Ricky Hatton’s Struggles and Triumphs: From the Ring to the Hall of Fame
Ricky Hatton’s journey to the International Boxing Hall of Fame began in 2006, unaware that his name would one day be enshrined among the legends he admired as a child. Today, Hatton receives his Hall of Fame ring, solidifying his status as one of boxing’s elite.
“It goes up there alongside my belts,” Hatton reflects on the honour. “Becoming a world champion is wonderful, but to be inducted into the Hall of Fame means you’re not just a champion, you’re elite. I didn’t think of that when I first laced gloves at 10-years-old.”
At a young age, Hatton idolised boxing greats like Nigel Benn and Roberto Duran. Benn, yet to be inducted, remains a hero to Hatton. “Nigel Benn is my hero and always will be,” Hatton said. “Frank Bruno will always be my hero. It’s incredible to think about the fans I brought to Vegas. You’ve got to pinch yourself.”
Overcoming Adversity with Fan Support
This week, Hatton has posed for countless photos and signed numerous autographs, expressing gratitude to fans who stood by him through victories and defeats. “They were always there for me,” Hatton said. “Even during tough times, I received notes and messages of support. It felt like they were supporting a mate rather than just an English boxer.”
Hatton remains a fixture at Manchester City football matches, sitting among the fans and sharing drinks at the pub. His connection with supporters is a testament to his down-to-earth personality.
Battles Inside the Ring
Recalling his career, Hatton highlighted the grueling fight against Luis Collazo and expressed gratitude to the fans who supported him during his toughest bouts. “The fans dragged me through fights, like the Kostya Tszyu fight,” Hatton shared. “He quit on his stool, but I wasn’t far behind him. I looked through the ropes and saw the fans’ love. ‘Come on, Ricky. You’ve got him.’ It was that support that got me through.”
In his fight with Collazo, Hatton described the last round as particularly challenging. “He did everything but knock me down,” Hatton said. “I could see the fans’ love when I looked over his shoulder. I accept this award on behalf of the fans and everyone who helped me along the way.”
Life After Boxing
After struggling with retirement, Hatton returned to fight Vyachelsav Senchenko, which although resulted in a loss, provided the closure he needed. “I picked him because it was a tough fight,” Hatton explained. “If I couldn’t beat him, then retired is where I should stay. When I did get beat, it had the opposite effect. It helped me accept retirement better.”
Hatton’s post-boxing life has been marked by well-documented struggles with mental health, which he candidly refers to as “speed bumps.” However, he is now in a good place, celebrating his achievements with a televised exhibition against Marco Antonio Barrera, a supportive friend, and engaging in positive endeavours like a documentary and a TV appearance on Dancing on Ice.
“Anything positive, from where I was to where I am, people are saying, ‘Fair play to you, Rick’.”
