", was a British professional boxer who competed between 1997 and 2012, and later worked as a boxing promoter and trainer.[6][7] During his boxing career he held multiple world championships in the light-welterweight division, and one at welterweight. In 2005 he was named Fighter of the Year by The Ring magazine, the Boxing Writers Association of America, and ESPN.
In 2000 Hatton won the British light welterweight title, followed by the World Boxing Union (WBU) title the following year; he made a record fifteen successful defences of the latter from 2001 to 2004. He reached the pinnacle of his career in 2005 by defeating Kostya Tszyu for the International Boxing Federation (IBF), Ring and lineal titles. This was followed up later that year with a victory over Carlos Maussa to claim the World Boxing Association (WBA) title (Super version), thereby becoming a unified light-welterweight world champion.
Making his welterweight debut in 2006, Hatton won a tough fight against WBA champion Luis Collazo to win a world title in his second weight class. A return to light welterweight in 2007 saw him win the vacant IBF title for a second time, as well as the International Boxing Organization (IBO) title. In the same year, Hatton had his career-first defeat against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in an attempt to win the World Boxing Council (WBC), Ring and lineal welterweight titles. This defeat took a severe toll on Hatton's wellbeing, as did a second defeat in 2009 when he lost his IBO, Ring and lineal light welterweight titles to Manny Pacquiao.
After Hatton's career was put on a long hiatus, rumours of a comeback continued to circulate in the media over the next several years.[8][9] In 2011, Hatton announced his retirement from the sport,[10][11] but in 2012, more than three years after his last fight, he confirmed his comeback.[12] A loss to Vyacheslav Senchenko in his first match back prompted Hatton to immediately announce his final retirement.[13] He remained retired for 13 years before announcing a comeback in July 2025. Hatton died by suicide before he could make his ring return.[14][15]
Hatton was lauded as one of the most beloved and popular British boxers of all time, with a raucous fan base that travelled in their tens of thousands across the Atlantic to support him.[11][16][17] He was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2024.[18]
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Early life
Richard John Hatton was born on 6 October 1978 in Stockport, Greater Manchester. He grew up in a pub on the Hattersley council estate in Hyde.[19][20] He first trained at the Sale West ABC (Racecourse Estate). He was educated at Hattersley High School. His grandfather and his father both played football for Rochdale and Hatton had a trial for the youth team. He found a local boxing club in Hyde to train at. Aged 14, Ricky Hatton was taken by his uncles Ged and Paul to Manchester United's Old Trafford stadium to watch the second fight between Nigel Benn and Chris Eubank. On leaving school he joined the family carpet business, but after he cut four of his fingers with a Stanley knife, his father made him a salesman to prevent him from losing his fingers.[21]
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Amateur career
Hatton had a short amateur career, in which he won seven British titles and represented his country at the 1996 AIBA Youth World Boxing Championships.[22] His elimination in the semi-finals caused controversy. Four of the five judges awarded the contest to Hatton, but under the scoring rules Hatton was defeated as the fifth judge gave the match to Hatton's opponent by 16 points. The judge was later found to have accepted a bribe, and disillusioned with the amateur governing bodies, Hatton turned professional, aged 18.[23] Hatton was based at Billy "The Preacher" Graham's gym in Moss Side in Manchester,[22] where fellow boxers included Carl Thompson and Michael Gomez.[24]
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Professional career
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Light-welterweight
Early career
Hatton made his professional debut on 11 September 1997 against Colin McAuley in Widnes at Kingsway Leisure Centre. Hatton won by a technical knockout (TKO) in the first round,[25] while in his second fight he boxed at Madison Square Garden in New York, as part of the undercard to Naseem Hamed vs. Kevin Kelley.[25] Soon he was fighting on the undercard of contests involving major British boxers, such as the two WBO cruiserweight title fights between Carl Thompson and Chris Eubank in 1998.[26] In 1999 the British Boxing Writers' Club named Hatton their Young Boxer of the Year.[27] His first international title came in May 1999, when he defeated Dillon Carew for the WBO inter-continental light-welterweight title.[28]
Hatton's next four fights after gaining the WBO inter-continental belt were all won within four rounds.[23] He then gained the WBA Inter-Continental title following a unification bout against Giuseppe Lauri.[29] The following month he fought Jon Thaxton for the vacant British title. Despite sustaining a cut over his left eye in the first round, Hatton continued for the full twelve rounds and won on points, the first time in his career that he had been taken beyond six rounds.[30] As the cut was his fourth above the same eye, Hatton had plastic surgery on his eyebrow that November, with a view to a world title shot in the spring.[31] Hatton claimed the vacant WBU title in March 2001, having sent opponent Tony Pep to the canvas three times in the process.[32]
Hatton vs. Tszyu
On 5 June 2005, Hatton defeated IBF and The Ring champion Kostya Tszyu, then widely regarded as one of the top pound-for-pound boxers in the world, by a TKO after the Australian failed to answer the bell for the twelfth round.[33] Hatton was a heavy underdog for this fight and the victory announced his entry to the upper echelons of the world boxing scene. Prior to the fight, the majority of boxing critics had given Hatton little or no chance and this victory was regarded as one of the best victories by an English boxer in the last 20 years.[34]
Light Welterweight Unification
On 26 November 2005, Hatton won the WBA light-welterweight title when he defeated Carlos Maussa in the ninth round of a unification bout.[35] In December, Hatton was named the 2005 Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year.[36]
Hatton relinquished his IBF title on 29 March 2006 after refusing to fulfil a mandatory defence against number one contender Naoufel Ben Rabah because he intended to move up to the welterweight division.[37] Hatton signed a three-fight contract with Dennis Hobson's fight academy after splitting from long time promoter Frank Warren.[38]
Welterweight
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Hatton vs. Collazo
Hatton moved up a division to meet American Luis Collazo for the WBA welterweight title which took place on 13 May 2006.[39] Hatton won the WBA title from Collazo but struggled. Hatton started well, knocking Collazo down in the very first few seconds of the first round,[40] but it turned out to be one of the toughest fights of his career, with some boxing analysts claiming Collazo won the fight,[40] although many thought Hatton had done enough early on to secure victory, with the knockdown a pivotal point in the fight.[41]
Return to light-welterweight
Hatton vs. Urango
Hatton's first fight back at light-welterweight was against then IBF light-welterweight champion Juan Urango for his title and the vacant IBO title on 20 January 2007 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Hatton's promoter, Dennis Hobson, stated that the impetus for moving back down was to set up a fight with José Luis Castillo, a fighter who nearly beat Floyd Mayweather Jr. at lightweight in 2002.[42] Hatton ended up winning a twelve-round unanimous decision (UD) against Urango to re-capture the IBF light-welterweight title. He won all but one round on all three judges' scorecards.[43] Castillo, who was on the undercard, also won, setting up their long-awaited fight.[43]
Hatton vs. Castillo
Hatton was forced to relinquish his IBF title again on 10 February to be able to fight Castillo. The fight was held on 23 June 2007, at the Thomas & Mack Center in Paradise, Nevada.[44] In round four, Hatton landed a "perfect" left hook to the liver, which put Castillo to the canvas.[45] Hatton later said that four of Castillo's ribs were broken with this one punch. Unable to stand up, Castillo was counted out for the first time in his career.[46]
Return to welterweight
Hatton vs. Mayweather Jr.
Hatton agreed to terms on 27 July for an 8 December 2007 welterweight fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.[47] which was considered to be the biggest welterweight fight since the 1999 clash between Oscar De La Hoya and Tito Trinidad. The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas was announced as the venue on 17 August 2007. The fight was agreed to less than three months after Mayweather had said he planned to retire following a victory over Oscar De La Hoya. Hatton was able to bring the fight to Mayweather in the early rounds. In the 1st round, Hatton caught Mayweather with a left jab which knocked Mayweather off balance.[48] His constant pressure appeared to make Mayweather uncomfortable at first. In the third round, Mayweather landed a right that cut Hatton above the right eye.[49]
In round six, referee Joe Cortez took a point away from Hatton after he appeared to hit Mayweather on the back of the head while Mayweather was rested between the ropes.[50] However, the punch was revealed to have hit the rope rather than Mayweather's head, but Hatton was warned for punching behind the head on numerous occasions before the deduction. Hatton became infuriated at the referee's decision to deduct a point and turned his back on him. Hatton later said he was angered by the referee, which caused him to lose his calm and contributed to his downfall.[51] Hatton was able to hold his own until round eight, when Mayweather began to adapt to Hatton and started counterattacking. Mayweather knocked Hatton down to the mat in round ten.[52] Hatton got up, but Mayweather quickly resumed his attack, resulting in Joe Cortez putting a stop to the fight and Hatton's corner threw in the towel. Official scorecards read 88–82, 89–81, and 89–81 at the time of stoppage, all in favour of Mayweather.[53]
Second return to light-welterweight
Hatton vs. Lazcano
On 24 May 2008, Hatton beat Mexican Juan Lazcano by UD with scores of 120–110, 118–110, and 120–108,[54] in front of his home crowd of 55,000 (a post-World War II record for a boxing match in Britain),[55] at City of Manchester Stadium to retain The Ring and IBO light-welterweight titles.[56] Hatton did well when he boxed and controlled the range, utilising his jab and dominating a lot of the early exchanges. In round eight, Hatton absorbed a left hook to the chin that wobbled him. In round ten, Hatton was hurt again by a left hook.[56][57] Despite that, Hatton outworked Lazcano to win at least ten of the rounds.
Hatton vs. Malignaggi
Hatton fought Paulie Malignaggi of the United States at the MGM Grand Garden Arena on 22 November 2008 for Hatton's The Ring light-welterweight title.[58] He was trained for the fight by Floyd Mayweather Sr.[59] Hatton dominated for all of the fight and defeated Malignaggi by eleventh-round TKO when Malignaggi's trainer, Buddy McGirt, threw in the towel 48 seconds into the round.[60]
Hatton vs. Pacquiao
Hatton fought Manny Pacquiao on 2 May 2009 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The fight was at light-welterweight, which was the sixth weight category Pacquiao has fought at and is the weight at which Hatton was previously undefeated.[61] Pacquiao defeated Hatton in the second round by a KO victory after knocking Hatton down twice in the first round, and then a final time in the second round. Following the loss to Pacquiao, Hatton put his career on hiatus. After more than a year out of action, in a June 2010 interview with Gulfnews.com, the British boxer seemed uninterested in coming to the ring again. He stated: "Boxing started off as a habit and it ended up giving me some money and making me a little bit of a better person. But I don't think I will have a fight again. But you can never say never as I have not announced officially that I won't be boxing. At the moment I don't have any fire in the belly for a fight or to get myself to a gym." However, Hatton also added: "But it has been only 13 months and I am only 31, so never count me out."[62]
Hatton also voiced suspicion that Pacquiao might have been using performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs). Hatton said he should have made the same blood testing demand as Floyd Mayweather Jr., whose fight against Pacquiao fell through in early 2010.[63] However, the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) cited a medical analysis which supported Pacquiao's decision to abstain from blood testing similar to that demanded by Mayweather, stating that drawing blood close to a fight may cause "hematomas, infections or other injuries."[63] Hatton also admitted that he underestimated Pacquiao and that "it could be that he is just a great fighter who has improved."[63]
Comeback at welterweight
Hatton vs. Senchenko
On 14 September 2012, Hatton confirmed he would return to professional boxing with a fight against an unnamed opponent scheduled to take place in November that year.[12][64][65] Tickets for the comeback sold out in two days,[66] before the opponent or undercard were announced.[67] His opponent was later revealed to be Vyacheslav Senchenko. Having reached a maximum weight of nearly 15 stone (95 kg),[68] in the months leading up to his comeback, Hatton underwent a significant weight transformation. He reduced his weight from 15 stone 6 pounds (approximately 98 kg) to 10 stone 7 pounds (67 kg) to meet the welterweight limit for his fight.[69]
Hatton started the fight the stronger of the pair, but did not time his shots well.[70] Senchenko used his superior reach to land jabs, and gained the upper hand as the fight progressed.[71] In the ninth round, a left hook to the body sent Hatton to the floor. Knocked down by the type of punch previously viewed as his own signature, Hatton was counted out by the referee.[72] It was the third time Hatton had been stopped, taking his overall record to 45 wins and 3 defeats.[73] He announced his final retirement from the ring immediately afterwards,[7][71] saying "I needed one more fight to see if I had still got it – and I haven't. I found out tonight it isn't there no more."[70]
Planned final comeback
On 6 July 2025, Hatton announced that he was coming out of retirement at the age of 46. The fight was to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on 2 December 2025 against 46-year-old Eisa Al Dah (8–3, 4 KOs). Speaking on the comeback, Hatton said: "I'm very much looking forward to it myself. What you're trying to do there for boxing in Dubai is fantastic. Hopefully this will be a spinoff for more events for you to have over there and hopefully we can get the ball rolling with a bang." The fight was announced via a virtual face-off, as Hatton was unable to travel due to injury. Al Dah, who was also the promoter, had not fought since 2021, when he was stopped by Mexican journeyman Pedro Delgado in the first round.[74][75][14]
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Outside the ring
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Hatton was a passionate supporter of Manchester City and once had a trial at City for the youth team.[76] His entrance music was the club's song "Blue Moon" as performed by the band "Supra".[77]
Regarding his nickname, Hatton said, "I've always been a fan of Tommy Hearns, and everybody associates that that's where I got it from, but everybody's a Tommy Hearns fan. I got the nickname the first day I walked in the gym. I was 10 years old and put a pair of gloves on and started walloping the bag, and my amateur coach said, "Look at him, look how evil he is. He's a little Hitman."[78]
Hatton was sometimes referred to by boxing fans as "Ricky Fatton"[79] because he was known to allow himself to weigh as much as 175 to 180 pounds (35 to 40 pounds over his fight weight) when not in training for a fight. Since turning professional, Hatton opted to eat a full English breakfast before fights – his favourite place in Hyde was The Butty Box in Mottram Road, where he was interviewed by Gabby Logan for Inside Sport; and was known to drink Guinness on Thursday nights when he played darts for the New Inn. Experts used his ill-balanced diet, akin to Jake LaMotta's ballooning up between fights, to explain his poor performances in later fights and his tendency to tire towards the end of fights.[80] Hatton appeared on ITV's daytime show Loose Women in August 2007, stating that the reason he put on weight between fights was because "I have a lot on my plate at the moment."[81]
Hatton appeared on the Friday Night with Jonathan Ross show in March 2007. Interviewed on ITV1's Parkinson on 13 October 2007, at the beginning of the interview, Hatton handed Michael Parkinson a custom-made pair of boxing shorts with "Mike" and "Parky" written on them. The shorts had the Barnsley emblem on them and were coloured red and blue, Barnsley Football Club's colours, because Parkinson was a Barnsley fan.[citation needed] While talking about Floyd Mayweather's arrogance, Hatton said: "If there's such a thing as reincarnation, Floyd will come back as himself."[82]
Hatton received the MBE for services to sport in the 2007 New Year Honours.[83]
In 2008, he started hosting his own live chat show called Ricky Speaks,[84] on Nuts TV. His father, Ray Hatton, said, "We had a conversation with a third party asking whether, if we were approached by the Mayweather team, would a possible rematch be on the cards."[85] Ray Hatton added, "Really, at the moment we're looking at Manny Pacquiao. It's very nice for Ricky to still be in such a big league."[86]
Hatton hosted the 9 November 2009 edition of WWE Raw at the Sheffield Arena, defeating professional wrestler Chavo Guerrero Jr. in a match.[87]
On 13 September 2010, Hatton was admitted to a rehabilitation facility, The Priory, in Roehampton, southwest London, for substance abuse to tackle a drink and clinical depression problem. He was caught on camera apparently snorting Class A drugs, cocaine, in a Manchester hotel room. Doctors said they were more worried about his clinical depression and alcohol abuse than drug use. Hatton sought medical help two weeks prior after news emerged about a night out where he drank eleven pints of Guinness, vodka and sambuca during the night out with Emma Bowe, 29, the Irish national senior women's boxing champion.[88]
In December 2016, Hatton said that he had tried to kill himself on several occasions due to depression, stating: "I was coming off the rails with my drinking and that led to drugs. It was like a runaway train."[89]
In January 2024, Hatton competed in the sixteenth series of the ITV skating competition Dancing on Ice.[90] He was paired with professional skater Robin Johnstone, and the pair were the first couple to be eliminated after losing the skate-off to Lou Sanders and Brendyn Hatfield.[91] He subsequently began a relationship with fellow contestant, actress Claire Sweeney, however they split later in December of that year.[92][93]
In 2023 a documentary made by Dan Dewsbury, entitled Hatton, was released exclusively on Sky TV. It explored Hatton's career, focusing especially on his relationship with trainer Billy Graham. Well received by both audiences and critics, the programme was nominated in 2024 for the BAFTA in the Single Documentary category.[94]
Family
As of 2008, Hatton's mother, Carol, still worked on the carpet stall on Glossop Market in the Peak District. His father, Ray, was his manager,[95] and manages Hatton's brother and fellow boxer Matthew Hatton. Ricky Hatton and his girlfriend, Jennifer Dooley, lived in his house, the Heartbreak Hotel, named after his favourite artist, Elvis Presley, in Hyde.[96]
Hatton was estranged from his parents for several years due to a dispute about money. In his autobiography War and Peace: My Story, Hatton said that his father punched him in the face during a confrontation in a car park in 2012. The family feud was healed in 2019.[97]
Hatton had three children.[97] Hatton's son Campbell, born in 2001, was conceived after a short reconciliation with ex-girlfriend Claire. Hatton set up a trust fund to make sure his son was always provided for and saw him every day.[98][better source needed] He had two daughters with Dooley: Millie and Fearne.[97][99]
Campbell pursued a career in professional boxing. During his boxing career, Campbell was trained by Ricky's brother, Matthew.[100] However, during an interview in July 2025, Hatton confirmed his son's retirement from boxing.[101]
On 12 September 2010, the Sunday tabloid News of the World published a front-page story alleging Hatton had been a regular cocaine user with accompanying pictures showing the boxer apparently using the drug.[102][103] Hatton was said to be "devastated" following the story.[104]
Charity
In December 2013, Hatton became the patron of Manchester-based Christian charity Barnabus that offers support to homeless and vulnerable people through its drop-in centre.[105]
Fans
Hatton attracted many fans who were very vocal in their support during fights. The main chant was a modified version of the Christmas song "Winter Wonderland", with the lyrics changed to promote Hatton.[106]
Along with Floyd Mayweather, Hatton is referenced by the American rapper GZA on the track "Paper Plate" off of his fifth studio album, Pro Tools (2008).[107][108]
Hatton Promotions
Hatton operated his own boxing promotions company, Hatton Promotions, which managed a number of fighters including Anthony Upton, Sonny Upton, Paul Upton, Lucas Browne, Cameron Hammond, Damien Hooper, Zhanat Zhakiyanov, Adam Etches, Matty Askin, Scott Jenkins, Sergey Rabchenko and Ryan Burnett. On 11 February 2017, Zhakiyanov became the first fighter under Hatton Promotions, as well as trained by Hatton, to become world champion when he defeated Rau'shee Warren by split decision (SD) to win the WBA bantamweight title.[109]
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Training career
Hatton was a boxing manager and trainer. He was the trainer of Nathan Gorman who is the great nephew of the Welsh bare-knuckle boxer Bartley Gorman, Zhanat Zhakiyanov, and Irish champion Paul Upton.[110] Hatton was also the trainer of Tommy Fury, the younger brother of Tyson Fury, and was in the corner of Tyson for his fight against Deontay Wilder in 2018.[111] On 1 December 2023, Hatton guided Chloe Watson to a unanimous decision win over Justine Lallemand to claim the vacant European female flyweight title.[112]
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Death and funeral
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Hatton was last seen on 12 September 2025 and he failed to attend a scheduled event on 13 September. His body was discovered at his Gee Cross home on the morning of 14 September by his manager and keyholder, Paul Speak, who had intended to accompany him to Manchester Airport for his flight to a press conference in Dubai, regarding his planned December comeback fight.[113][114][115]
Hatton's funeral took place at midday on 10 October at Manchester Cathedral following a public procession through Greater Manchester. The route, which had been published in advance, drew large crowds and began in Hyde and passed through several landmarks that were significant to him during his lifetime. The procession was preceded by Hatton's cherished 'Trotters' Reliant Regal Van from Only Fools and Horses, which he owned and would often drive it around his hometown. Following the service, the cortège made a final stop at the Etihad Stadium, where Hatton had long supported Manchester City.[116]
At the opening of the inquest into Hatton's death at Stockport Coroner's Court on 16 October, senior coroner Alison Mutch said they are awaiting the final cause of death, but it was indicated as hanging.[117][118] The inquest was adjourned until 20 March 2026.[114]
Tributes
Manager and promoter Frank Warren and several former world champions, including Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua, Manny Pacquiao, Amir Khan and his idol Roberto Durán, paid tribute.[119][120][121] On 22 September, Tameside Council initiated a book of condolence at Hyde Town Hall. The Civic Mayor, Councillor Shibley Alam, was the first to sign the book the week prior. Once completed, it would be presented to Hatton's family.[122]
On the afternoon of 14 September, Manchester City and Manchester United observed a minute of appreciation before they played their Premier League game. With Hatton being a City supporter, Phil Foden dedicated their 3–0 win to him, saying that he had "extra motivation going into the game" and "the lads gave everything".[123]
On 27 September, prior to Manchester City's home game against Burnley, the club and fans again paid tribute to Hatton. A large banner depicting the boxer was unfurled by home supporters in the East Stand. The display, organised by fan group 1894, showed Hatton in the ring wearing City branded shorts next to the words "The People's Champion". There was also a banner on the third tier of the East Stand reading "There's only one Ricky Hatton". Members of Hatton's family, including son, Campbell, his two daughters and granddaughter, attended the game. A silhouette of Hatton was also shown on the big screens inside as City supporters sang "Blue Moon" ahead of kick-off.[124]
On 27 and 28 September, Oasis dedicated their 1994 song "Live Forever" to Hatton, at their concerts at Wembley Stadium. Richard Ashcroft, who was acting as one of the bands supporting acts, also dedicated "Bittersweet Symphony" to Hatton.[125]
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Professional boxing record
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Exhibition boxing record
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Titles in boxing
Major world titles
- WBA (Unified) light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
- IBF light-welterweight champion (140 lbs) (2x)
- WBA welterweight champion (147 lbs)
The Ring magazine titles
- The Ring light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
Minor world titles
- IBO light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
- WBU light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
Regional/International titles
- WBC International light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
- WBA Inter-Continental light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
- WBO Inter-Continental light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
- British light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
- Central Area light-welterweight champion (140 lbs)
Pay-per-view bouts
See also
References
External links
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